Social media can be useful, but it isn’t for everyone. For many users, X (formerly Twitter) no longer aligns with their privacy concerns, mental well-being, or online habits.
The recent reporting on data breaches on X has only increased the anxiety. In early 2025, a huge dataset appeared claiming to expose the metadata of nearly three billion accounts, both accounts that are active and inactive.
If you’ve decided it’s time to step away for good, deleting your account permanently is the cleanest option. However, X doesn’t make the process entirely obvious, and a few missteps can delay or even cancel the deletion.
This guide walks you through exactly how to delete your X account permanently today. We’ll also explain what happens to your data, and share important things to know before you deactivate.
How to delete an X account – Quick guide
In a rush? Here are the quick steps to deleting your Twitter (X) account permanently:
- Log in to your X account from its app (iPhone/Android) or your desktop computing device.
- Open the app, tap your profile picture.
- From the pop-up menu, select Settings and Support.
- Then select the menu Settings and Privacy.
- On the menu, scroll down to your account, then select Deactivate Account.
- Confirm your choice to deactivate (read the deactivation information before tapping the deactivation button).
- After entering your password and confirming, your account will then become deactivated. (After a period of thirty days of non-logging into the account, it will be deleted.)
Why you should delete your account on X permanently
People don’t always leave X for the same reasons; they leave for complex emotional, functional, and self-safety concerns. Some of these include:
- Too much noise: Important information gets lost and buried under innumerable threads, memes, and hot takes.
- Bots and spam: Fake accounts and scams make the platform experience annoying and tiresome.
- Addiction: Never-ending scrolling takes valuable time and mental capacity.
- Moving on: There is another platform that you like better.
- Privacy concerns: Worries about malicious links, hacks, and the misuse of personal information and data.
For some, the solution is not deletion, but rather restricting privacy settings or taking a break. However, for those who prefer a clean break, deletion is the most definite and sure way to do it.
Important tips before deleting your X account
Unlink “Sign in with X” apps
Many websites and apps let you log in using your X account. If you delete X, you’ll be locked out of those services.
- How to check: Go to Settings > Security and Account Access > Apps and Sessions > Connected Apps.
- What to do: Visit each connected service (like Medium, Discord, or news sites) and change your login method to an email and password before deactivating X.
Cancel X Premium/Verified
If you have an active X Premium (blue check) subscription, you cannot delete your account until you cancel it.
- How to cancel: Navigate to Settings > Premium > Manage Subscription and cancel.
- Important: Wait for confirmation that the subscription is canceled. The “Deactivate Account” button will be grayed out until this is done.
Download your archive
Once your account is deleted, your tweets, media, and DMs are gone forever. X allows you to download everything.
- Request your archive: Go to Settings > Your Account > Download an Archive of Your Data.
- Timeline: It may take 24-48 hours for X to prepare your archive. The download link will be emailed to you.
Save important media manually
X’s archive may not capture everything in perfect format (like threaded conversations or embedded media).
- Take screenshots of important tweets, DMs, or memories.
- Bookmark or save threads you want to reference later using tools like Pocket or Notion.
- Download videos and photos individually from your media library.
Remove saved payment methods
If you’ve ever purchased X Premium, promoted tweets, or made other transactions, remove your payment details.
- Navigate to Settings > Monetization > Payment Methods (or a similar option, as menus may change).
- Remove all cards/PayPal links to prevent accidental charges during the 30-day deactivation window.
How to back up your data before deleting Twitter (X)
Whether its post, photos, or interactions that you own, X saves everything you do across the platform, even if you’re choosing to walk offline. Ensuring that you keep this archive for future purposes will free up enough space on your device.
On mobile (iPhone/Android)
- Click on your profile icon at the top-left of the screen.
- Tap on ‘Settings and privacy’.
- Navigate to ‘Your account’ and click on the ‘Download an archive of your data section.’
- Type your password.
- Click on Send code, below the Verification section, and then on the next screen, click on the Request archive button.
On desktop (PC/Mac)
- Click on the More icon located on the left side of the screen in the control panel, and then on Settings and privacy.
- Under Your account, click on ‘Download an archive of your data.’
- Type your password in the field provided and then click on Send code.
- Input the code and click on Request archive.
You will receive an email containing a link to download the file once the file is ready.
How to delete your X account – Detailed guide
It’s quite a straightforward process when you make up your mind to delete your account from X. If you are doing it on your mobile device, the steps are the same for both Android and iOS.
The only thing you should take note of is that you cannot remove your X account instantly; you must wait and remain inactive for a period of 30 days.
It first enters a deactivation state throughout this period. While in that state, you must refrain from logging into your account for that period. Only then would your account be permanently erased.
Also, before you press the delete button, you should consider saving a copy of your X data, and this includes your tweets, your media, and your follower list.
How to delete your account on mobile devices
- Click on the profile photo menu and go to Settings & Support > Settings and Privacy.
- Click on Your account > Deactivate Account.
- Click Deactivate, read the deactivation information, and then proceed.
- Enter your password one more time and confirm deactivation.
With these steps done, the X account is deactivated on your phone, and will automatically delete itself in 30 days if there is no login.
How to delete your X account on your computer
For people using a desktop, the procedure is different, but still fundamentally the same. This works for either Windows or Mac.
- Open the desktop app and log in.
- Go to the More (three dots) menu and tap on Settings and privacy.
- Under Your account, select Deactivate your account.
- Click Deactivate after you’ve read the information.
- To finalize the process, please enter your password one last time.
Regarding the account deletion process, 30 days after deactivation, an account’s personal data is permanently removed. Just like on mobile, the account does not disappear immediately.
Consequences of deactivating or deleting X (Twitter)
One of the most common points of confusion is what happens after deactivation. Here’s what you should know.
Deactivation is temporary, while deletion is permanent. At the time of deactivation, your profile, tweets, and DMs are hidden, but they exist.
- The 30-day threshold: A 30-day threshold is imposed to avoid account logins, as X will delete your account and other related information.
- Username/email: Deletion permits users to reclaim the handle and email, while the rest of the accounts remain restricted.
- Users have the option to reactivate: If your account is suspended for inactivity during those 30 days, log in to the account and select the Yes, reactivate option.
In other words, deactivation is the same as the waiting room—you do not lose anything until the time is up.
Safeguarding yourself online
Deleting your X account doesn’t remove the lurking threats that lie beyond the account, such as phishing emails, malware concealed in links, shady websites, and much more.
This is why account deletion and maintaining safer browsing behaviors, and incorporating online security tools such as utilizing strong and unique passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and even getting a VPN service for more sophisticated online anonymity, is a smart tactic. (Read our dedicated guide on important tips to adopt privacy measures online on social media platforms.)
To look at it another way, while deleting X might make your life easier, you still have a lot more digital infrastructure that needs to be taken care of. (We have curated a list of the top VPN services to use with X in this article.)
Troubleshooting: Why can’t I delete my account?
If you are facing any issues while deleting your Twitter account, follow the tips below:
- Active X premium subscription: You need to first cancel your subscription.
- Account is locked/suspended: If you have caught doing inappropriate activities on X, the platform will suspend or lock your account. This will lead to being unable to delete your account permanently.
- Pending password reset: You must have full access to delete your account permanently.
- Browser/app glitches: Sometimes your app or browser show glitche. Try clearing cache, using incognito mode, or using a desktop browser.
Top X (Twitter) alternatives to consider
1. Mastodon
The leading decentralized alternative to X, Mastodon operates on open-source software with thousands of independent communities (called “instances”) rather than one central platform. You control your data, timeline, and moderation standards based on which community you join. It offers a familiar microblogging experience without algorithms, ads, or corporate surveillance.
2. Bluesky
Built on the AT Protocol (a decentralized social media framework), Bluesky offers an X-like experience with chronological feeds and robust community moderation tools. Currently invite-only but rapidly growing, it focuses on user control over algorithms and data portability. The interface will feel instantly familiar to former X users seeking a fresh start.
3. Threads (Meta)
Meta’s text-focused platform seamlessly integrates with Instagram, making the transition easy for existing users. It combines X’s conversational format with Instagram’s visual appeal and massive existing user base. While not decentralized, it offers strong content controls and is ad-free (as of 2026), positioning itself as a more positive public square alternative.
4. Cohost
A small but passionate community-focused platform that prioritizes art, creativity, and meaningful discussion over virality. With no algorithms, no ads, and a straightforward subscription model, Cohost offers a calm, curated space for creators and writers. Its minimalist design and thoughtful community guidelines make it ideal for users tired of social media noise.
FAQs
Deactivation is temporary. While your profile is hidden, the data is still kept. You have 30 days during which you can reactivate. If you exceed the 30 days, deletion starts, and your data is completely lost.
Locked accounts require that you first confirm your identity before you can deactivate. Suspended accounts require filing an appeal to X, and only then are you able to proceed with deletion.
No. There’s no way you can deactivate your account on X without your password. If you cannot remember it, reset it through the login page and retry the deletion process.
After you log in, locate and open
go to
Select
Once this is done, you just have to wait for 30 days without logging in. It will be permanently deleted.
Multiple logins to an account on different devices can all be reasons why an account deletion fails. You may have been locked out of an account, or there might have been a suspension on that account. Technical glitches could also be other reasons. So remember that if you try to log into the account again, be sure to clear the browser, log out on all devices, and/or reset the password.
