Why We Built HandleMe — and Why We Rebuilt It
HandleMe began as an anonymous advice app that stored nothing at all. In October 2026 we turned it into a free one-on-one random chat. Here is what changed, and exactly what we keep now.
Update, October 2026: the first version of this post described HandleMe as a "zero-database" advice app with Seeker and Listener roles. That is no longer how HandleMe works, so we rewrote this post rather than leave promises on the page that aren't true anymore.
Where we started
The original HandleMe paired a Seeker who needed advice with a Listener who had some experience, using WebRTC so the conversation went straight between two browsers. Nothing was stored. It was private — but every conversation ended the moment one of you closed the tab, and there was no way to find a good person again.
What people asked for
When we looked at how people use random-chat sites, the same wishes kept coming up: get matched with someone who likes the same things, keep talking to people you click with, block and report with one tap, never get unwanted photos, and don't pay for basic filters. Advice is one reason people talk to strangers, but most just want a good conversation.
What HandleMe is now
- 1-1 Chat and 1-1 Call: random text chats and voice calls, matched by shared interests first. Video starts only when both people accept.
- Friends and messages: add people you like, message them later, call them directly.
- Safety by default: links and contact details from strangers are hidden, photos are off unless you allow them (and blurred until you tap), and reporting includes proof the other person can't fake.
- Free: everything, including filters. Ads pay for it.
What we store now — honestly
Keeping friends and messages means storing some things. Here is the full list:
| Data | Kept for |
|---|---|
| Random chats, calls and video | Not stored by us — peer-to-peer |
| Nickname, profile, messages | 3 days after you leave (or while you visit a password-protected name every 7 days) |
| Photos and voice notes in messages | 3 days |
| Reports | 30 days |
| Email or phone number | Never asked for |
You can delete everything instantly from Me → Delete my data now. The details are in our privacy policy.
What didn't change
No email, no phone number, no device fingerprinting, no selling data. Random conversations still go directly between you and the other person. And it's still just a nickname away.