How to Delete an X (Formerly Twitter) Account Permanently

This article explains how to permanently remove your X (formerly Twitter) account from the platform using the deactivation process. It also explains how to hide your posts during deactivation.

How to Deactivate and Delete an X Account

The only way to delete an X account is to leave it deactivated for 30 days. At that point, the platform will fully remove the account from its system. Once removed, all of your posts will leave the servers permanently. You can hide your feed prior to taking the steps to deactivate the account.

Start the process of deleting your account by signing in, and then follow these steps:

1. Select More in the list on the left side of your profile.

2. In the menu that appears, select Settings and Privacy.

3. Go to Your Account (Account, in the mobile app) > Deactivate your account.  

4. To proceed, select Deactivate.

5. Confirm your password and select Deactivate.

Now, do not enter the account for 30 days. At that point, the platform will permanently delete your account. Other people will be able to use your handle but anything you shared previously will not be shown on any new account.

Fast Security: Hide Your Feed by Going Private

To remove your posts from prying eyes without deactivating the account at all, you can make your account private. You can still deactivate the account at any point after hiding your feed, however.

When you make your account private, the only people who can read your posts are your followers. No one else can access any of your information, even if they use Google or another third-party search engine. Taking this step is the quickest way to remove your profile from the public eye.

1. Select More in the menu.

2. Select Settings and Privacy.

3. Select Your Account.

4. Select Account information and enter your password.

5. Select Protected Tweets.

6. Check the box next to Protect my Tweets to go private.

In the mobile app, go to Menu > Settings and Privacy > Privacy and Safety > turn on Protect Your Tweets.

Deactivating vs. Deleting

It is important to distinguish between a deactivated account and a deleted account. In many ways, they are the same: All references to the account will leave within the first few days of deactivation. Other users will be unable to follow the account or search for the account, including searches for historical posts made by the account.

You (and anyone else) will also be restricted from using the deactivated account's username or signing up for a new account using the deactivated account's email address.

A deactivated account can be reactivated, which will bring back all of its contents, but only within 30 days.

The only way to delete an account is to leave it deactivated for 30 days. Once the account is deleted, all content leaves the servers permanently. Anyone can use the username for the account, and you can use the same email address to sign up for a new one.

How to Reactivate Your Account

If you log in to the account within 30 days, everything will look normal, as if you never left. You will then receive an email letting you know your account is active again.

Remember that you won't receive a prompt asking whether you want your account to be reactivated. It happens seamlessly when you log back in, so if you want your account deleted permanently, you will need to stay away for at least 30 days.