Ever since Elon Musk took over Twitter on October 27, 2022, users have reported major problems with the app. These issues include login issues, increased outages, and API errors. Whether you want a clean break from X (Twitter was rebranded as X on July 24, 2023) or an escape from arguments on the platform, deleting your X account seems to make the most sense.

It doesn’t matter if you access X from your mobile device, desktop PC, or one of the best Chromebooks. You can break free from the app by following these simple steps. Before you delete your account and lose your X data, archive your data.

Before you tap delete: How to archive your X details

Even if you want to delete your account, you may want a record of your data. This archive includes account information, account history, associated apps and devices, account activity interest, and ad data. It can’t be used to create a new account with your old tweets and data, but it’s a handy way to see what information about you is stored on X.

1. Go to twitter.com.
2. If you use the X mobile app, tap your profile picture in the upper-left corner of your screen. If you access X from a desktop browser, click More from the sidebar.
3. Tap Settings & Support in the sidebar.
4. Tap Settings and privacy from the drop-down menu.

5. Tap Your account at the top of your screen.
6. Tap Download an archive of your data.

7. Tap Request archive.

X emails you a ZIP file containing your archived data within 24 hours.

How to delete and deactivate your X account on a desktop web browser

To delete your X account, you’ll first deactivate it and wait for 30 days. After the deactivation period has elapsed, your account is automatically deleted, provided you don’t log in during the 30-day wait period.

Here’s how to deactivate your X account from a desktop browser:

1. Open your X homepage on any web browser.
2. Select More from the sidebar.

3. Select Settings and Support in the pop-up menu.

4. Select Settings and privacy.

5. Go to Your account and click Deactivate your account.

6. Click the Deactivate button at the bottom of your screen.

7. Enter your X account password to confirm your deactivation request.
8. Click the Deactivate button.

This puts your X account in a deactivated mode. Once deactivated, your X account disappears from public view but isn’t deleted entirely. X’s 30-day grace period gives you time to reconsider your decision and reactivate your account, which you can do by logging in to X with your username and password.

How to delete and deactivate your X account on iPhone and Android devices

The X app is functionally identical on Android and iOS, so you can follow the steps regardless of your device. However, like on the desktop, you must deactivate your account first.

1. Open the X app.
2. Tap your profile icon in the upper-left corner of your screen.
3. Tap Settings & Support in the sidebar.
4. Tap Settings and privacy from the drop-down menu.

5. Tap Your account at the top of your screen
6. Tap Deactivate Account.

7. Tap the red Deactivate button at the bottom of your screen.
8. Enter your account password on the next page to confirm your decision.
9. Tap the Deactivate button.

You have 30 days to reconsider account deletion. It is deleted permanently if you don’t log in to your X account during this period.

So, you’ve successfully deleted your X account. Now what?

Congrats! You’ve freed yourself from X! But if you regret deleting the app, consider these alternative social media apps to stay connected with your followers and detractors on the internet.