Video Chat Safety: Eight Habits Worth Having Before You Start

Mostly, if you use common sense, and no, not automatically. Anything that connects you with strangers carries some risk, whatever its marketing says. What changes the odds is how easy it is to leave, how clear the rules are and what you choose to share.

That is why PinkChat has Next, report and block on the call screen, and why we publish our community guidelines in plain language. If you came here after reading a review, our post on whether a pink video chat is safe goes through the questions in more detail.

1. Keep personal details private. Surname, address, school, workplace and your daily routine stay with you.
2. Check your background. Letters, framed photos and window views can reveal more than you expect.
3. Do not click links a stranger sends, and do not install anything they suggest.
4. Never send money, gift cards or codes, whatever the story. A person you met ten minutes ago does not need them.
5. Be wary of fast moves. Pressure to switch apps, share a phone number or "verify" yourself is a reason to leave.
6. Trust the uneasy feeling. You never owe anyone an explanation. Tap Next.
7. Assume anything you show can be saved. Anyone can screenshot or record their screen.
8. Report what breaks the rules. It helps the next person too.

One rule covers most of these: if a conversation turns into a request, it has stopped being a conversation.

Calls are private rooms for two, so nobody else can see or join. Next is always available. You can report and block. The rules are written down in the community guidelines and apply to everybody. For a walk-through of the call screen, see how it works.

We cannot see your call as it happens, and no service can promise that every person you meet will behave. That is why the habits above matter as much as any button.

PinkChat is meant for adults. If you are a parent and you think a young person is using it, talk with them about what they are doing online, use your device's own parental controls and write to us at the address on the contact page. We will review any report that involves a minor.