The Ultimate 5-Step Checklist To Permanently Delete Your X (Twitter) Account In 2025

Leaving X (formerly Twitter) is a decision many users are making in 2025, but the process to permanently delete your account is a two-stage process that requires careful attention to detail. Since the platform's rebrand to X, the steps remain largely the same, focusing on an initial deactivation period before final, irreversible removal. This guide provides the most current, step-by-step checklist to ensure your account, tweets, and personal data are permanently erased from the social media landscape.

As of December 2025, the key to permanent deletion is the mandatory 30-day deactivation period. If you do not log in to your account during this grace period, X will automatically proceed with the permanent deletion of your profile, handle, and all associated data. Failing to take the necessary pre-deletion steps, however, can leave your data exposed or your username unavailable for future use.

Elon Musk’s X: A Brief Context and The Deletion Entity

The platform formerly known as Twitter underwent a major rebrand to X under the ownership of tech mogul Elon Musk. This shift was part of Musk's vision to transform the microblogging site into an "everything app." While the name and blue bird logo have changed, the core mechanism for account removal, known as the "deactivation-deletion" process, has remained consistent.

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Understanding the difference between deactivation and permanent deletion is crucial. When you initiate the process, you are merely deactivating your account. Your public profile is removed immediately, but your data is held in a secure state for 30 days. This 30-day deactivation period is the final gate before permanent deletion.

• Platform Owner: Elon Musk
• Previous Name: Twitter
• Current Name: X
• Deletion Mechanism: Deactivation (30 days) followed by Permanent Deletion
• Key Entity: The 30-Day Grace Period

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Deactivate Your X Account (The First 30 Days)

The first and most critical step in the permanent deletion process is initiating the deactivation. The steps are slightly different depending on whether you use the X mobile app or a desktop web browser.

On Desktop Browser (PC/Mac)

1. Log In: Go to the X website (x.com) and log in to the account you wish to delete.
2. Navigate to Settings: Click the "More" option (represented by three dots) in the left-hand navigation menu.
3. Select Settings and Support: From the pop-up menu, choose "Settings and Support," then click "Settings and privacy."
4. Find Deactivate: Under the "Your account" section, select "Deactivate your account."
5. Confirm Deactivation: X will display a warning page explaining what happens during the 30-day deactivation period. Read the information, then click the "Deactivate" button at the bottom.
6. Final Password Confirmation: Enter your password to confirm the deactivation. Your public profile will be immediately removed.

On Mobile App (iOS/Android)

1. Tap Profile Icon: Open the X app and tap your profile icon in the top-left corner.
2. Access Settings: Select "Settings and Support," then tap "Settings and privacy."
3. Find Account Settings: Tap "Your account."
4. Initiate Deactivation: Select "Deactivate account" from the menu.
5. Confirm and Enter Password: Review the deactivation details, tap "Deactivate," and enter your password to finalize the request.

The Essential Pre-Deletion Checklist: What to Do BEFORE Deactivation

While the deactivation process is simple, there are three crucial steps you must take *before* clicking the "Deactivate" button. These steps ensure you retain a copy of your data, protect your privacy, and secure your desired username (handle) for the future. These entities are vital for a clean and secure exit.

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1. Download Your X Data Archive (Data Retention)

Once your account is permanently deleted, all your tweets, direct messages, media, and other data will be gone forever. Before deactivation, you should request a copy of your X data archive (or 'Twitter Data').

• Go to Settings and privacy > Your account > Download an archive of your data.
• You will need to verify your identity with your password and a verification code sent to your email or phone.
• The download link will be sent to your email when the archive is ready, which can take up to 24 hours.

2. Unlink All Third-Party Applications (Security Entity)

Many third-party services and apps (like scheduling tools or analysis platforms) are granted access to your X account. Deleting your account does not automatically revoke this access, which poses a significant security risk.

• Go to Settings and privacy > Security and account access > Apps and sessions > Connected apps.
• Review the list and revoke access for every application you no longer use by selecting the app and choosing "Revoke app permissions."

3. Change Your Username/Handle (Availability Entity)

If you plan to create a new X account in the future and want to use the same username (e.g., @YourHandle), you must change your current handle *before* deactivating. Once the account is permanently deleted, the system may take an indefinite amount of time to release the old username for public use. By changing it first, you immediately free up your desired handle.

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• Go to Settings and privacy > Your account > Account information > Username.
• Change your username (handle) to a random, temporary name (e.g., @oldaccount12345).

The Finality of Deletion: The 30-Day Period and Beyond

The 30-day deactivation period is the point of no return. If you log back into your account at any point during these 30 days, you will automatically cancel the deletion request and reactivate your public profile.

What Happens After 30 Days?

If you successfully avoid logging in for a full 30 days, your X account will be permanently deleted. This means:

• Your account, tweets, and profile information are removed from the X system.
• Your username (handle) is released and becomes available for other users to claim (though this can sometimes take longer than 30 days if not changed beforehand).
• Your content may still appear in search engine caches (like Google or Bing) for a short time until those services re-crawl the web and update their results. X has no control over external search engine cache removal.

Key Entities for Permanent Removal

To achieve full digital erasure, focus on these critical entities:

• Deactivation Confirmation: The final password-protected step.
• Reactivation Window: The 30-day time frame you must avoid logging in.
• Public Profile Removal: Immediate upon deactivation.
• Search Engine Cache: External factor that requires patience for full removal.
• Handle Availability: The process of releasing your username for others.
• Data Archive: Your personal backup of all content.
• Third-Party Permissions: Security settings that must be manually revoked.

By following this complete checklist, you ensure a clean, secure, and permanent exit from the X platform in 2025.