How to deactivate your account

Taking a break from X? We get it. Sometimes it’s good to take a step back from everything that’s going on. Or if you’re looking for a permanent break, we can help you too. Follow our step-by-step instructions on how to deactivate—or delete—your X account.

Note: If you are having an account issue (e.g. missing postsincorrect follower or following countssuspicious Direct Messages or potential account compromise), deactivating and reactivating your account will not resolve it. Please refer to our troubleshooting articles or contact X Support.

 

Deactivating vs deleting your X account

Deactivating your X account is the first step to deleting your account permanently. Deactivation lasts 30 days. If you do not access your account within the 30-day deactivation period, your account is deleted and your username will no longer be associated with your account.
 

 

Deactivating your X account

Deactivation begins the process to permanently delete your X account. This step initiates a 30-day window that gives you space to decide if you’d like to reactivate your account.

Deactivating your X account means your username (or “handle”) and public profile will not be viewable on x.com, X for iOS or X for Android. 
 

 

Deleting your X account

After your 30-day deactivation window, your X account is permanently deleted. When you don’t log into your account during the 30-day window, it lets us know you want to permanently delete your X account. Once your account is deleted, your account is no longer available in our systems. You won’t be able to reactivate your previous account and you won’t have access to any old posts.

Once your account is deleted after the 30-day deactivation window, your username will be available for registration by other X accounts.

 

Top things to know before deactivating your account

Here are a few things to keep in mind if you’ve decided to deactivate or delete your X account:

  • Deleting your X account won’t delete your information from search engines like Google or Bing because X doesn’t control those sites. There are steps you can take if you contact the search engine.
  • When you deactivate your X account, mentions of your account’s username in other’s posts will still exist. However it will no longer link to your profile as your profile will no longer be available. If you would like the content to be reviewed under the X Rules, you may file a ticket here.
  • You don’t have to delete your account to change the username or email associated with your X account. Go to Account information to update that anytime.
  • Logging into your account within the 30-day deactivation window easily restores your account.
  • If you want to download your X data, you’ll need to request it before you deactivate your account. Deactivating your account does not remove data from X systems.
  • X may retain some information on your deactivated account to ensure the safety and security of its platform and people using X. More information can be found here.
     

If you’re having trouble managing your X account, check out these tips for managing common issues before choosing to delete your X account.

 
How to deactivate your account
Step 1

Tap the navigation menu icon , then tap Settings and privacy.

Step 2
Step 3

Read the account deactivation information, then tap Deactivate.  

Step 4

Enter your password when prompted and tap Deactivate.

Step 5

Confirm that you want to proceed by tapping Yes, deactivate.

Step 1

In the top menu, you will either see a navigation menu icon  or your profile icon. Tap whichever icon you have, then tap Settings and privacy.

Step 2
Step 3

Read the account deactivation information, then tap Deactivate.  

Step 4

Enter your password when prompted and tap Deactivate.

Step 5

Confirm that you want to proceed by tapping Yes, deactivate.

Step 1

Click on the More icon  and then click on Settings and privacy from the drop-down menu.

Step 2

From the Your account tab, click on Deactivate your account.

Step 3

Read the account deactivation information, then click Deactivate

Step 4

Enter your password when prompted and confirm that you want to proceed by clicking the Deactivate account button.


If you find you miss X and it’s been less than 30 days, simply log in and follow these steps to reactivate your account.
 

 

Subscriptions and account deactivation 

Deactivating your X account does not automatically cancel a X subscription. If you have any active paid subscriptions (e.g., X Premium, Super Follows) purchased through the X app, they will remain active. You can manage these subscriptions through the platform where you originally subscribed. Subscriptions purchased on X.com will automatically cancel after you deactivate your account.

How to cancel a X Premium subscription

How to cancel a Super Follows subscription

 

Deactivation FAQs

Does deactivating X also delete my direct messages?

During the 30-day deactivation period, your direct messages won’t be deleted. When the deactivation period ends and your account is deleted, direct messages you’ve sent will also be deleted.

I deactivated my account, but why does it keep getting reactivated?

If you authorized any third-party apps to access your account, you may be indirectly logging in from another app. Because logging into X automatically reactivates your account, make sure to revoke third-party app access to your X account.

What if I don’t have my password when I try to deactivate?

If you don’t have it handy, or you’re receiving a message that it’s wrong, you may need to reset your password. Try requesting a password reset email.

I requested a password reset email, but what if I lose access to my email address that I used to set up my account?

If you lose access to your email address that is connected to your X account, you will need to contact your email service provider. Get help with access to your email address. Deactivation is an action that must be taken by the confirmed account holder or by request of a confirmed account holder. Unless you can contact us from the confirmed email address (or have access to the verified mobile number on the account), we cannot deactivate the account on your behalf. If you do have access to the verified mobile number on your account, then you can request a password reset.

How do I deactivate my locked or suspended account?

To deactivate your suspended or locked account, please submit a request here. Requests can also be addressed to the contacts listed under the “How To Contact Us” section of our Privacy Policy.

You can also get help unlocking your account. Get more information on managing your locked or suspended account, including filing an appeal.

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