Make Twitter/X Account Private 2026 – iPhone/Android/Web Steps
How to Make Twitter/X Account Private 2026 – Phone and Web Steps
Hide your tweets from public view instantly — only approved followers see posts. Tested Jan 30, 2026 on iPhone, Android & web.
Web: More → Settings & Privacy → Privacy & Safety → Protect your posts.
Mobile: Profile → Settings & privacy → Privacy & safety → Protect your posts.
Lock icon appears → Tweets hidden from public/search.
What Changes When You Go Private
| Setting | Public Account | Private Account |
|---|---|---|
| Tweets | Anyone can see | Only approved followers |
| Search | Shows up in Google | Completely hidden |
| New followers | Auto-approved | You approve each one |
| Retweets | Spreads publicly | Stays with followers |
| Replies | Open to all | Followers only |
This setup suits job searches, privacy needs, or testing new content.
Set Private on Web or Desktop (45 Seconds)
Log into x.com:
- Click More (three dots in left sidebar)
- Go to Settings & Privacy
- Select Privacy & Safety → Audience & tagging
- Turn on Protect your posts
- Confirm on warning screen
A lock icon appears on your profile when done.
Set Private on iPhone App
Open the X app:
- Tap profile icon (top left)
- Choose Settings & Support → Settings and privacy
- Go to Privacy & safety → Audience & tagging
- Toggle Protect your posts on
- Enter Face ID if prompted (iOS 18.2+)
Set Private on Android App
In the X app:
- Tap profile picture
- Select Settings & Support → Settings and privacy
- Choose Privacy & safety → Audience & tagging
- Switch Protect your posts on
What Happens Right After
Your profile hides from search engines immediately. Current followers keep access, but new ones send requests you approve.
To review requests: Settings & Privacy → Privacy & safety → Followers → Follow requests.
Extra Privacy Steps
Turn off these features too:
- Location sharing (Privacy & safety → Location info → Off)
- Photo tagging (Privacy & safety → Photo tagging → No one)
- Trends by location (Privacy & safety → Trends → Off)
Limits of a Private Account
You lose some reach:
- Tweets won’t trend publicly
- No viral growth from shares
- Harder for new people to find you
Need full privacy? Check the digital detox plan.
Private Account or Delete?
| Goal | Go Private | Delete Account |
|---|---|---|
| Job search | Good choice | Too much |
| Test privacy | Start here | Last resort |
| Full break | Not enough | Best option |
Common Questions
Do current followers see old tweets?
Yes, they keep full access.
Can I switch back to public?
Yes, turn the toggle off anytime.
Does private hide me from Google?
Yes, your profile disappears from search.
Backup tweets first?
Good idea. Use the Twitter video downloader before changes.
iPhone Face ID required?
iOS 18.2+ only – toggle skips it.
Quick Weekly Check
| Task | Where | Time Needed |
|---|---|---|
| Review requests | Privacy > Followers | 2 minutes |
| Check app access | Security checklist | 1 minute |
| Update privacy | Privacy & safety | 3 minutes |
| Backup content | Twitter downloader | 5 minutes |
Still Not Private Enough?
See the Twitter deletion FAQ or suspended account recovery guide.