After last week’s contentious U.S. elections, the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) has seen a significant user exodus. On Nov. 6, approximately 115,000 U.S. users deactivated their accounts, per Similarweb data.
Notable public figures and even media outlets like The Guardian have left the platform, citing a shift in priorities. The recent changes to X’s block feature may also be a factor in users leaving.
Bluesky, a newer social network, appears to be a popular alternative, with over a million sign-ups since Nov. 5.
If you’re considering deleting your X account, we’ll guide you through your options, including reactivation if you change your mind.
How to delete your X account on iPhone or Android:
- Log in and tap your profile icon.
- Go to Settings and privacy > Your account > Deactivate your account.
- Enter your password and confirm deactivation.
Your account can be reactivated within 30 days by logging back in, but if you don’t, it will be permanently deleted after that period.
Deleting your X account on a computer:
- Log in and go to More > Settings and privacy.
- Click Deactivate your account.
- Enter your password and confirm.
Remember to revoke third-party app access to prevent accidental reactivation.
To do this, go to Settings and privacy > Security and account access > Connected apps, and revoke permissions individually.
Reactivating your X account: If you change your mind within 30 days, log in to reactivate your account. Note that it may take time for your posts and followers to fully restore.
How to protect your X posts so only followers can see them:
- Log in, go to Settings and privacy > Privacy and safety > Audience and tagging.
- Enable Protect your posts.
Once protected, only approved followers can view and interact with your posts. To make posts public again, simply disable this setting.
These steps make it easy to manage your X account, whether you choose to deactivate, delete, or secure it.
