Letting Go: A Step-by-Step Guide to Deleting X and Embracing a Fresh Start

As Elon Musk’s X faces a decline in daily active users, many individuals are opting to leave the platform for alternatives like Bluesky, Mastodon, or Threads. Some may even consider taking a break from social media altogether. In this article, we’ll guide you through the steps to download your X data, how to delete your account, and explore some popular alternatives.

Why Users Are Leaving X

Since Musk acquired Twitter in 2022, various social media platforms have emerged, aiming to attract users dissatisfied with his management. Several incidents have contributed to this exodus:

• The introduction of a paid blue checkmark, diluting its original meaning of legitimacy.
• Musk’s political affiliations causing concern among users.
• Reinstatement of controversial accounts, including those of known white supremacists.
• Changes in privacy settings that made blocked users’ posts visible.

How to Download Your X Archive

If you’re planning to leave X, it’s wise to download your data first. The archive contains your posts, media, direct messages, and follower information. Here’s how to download your data:

1. Click the three-dot icon on the bottom left of the navigation bar.
2. Select Settings and Privacy.
3. Under Your Account, find the option to Download an archive of your data.
4. Input your password for security and request your data.

Keep in mind that it may take a few days for X to prepare your .zip file. You cannot receive this data if your account is inactive.

Steps to Take Before Deleting Your X Account

Deleting your account removes your posts from the platform but not from search engine results. To minimize the visibility of your posts, consider these steps:

• Change your display name.
• Update your username (handle).
• Adjust your privacy settings to make posts private.

Even if your account is private, past public posts may still appear in search results due to caching by search engines.

How to Delete Your X Account

Ready to say goodbye? Deactivating your account gives you a 30-day grace period to reconsider. Here’s how to proceed:

1. Click the three-dot icon on the bottom left of the navigation bar.
2. Select Settings and Privacy.
3. Under Your Account, choose Deactivate your account.
4. Follow the prompts and click the red Deactivate button.

Remember, if you change your mind within 30 days, you can reactivate your account.

Popular Alternatives to X

If you’re looking for new social media platforms, here are some noteworthy alternatives:

Bluesky

Bluesky is a microblogging platform based on an open-source protocol, offering users more transparency and control. As of January 2025, it boasts around 30 million registered users.

Mastodon

Mastodon has been around since 2016 and is also an open-source network. It has approximately 10 million registered users, with about 1 million active users as of January 2025.

Threads

Owned by Meta, Threads allows users to transfer their following lists directly from Instagram. It has over 100 million daily active users, making it a popular choice, though some users may hesitate due to Meta’s influence.

For more information on managing your social media presence, check out our social media management tips.