Random text chat without a camera: how to start on Spark
Try a U.S.-focused conversation without enabling video or a microphone. Learn how guest text chat works, what is free, and how to leave or keep a mutual friend.
Reviewed · By Spark Cam Chat
Not ready for video? Choose Text first
On Spark’s homepage, choose Text in the chat preferences before you press Start. Text mode does not request camera or microphone access. This is a useful first step if you are in a shared space, your camera is unavailable, or you simply prefer a written hello.
Spark is an early-beta service for adults 18 and older in the U.S., open to romance or a relationship. It is not a children’s chat room, crisis service or anonymous professional advice service.
Four steps to a text conversation
Choose Text. Set your preferences—U.S.-wide and regional matching are free, and your own location is optional. Read the rules and confirm you are at least 18. Then press Start text chat.
A guest profile is created for your browser. When another compatible person is available, the message box becomes active. Until then, there is nobody to receive your message. Both people need to be online and looking for a match; there is no promised waiting time.
A friendly opener can be simple: “What made you smile today?” or “What is something you are looking forward to?” Keep personal details, contact information and financial requests out of a first conversation.
A nickname is not a guarantee of anonymity
You may choose a nickname and keep your location private, but anything you type can be copied by the other person. Do not share your address, employer, passwords, financial information or identifying documents. Messages are available for up to seven days; that does not prevent a recipient from keeping their own copy.
Use End to leave, Next to look for someone else, or Report / block when needed. Reports are reviewed through an operator queue, not live moderation. Nudity, sexual content, harassment and pressure are prohibited.
Free random chat is different from private messaging
Random text chat and saving accepted mutual friends are free. Spark Plus is $1.99 per month, renewing until canceled, for state and gender filters, sending private messages to saved friends, and starting friend video calls. Reading received private messages and answering friend calls remain free.
Create a Spark account if you want to return to saved friends from another browser or device. A guest profile relies on its original browser session. Neither account creation nor Plus guarantees that another person will be online or reply.