NEWS
Is Omegle Back in 2026?
Updated December 2026 • 5 min read
Quick Answer: No
Omegle is permanently shut down since November 8, 2023. It has not returned and there are no plans for it to come back. Sites claiming to be "new Omegle" are unaffiliated copycats.
If you've searched "Is Omegle back?" hoping to use the popular random chat site, we have disappointing news. Here's everything you need to know about Omegle's status and what to use instead.
The Official Status
Omegle.com is still online but only displays the shutdown message from founder Leif K-Brooks. The video chat service itself is completely offline and has been since November 2023.
Omegle Timeline
Omegle launches
Created by 18-year-old Leif K-Brooks as a text-only chat
Video chat added
Omegle introduces video chat feature, exploding in popularity
Peak popularity
Millions of daily users, becomes cultural phenomenon
Legal troubles begin
Multiple lawsuits filed regarding child safety issues
Omegle shuts down
Leif announces permanent closure citing unsustainable costs and emotional toll
Still offline
Despite rumors, Omegle remains permanently closed
Beware of Fake "Omegle" Sites
Since the shutdown, many sites have popped up claiming to be "new Omegle" or "Omegle 2.0". These are NOT affiliated with the original:
Safety Warning
Sites claiming to be "Omegle" may have poor moderation, collect your data, or contain malware. Stick to established, reputable alternatives.
Why Omegle Won't Return
Leif K-Brooks explained in his shutdown letter:
- • Legal costs from lawsuits became unsustainable
- • Child safety issues led to criminal liability concerns
- • The emotional toll of running the platform for 14 years
- • Couldn't find a sustainable way to moderate effectively
- • Attacks on the platform felt like attacks on the internet itself
What to Use Instead
The good news: better alternatives exist. Random Video Chat offers the same core experience with modern safety features:
Random Video Chat Features
- Random video matching (like Omegle)
- MatchBlur safety (video blurred until consent)
- AI moderation for safety
- No registration required
- 100% free
- Actually online and working
Missing Omegle?
Try Random Video Chat - the same concept with better safety features.
Start Video Chat NowFrequently Asked Questions
Is Omegle back online in 2026?
No. Omegle shut down permanently on November 8, 2023 and has not returned. The official domain omegle.com still shows the shutdown message. Any site claiming to be "new Omegle" is not affiliated with the original.
Will Omegle ever come back?
Unlikely. Founder Leif K-Brooks stated the shutdown was permanent due to unsustainable legal costs and emotional burden. There are no announced plans to relaunch.
What about sites claiming to be Omegle?
These are unaffiliated copycats or scams. They're not run by Omegle's creators and often have poor safety measures. Use established alternatives like Random Video Chat instead.
Why did Omegle shut down?
Multiple lawsuits regarding child safety, mounting legal costs, and the emotional toll on the founder. Leif K-Brooks said the platform became too difficult to moderate safely.
What's the best Omegle replacement?
Random Video Chat offers the same random video chat concept with better safety features like MatchBlur technology, AI moderation, and no registration required.
