Elon Musk’s acquisition of X back in 2022 was surrounded by a lot of scepticism and controversy, with critics questioning his vision for the platform and users concerned about the changes that would follow. This turbulent transition led to the company cutting jobs and experiencing significant financial losses during its initial months under Musk’s leadership. However, over time, X managed to stabilize, streamline operations and refocus its goals to recover from the chaos.
Now, the platform faces a new issue: mass exodus from X following the 2024 US presidential election. Many users are now reconsidering their relationship with the platform. Whether prompted by a search for options, a desire to protect personal data or dissatisfaction with recent changes, deleting an X account requires more than a quick log-off. This guide outlines the steps to delete your account permanently, archive your data, and opt out of data-mining practices like Grok AI.
Why users are leaving X
After Elon Musk acquired Twitter, he rebranded it as X. Elon Musk eventually became a staunch and frontline supporter of the incoming President of the United States, Donald Trump. After the 2024 election, over 115,000 US users deactivated their accounts, with notable public figures and media outlets joining the departure. This wave is part of a broader migration to alternative platforms like Bluesky and Threads. Even before Musk’s takeover, users had been reevaluating their social media habits. Whether for privacy, mental health, or dissatisfaction with platform policies, the reasons to leave X are numerous.
Preparing to delete your X account
Unlike other platforms, X has a 30-day deactivation window before an account is permanently deleted. During this period, any activity from linked third-party services could inadvertently reactivate the account. To ensure a smooth transition, preparation is key.
Step 1: Deactivate third-party services
Linked apps and services can unintentionally keep your account active. Here’s how to unlink them:
- Log in: Open X on your desktop browser or mobile app.
- Access settings: Navigate to Settings and Privacy via the profile menu or the “More” option.
- Manage apps: Under Security and Account Access, select Apps and Sessions, then Connected Apps.
- Unlink services: Remove all third-party apps from the list.
By unlinking these services, you can prevent accidental reactivation during the 30-day period.
Step 2: Archive your X data
Before deleting your account, consider downloading an archive of your data. This archive includes tweets, likes, direct messages, and media files you’ve shared. Here’s how to request it:
- Log in: Open X on a desktop or mobile browser.
- Navigate settings: Go to Settings and Privacy under the profile menu.
- Request archive: Select Your Account > Download an Archive of Your Data.
- Confirm request: Enter your password and click Request Archive.
It may take up to 24 hours to receive the archive. When ready, a notification and email will provide a download link. Inside the downloaded ZIP file, you’ll find an HTML file summarizing your activity and a folder containing your media. Back up these files to a secure location if needed.
Step 3: Fully delete your X account
Deleting your account differs slightly between desktop and mobile.
On the web
- Log in to X.com.
- Go to Settings and Privacy and select Your Account.
- Click Deactivate your account and review the 30-day deactivation notice.
- Confirm by entering your password and clicking Deactivate account one last time.
On the mobile app
- Open the X app and tap your profile icon.
- Navigate to Settings and Privacy, then Your Account.
- Tap Deactivate your account and review the deactivation notice.
- Confirm by entering your password and tapping Deactivate account.
Once deactivated, avoid logging in or allowing third-party apps to access your account during the 30-day window.
FAQ: Common questions about deleting your X account
Can you return to X after deleting your account?
After the 30-day deactivation period, your account is permanently deleted. If you wish to return, you’ll need to create a new account from scratch.
What happens to your username?
Once your account is deleted, your username becomes available for others to claim. If you want to reuse the same handle, you’ll need to act quickly before someone else takes it.
Can you protect your account instead of deleting it?
Yes. You can set your account to Protected in the Audience and Tagging section of Settings and Privacy. This restricts access to your tweets but does not remove your data from X’s servers.
Final Thoughts
Deleting your X account is a multi-step process requiring careful planning to protect and preserve your data. By deactivating third-party services, archiving your data, and understanding the platform’s policies, you can leave X behind while maintaining control over your digital footprint. Whether you’re joining the migration to alternative platforms or stepping back from social media entirely, these steps empower you to make a clean break.
The exodus from X isn’t just about dissatisfaction with technical features or changes under Elon Musk’s leadership. For many, it reflects deeper concerns about the platform’s culture, governance, and its perceived alignment with certain biases. Political polarization, amplified during the 2024 US presidential election, has driven some users to seek platforms they feel better represent their values. These biases often influence not just the content users see but also the interactions they experience, prompting dissatisfaction or alienation.
Moreover, privacy concerns have taken center stage as users grow increasingly aware of how their data is used, such as in the training of Grok AI. Transparency and control over personal data are priorities for many departing users, especially as data ethics become a more prominent issue across the digital landscape.
