Messaging Friends on Xbox Live Without Gold: Current Rules by Console

As of the April 2021 update, Xbox Live Gold is no longer required for free-to-play multiplayer or party chat / messaging on Xbox One / Series X|S.

On Xbox 360 (Legacy)

• Gold Required for: Party Chat, Game Messaging, Multiplayer.
• Silver (Free) Allows: Text messages via Xbox.com or Xbox App (iOS/Android/Windows 10/11) only. Cannot send messages from the 360 console dashboard itself without Gold.

On Xbox One / Series X|S / PC / Mobile App

• No Gold needed for: Party Chat, Text/Voice Messages, Looking for Group, Free-to-Play games (Fortnite, Apex, Warzone, etc.).
• Gold / Game Pass Ultimate still required for paid multiplayer titles (CoD, Battlefield, etc.).

Use the Xbox Game Bar (Win+G) or Xbox Mobile App to message 360 friends from a free account today.