Some days you want your posts to be visible to everyone. Other days, you’d rather keep things limited to people you trust. X makes it easy to control who can see your posts, and you can switch between a private and public account whenever you want.
This guide walks you through how to change your X account’s privacy settings on both desktop and mobile, and explains what actually changes when you do.
Table of Contents
How to Change Your X Account Settings on Desktop
If you want to restrict your posts so only approved followers can see them, here’s how to make your account private from a computer:
Make Your X Account Private on Desktop
- Go to X.com and log in to your account.
- Open the Settings menu from your account options.
- Select Privacy and safety.
- Click Audience, media, and tagging.
- Turn on the option to protect your posts.
- Once enabled, only approved followers will be able to see your future posts.
After this, anyone new who wants to follow you will need to send a follow request.
Make Your Account Public on Desktop
If you decide to make your posts visible to everyone again, switching back to public is just as simple:
- Open the Settings menu again.
- Go to Privacy and safety and select Audience, media, and tagging.
- Turn off the protect your posts option.
- Your tweets will instantly become visible to all users.
- Older tweets will also appear publicly again.
- Anyone can follow you without sending a request.
The change takes effect immediately.
How to Change Your X Account Settings on Mobile
You can manage the same privacy settings from the X mobile app on Android or iPhone.
Make Your Account Private on Mobile
- Open the X app and log in.
- Tap your profile icon at the top of the screen.
- Select Settings and support, then tap Settings and privacy.
- Go to Privacy and safety.
- Tap Audience, media, and tagging.
- Turn on Protect your posts.
Once enabled, only approved followers will be able to see your posts.
Make Your Account Public on Mobile
- Open Settings and privacy in the X app.
- Tap Privacy and safety.
- Select Audience, media, and tagging.
- Turn off Protect your posts.
- Your tweets will immediately become visible to everyone.
- Anyone can follow you without approval.
What Changes When Your Account Is Private or Public?
When your account is private, only approved followers can see your posts. Your tweets won’t appear in search results, and others won’t be able to repost or quote them.
When your account is public, anyone can view your posts. They can appear in search and recommendations, and new users can follow you instantly without asking for permission.
See More: How to Download Twitter Videos
Private vs. Public—Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing between private and public depends on how you use X. A private account works well if you want more control and a quieter experience. A public account makes more sense if you’re looking for visibility or trying to reach a wider audience.
Since X lets you switch at any time, you can adjust your settings whenever your needs change.
FAQs
Can people see my old tweets if I switch to a private account?
No. Once your account is private, only approved followers can see your posts, including older tweets.
Do my existing followers stay when I go private?
Yes. Your current followers remain unless you remove them manually.
Will people be notified if I change my account privacy?
No notifications are sent, but visitors to your profile will see that your posts are protected.
Can I reply to public accounts if my profile is private?
Yes, but only your approved followers will be able to see your replies.
Can I switch between private and public anytime?
Yes. You can change your account privacy whenever you want, and the changes apply immediately.
