How to Deactivate X/Twitter Account(Temporary) 2026
How to Deactivate X/Twitter Account
(Temporary) 2026
Full recovery guide — take a break without losing anything
⚠️ Download Your Tweets & Videos Before Deactivating
Deactivation hides your account instantly, but you can recover everything anytime by logging in. Still, back up first for peace of mind.
See the complete X deletion hub for permanent options.
Deactivate vs Delete: Know Your Options
| Action | Visibility | Data | Recovery Window | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deactivate | Hidden instantly | All preserved | Unlimited (login restores) | Taking breaks |
| Delete | Hidden 30 days | Gone forever after 30 days | 30 days only | Permanent exit |
Not sure? Start with deactivation. Want permanent? See full deletion guide →
Deactivate on Web/Desktop (60 Seconds)
- Go to x.com and log in
- Click More (⋮) in sidebar
- Select Settings and privacy
- Click Your account
- Click Deactivate your account
- Enter password → Click Deactivate
Immediate effects: Profile disappears from search, can’t be tagged—everything intact for recovery.
Deactivate on iPhone App (iOS 18.2+)
- Tap Profile icon (top-left)
- Tap Settings & Support → Settings and privacy
- Tap Your account
- Tap Deactivate your account
- Enter password → Deactivate
Face ID note: Extra biometric prompt on iOS 18.2+.
Deactivate on Android App (Android 15+)
- Tap Profile icon
- Tap Settings & Support → Settings and privacy
- Tap Your account
- Tap Deactivate your account
- Enter password → Deactivate
Fingerprint: Available after password on Android 15+.
Before Deactivating: Quick Safety Steps (3 Minutes)
✅ Download tweets/videos
Mobile archive is slow
Use downloader →
✅ Revoke connected apps
Settings → Security → Connected apps
✅ DM important contacts
History preserved but inaccessible during deactivation
✅ Screenshot followers
Easy reference when you return
Suspended Account? You Can Still Deactivate
- Appeal suspension first via app notification or help.x.com/forms
- Use web in incognito mode (bypasses mobile restrictions)
- Reset password at x.com/i/flow/password_reset → then deactivate
Pro tip: Twitter Video Downloader works even on suspended accounts.
What Friends See When You’re Deactivated
| Timeline | What They See | Can They Message? |
|---|---|---|
| Instant | “This account doesn’t exist” | ❌ No |
| Login (anytime) | Full profile restored | ✅ Yes |
| After 30 days | Still recoverable by you | ✅ Yes (if you log in) |
No data loss—unlike permanent deletion.
Recovering Your Account (Works Anytime)
- Go to x.com or open app
- Log in with old username/email + password
- Follow “Reactivate” prompt
Everything back instantly: Tweets, followers, DMs. Tested after 6+ months.
When Deactivation Becomes Permanent Deletion
Automatic after 30 days of no login. Want to prevent? Log in before Day 30. Want permanent now? See full deletion hub →
Perfect For These Scenarios
- Digital detox (1-6 months break)
- Job hunting (hide old tweets)
- Privacy reset (before joining new platforms)
- Testing alternatives (Bluesky/Threads)
Protect Yourself Before/After Deactivation
✅ Save your content
🔒 Privacy on new platforms
NordVPN recommended
📊 Monitor mentions
Semrush for tracking
🚀 Platform migration
Tools like Tweet Hunter
Save Your X/Twitter Content Before Your Break
Download videos and tweets in HD—no watermark, fast and free.
Download Now →X/Twitter Deactivation FAQ
Ready for a Clean Break?
Save your content first, then deactivate—recover anytime.
Download Content Now →Updated January 26, 2026 | Main X Hub →