PATSNo LINE? 5 ways to keep in touch with classmates and family
Short answer: without LINE, the closest experience is a no-install web messenger such as PATS. Sign in from a browser to chat, create groups, share photos and make video calls, with no phone number. For occasional contact, text messages or email also work.
People skip LINE for many reasons: their phone cannot install apps, parents do not allow chat apps yet, they have no phone number of their own, or storage is full. Here are 5 common options compared.
1. Text messages and phone calls
Works on almost every phone, but needs a phone number, is awkward for photos and hard for group discussion.
2. Email
Anyone with an inbox can use it, and it is good for files and formal notices, but replies are slow and it is not made for live chat.
3. Social media direct messages
Instagram or Facebook can send DMs, but usually need an app, have age limits and come with feeds and ads.
4. School learning platforms
Some have comments or messages for homework and announcements, but rarely live chat, photos or video.
5. A no-install web messenger: PATS
PATS works in the browser with no app and no phone number, making it the closest alternative to LINE.
- Private and group chats with message search and archiving
- Send photos straight from your camera and download received ones
- One-to-one voice and video calls
- Sign in from phones, tablets or school computers
- Anyone can sign up: family, friends and classmates
All 5 options compared
| Option | Phone number | Live chat | Photos | Groups | Video calls |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Text and phone | Required | Yes | Awkward | Hard | Depends on phone |
| Not needed | No | Yes | Yes (group email) | No | |
| Social media DMs | Usually | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| School platform | Not needed | Mostly no | Depends | Depends | Mostly no |
| PATS web messenger | Not needed | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Tips for inviting friends to PATS
- Send the address vincent1021210.github.io and ask friends to sign up with Google.
- Use “Add to Home Screen” in your phone browser to open it like an app.
- Sign out after using a school or shared computer.
- Download important photos; chat photos expire after 20 days.
Read next: Get started with PATS in 3 minutes, PATS FAQ