Key Takeaways
- Deleting your Twitter account starts with deactivation; the account gets permanently deleted after 30 days of inactivity.
- You can deactivate your account from your phone or computer with a few straightforward steps.
- Backing up your Twitter data is crucial before deletion.
- Adjusting privacy settings offers an alternative for users not ready to delete their accounts completely.
Have you been thinking about deactivating your Twitter(now X) account? It’s not a crime.
Social media can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it keeps you connected; on the other, it sometimes oversteps—sharing too much of your data or bombarding you with content that just doesn’t feel like your vibe. With over 420 million users (in early 2024), it’s unsurprising that some find X no longer aligns with their sense of privacy or personal values. Whether you’re done with data exposure or tired of the noise, deleting your account might feel like the right move.
This guide explains how to delete Twitter permanently, from backing up your tweets to cutting ties with the platform.
How to Delete Your Twitter Account (Now X) on Your Phone
Deleting your Twitter account takes a little patience. You can’t just hit delete, and it instantly disappears. You have to deactivate it first, and then Twitter keeps it in limbo for 30 days. The period gives you time to change your mind or fix accidental deactivations if you didn’t mean to delete Twitter.
Delete your Twitter account (now X) on your Phone
1. Launch the app and log in to the account you want to delete.
2. Tap your profile picture and navigate to Settings and Support > Settings and Privacy.
3. Go to Your Account > Deactivate Your Account.
4. Twitter will explain what deactivation means and its consequences.
5. Enter your password, tap Deactivate, and follow any additional prompts to confirm.
After this, your account will be in “deactivation mode.” Just leave it alone for 30 days, and Twitter will delete it for good. If you log back in during those 30 days, the countdown resets.
Delete Your Twitter Account (Now X) from a PC or Mac
If you’d rather delete your account on your computer, it’s just as easy, with a slightly different layout. Here’s how you do it:
1. Go to Twitter and log in to your account.
2. Click on More from the left-hand menu.
3. Then go to Settings and Privacy.
4. Under Your Account, select Deactivate Your Account.
5. Read the provided information about deactivation.
6. Click Deactivate and enter your password when prompted. Click Deactivate to confirm.
Avoid logging in for 30 days to complete the deletion process.
Your account will be in deactivation mode for 30 days before it disappears forever. If you log back in during that time, the clock resets.
How to Reactivate a Twitter Account
You can reactivate your account if you change your mind during the 30-day deactivation window. Reactivation works because Twitter doesn’t delete your data immediately. Instead, it keeps your profile and content on hold, waiting for you to return.
To reactivate:
Step 1: Log In as Normal
Use your existing username and password.
Step 2: Follow the Prompts
Twitter will ask if you want to reactivate. Confirm, and your account will be restored.
Step 3: Check Your Data
Once reactivated, verify that everything (tweets, followers, settings) is intact.
Remember: once the 30 days are up, your account and data will be gone for good.
Can I Permanently Delete My Twitter?
Yes, but not right away. Deactivation initiates the process, but a 30-day wait guarantees complete deletion. Account deletion means your username and profile will vanish from searches and timelines.
This means:
- Your profile, tweets, and data are no longer visible.
- Other users can no longer interact with your account.
- Your username becomes available for others to use.
However, cached versions of your tweets or interactions may linger online. If you’re serious about leaving, don’t log back in during the waiting period. Every login resets the timer, which can be frustrating if you’re trying to move on.
Important Note: Twitter doesn’t guarantee that your information will be removed from third-party services or search engine archives. To minimize your digital footprint, consider contacting services like Google to request the removal of cached data.
How to Back Up My Twitter Data
Before saying goodbye to Twitter, consider downloading your data. This includes tweets, DMs, media, and more—a digital diary of your time on the platform.
Here’s how to back it up:
- Go to Settings and Privacy on X.
- Under Your Account, select Download an Archive of Your Data.
- Enter your password and follow the verification process.
- Wait for X to prepare your data. You’ll receive a notification or email once it’s ready.
- Download your archive and store it safely.
Backing up ensures you won’t lose important memories, conversations, or content from your Twitter days.
How to Change Privacy Settings on Twitter (X)
If you’re not ready to delete your account but want better control over your online presence, tweaking your privacy settings can help. This is a good compromise for users who are unsure about leaving the platform altogether.
Steps to Change Privacy Settings
- Open Settings and Privacy from your profile menu.
- Go to Privacy and Safety.
- Turn Off Location Data: Disable location sharing for added privacy.
- Adjust settings under:
- Audience and Tagging: Make your account private or restrict who can tag you.
- Content You See: Filter sensitive content. Use the Blocked Accounts and Muted Accounts lists to filter your experience.
- Direct Messages: Control who can send you messages.
- Data Sharing: Limit data sharing with advertisers or third parties.
These tweaks can make your X experience safer and more tailored to your preferences.
Closing Thoughts
Taking control of your online presence is an important step in managing your digital life. Deleting your Twitter account, securing your data, or even updating privacy settings can help align your social media use with your personal goals. Remember to back up your data before you go, and if you’re still on the fence, consider adjusting your privacy settings.
