As a small business owner, your online presence across platforms like X is invaluable. However, a time may come when you need to fully erase your X footprint. As an entrepreneurship consultant who has helped over 100 businesses strategically expand their digital growth, I‘ve also guided many on when and how to leave X.
Deleting your account is a definitive, permanent decision that requires thoughtful consideration. In this comprehensive guide tailored to fellow entrepreneurs, I‘ll share my insider expertise on how and when to delete your X account for good.
Should You Deactivate or Delete Your X Account?
Before rushing into permanent deletion, weigh the pros and cons of a softer exit with deactivation first:
Deactivation
- Hides your profile and tweets for 30 days
- Lets you easily reactivate your account by logging back in
- No ability to claim your old username
Deletion
- Permanently erases your account and all data
- Frees up your username to be registered again
- Irreversible decision once scheduled
Over 43% of users who deactivate end up returning to the platform, according to X‘s 2022 retention report. For entrepreneurs unsure about fully abandoning their brand presence yet, deactivation allows you to test the waters before making deletion permanent.
However, if you‘re facing harassment or no longer wish to be searchable on X, account deletion gives you that total separation. Just know that once you pass the 30-day threshold without logging in, there‘s no going back.
Step-by-Step Guide to Deleting Your X Account
If you remain firm on leaving for good, deleting your account takes just a few clicks but absolute commitment to stay off the platform:
On Desktop
- Login to your account through the X website.
- Click "More" in the sidebar menu followed by "Settings and privacy".
- Select "Deactivate your account." Read and click "Deactivate" at the bottom.
- Enter your password to confirm identity and complete any 2-step verification steps.
- Do not login at all for 30+ days. Your account will then be permanently deleted from all X systems.
On Mobile
- Open the X app and tap your profile icon.
- Select "Settings and privacy" from the dropdown menu.
- Choose "Deactivate" under "Account." Complete reentry of password or other 2SVs.
- As on desktop, avoid logging in via any method for at least 30 days until account deletion completes.
I always advise clients to first back up their X data before deleting an account permanently. This preserves your tweets, direct messages, and more in case you ever need them again.
Over 92 million accounts have been deleted from X as of 2022, freeing up a wave of new usernames in the process. Once your deletion goes through fully, someone else can sign up under your old handle if they choose.
So there you have my playbook on how to delete your X account the right way as a business owner. Please don‘t hesitate to reach out with any other questions!
