Thinking about leaving X (formerly Twitter) for good? You’re not alone. Sometimes, a digital refresh is exactly what you need. Permanently deleting your account is a big step, but it can also be a liberating one, offering a break from the constant stream of information and a chance to reclaim some online privacy. The process is straightforward, but it’s important to know what you’re getting into before you click that final button.
What Happens When You Delete Your X Account
Before you proceed, it’s helpful to know the consequences. Once your account is deactivated and permanently deleted, your profile, tweets, retweets, likes, and followers will all vanish from the public eye. This action is irreversible. According to X’s policy, after a 30-day deactivation period, your account and all its data are scheduled for permanent removal. You also will not be able to use your current username to register a new account on the platform.
A Simple Guide to Permanent Deletion
Ready to move forward? Here’s how to do it. First, log in to the X account you wish to delete on the web version (this typically can’t be done from the mobile app). Click on the ‘More’ option in the left-hand menu, then select ‘Settings and privacy’. From there, go to ‘Your account’ and choose ‘Deactivate your account’. You’ll be asked to re-enter your password for security.
X will then show you a final overview of what deactivation means. Read this carefully! Once you confirm, your account will enter the 30-day deactivation period. If you do not log back in during those 30 days, your account and data will be permanently deleted.
Important Considerations Before You Go
Take a moment to think about a few key things. If you use X to log in to any other websites or apps, you’ll need to update your login method on those services first. Also, if there are any tweets or direct messages you want to keep, be sure to download your X data archive before you begin the deactivation process. You can find this option in the ‘Settings and privacy’ under ‘Your account’. This gives you a personal copy of your X history.
Taking control of your digital footprint is a personal choice. By following these steps, you can confidently and permanently delete your X account, knowing you’ve made an informed decision for your online life.
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