X: you either love it or hate it (like the name change). While it’s easy and even fun to get swept up in its never-ending stream of content, sometimes you just want to unplug. If you find yourself doomscrolling and decide enough is enough, it might be time to take a break.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about how to delete your account on X (or Twitter if you’re nostalgic).
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How To Delete an X Account
Deleting and deactivating your X account is part of the same process. You must deactivate it before you can delete it permanently. Once deactivated, X stores your account on its servers for 30 days. If you don’t access or reactivate it within 30 days, X will remove your account and all its content.
Deactivation is the first step in deleting your account, and it initiates a window that gives you room to rethink your choices. After the window closes, you can’t reactivate or access your profile through the website or mobile app.
Desktop
Step 1: Find the More option on the left-hand panel of your homepage.
Step 2: Select Settings and Privacy.
Step 3: Go to Your Account and find the Deactivate Your Account option on the right-hand panel.
Step 4: Read the terms and conditions and select Deactivate.
Step 5: X will ask for your password to confirm the deactivation.
iOS
Step 1: Tap on your profile icon at the left-hand panel on your screen.
Step 2: Select Settings and Privacy
Step 3: Tap on Your Account
Step 4: You’ll find the Deactivate Your Account option at the bottom of the page.
Step 5: Scroll down the terms and conditions to find the Deactivate button.
Android
Step 1: Open the sidebar by tapping the profile icon on the top left corner of your homepage.
Step 2: Select Settings and Privacy.
Step 3: Go to the Your Account menu.
Step 4: Scroll down to find the Deactivate Account option.
Step 5: Scroll down and select Deactivate.
Step 6: Confirm your password to deactivate your account.
FAQs
How do I permanently delete my X account?
To permanently delete your account, you must first deactivate it. X requires a 30-day waiting period after deactivation before permanently removing your account and data from its servers.
During this period, if you don’t attempt to reactivate your account, X will proceed with the permanent deletion process automatically.
Does deactivating X/Twitter also delete my direct messages?
No. Your direct messages or DMs remain safe and intact on X servers during the 30-day deactivation period. Once it’s over, X will delete your account, along with its inbox and messages.
What happens when I delete my X/Twitter account?
Once you go through with deactivation and wait for 30 days, X deletes your account permanently. Here are a few things to keep in mind after account deletion:
- Mentions of your handle in others’ tweets will still exist. However, they will no longer link to your profile.
- Your profile and the latest tweets may show up on Google for a while as cached results. If this happens, the link will lead to a message: “That page doesn’t exist!” You can request Google to refresh their index otherwise.
- If you want to download your content from X, you’ll have to request it before deactivation.
- X might retain some of your information for security reasons even after you deactivate your profile.
You can resolve some issues that might tempt you to quit X without deleting your account. Check out these tips for managing common issues before taking that step:
- Help with missing Tweets
- Common following issues
- What to do about suspicious direct messages and compromised accounts
You may also want to refer to troubleshooting blogs or seek help from X support.
Why does my X/Twitter account keep getting reactivated?
If you’ve used your X account in third-party apps, your profile automatically reactivates every time you log in to the external app. To stop reactivations, you can revoke the third-party app’s access permissions to your X account.
How can I deactivate my X/Twitter account if I’ve forgotten the password?
X only allows the confirmed account holder to deactivate a profile. You can reset your password by confirming your verified email address or mobile number.
If you don’t have access to either, fill out this account access form and email X support.
Can I delete a X/Twitter account I can’t access?
X allows you to deactivate a deceased or incapacitated person’s profile. After you submit the form, they request some information to prevent false or unauthorized deactivations:
- Deceased User: They’ll email you instructions to provide details about the deceased and a copy of your ID and the death certificate.
- Incapacitated User: You must provide them with the user’s details, your ID, the user’s ID and a copy of a power of attorney authorizing you to act on the account holder’s behalf.
The information you provide remains confidential, and X deletes it after review. You should also note that X will only let you deactivate the account and not grant access.
How do I deactivate my locked or suspended X/Twitter account?
You can request X to deactivate your locked or suspended profile. It also lets you appeal a locked or suspended account.
Wrapping It Up
Congratulations! Now you know how to delete a Twitter account.
Removing your X account can be a big step towards achieving balance in your daily routine. Go ahead and explore new opportunities, and most importantly, enjoy the freedom that comes with saying goodbye to X.
How do you think quitting X can benefit you? Do you have any other related questions that we can help with? Comment below and let us know. Happy Tweeting (or, in this case, maybe not!)