How to Deactivate Twitter (X) Account - Temporary or Permanent 2026

Need a break from Twitter/X? Deactivating your account is the safest option—it gives you a 30-day grace period to change your mind. Here's how to deactivate or permanently delete your Twitter account.

Option 1: Deactivate (Temporary, 30-Day Grace)

Best if you might return:

• Log in to Twitter/X
• Go to Settings and Privacy
• Tap Your Account
• Select Deactivate Account
• Read the info and tap Deactivate
• Enter your password to confirm

Your account is now hidden for 30 days. Log in anytime during this period to reactivate.

Option 2: Delete Permanently

After deactivating, wait 30 days. Twitter will automatically and permanently delete your account and all data.

Warning:After 30 days, there is NO way to recover your account, tweets, followers, or messages.

Before You Deactivate: Download Your Data

Save your tweets, messages, and media before deactivating:

• Go to Settings then Your Account > Download an archive
• Click Request Archive
• Enter your password
• Wait 24-48 hours for the email
• Download the ZIP file with all your data

What Happens When You Deactivate

• Your profile disappears from Twitter
• Your tweets are hidden
• Your followers remain (if you reactivate)
• Direct messages become inaccessible
• Third-party apps lose access
• @mentions of your username still appear

Reactivating Your Account

To come back within 30 days:

• Go to twitter.com or open the app
• Log in with your username and password
• Your account restores immediately
• All tweets, followers, and messages return

Note:If you signed up with a phone number, you might need to verify it again.

Common Issues

Can't Log In to Reactivate

If you forgot your password, use the "Forgot Password" link. You have 30 days, so act quickly if you want to reactivate.

Username Taken After Deactivation

If someone takes your username during the 30-day deactivation period, Twitter Support might help you recover it if you reactivate in time.

Deactivated But Still Shows in Search

It takes up to 24 hours for your profile to disappear from Google search results and Twitter search.

FAQ

How do I deactivate my Twitter account?

Go to Settings > Your Account > Deactivate Account. Enter your password and confirm. Your account deactivates for 30 days before permanent deletion.

What happens when I deactivate Twitter?

Your profile, tweets, and followers are hidden for 30 days. You can reactivate by logging in during this period. After 30 days, it's permanently deleted.

Can I reactivate my deactivated account?

Yes, within 30 days. Just log in with your username and password. After 30 days, the account and all data are permanently deleted.

Should I deactivate or delete permanently?

Deactivate if you might return (30-day grace period). Delete permanently only if you're sure you won't want the account back.

How do I download my Twitter data?

Go to Settings > Your Account > Download an archive of your data. Enter your password and request the download. It takes 24-48 hours to process.