How to delete all posts on xTwitter safely
Why bother deleting your X posts?
Allow me say today 2026, our online footprints have grown exponentially. What started as casual tweets about daily life or fleeting opinions has, for many, evolved into a vast archive of personal data. X, the platform formerly known as Twitter, holds billions of posts from users worldwide, and for individuals, this can mean thousands - or even hundreds of thousands - of entries that no longer reflect who we are today. Whether it's outdated political rants, embarrassing photos from college, or simply a desire for a fresh start, deleting your X history has become a common practice for privacy-conscious users.
I have been on planet earth quite awhile and when i say social media can ruin your life i mean it and I've seen firsthand how unchecked social media archives can impact job prospects, relationships, and even mental health. A 2025 study by the Pew Research Center found that 68% of adults regret at least some of their past online posts, with 42% actively seeking ways to erase them. But deletion isn't just about regret; it's about control. In these times where data breaches are routine and AI scrapers harvest public posts for training models, minimizing your digital exposure is a smart move.
This guide aims to be your one-stop resource for safely deleting X posts. We'll focus on free tools as a priority, but also cover premium options for comparison. I'll walk you through step-by-step processes, highlight pros and cons, and include real-world tips to avoid common pitfalls like account suspensions or data loss. By the end, you'll have the knowledge to reclaim your online narrative without compromising your account's integrity. Let's get started with the essentials.
Importance of backing up before deletion "this is sensitive"
Before you even think about hitting "delete," backing up your data is non-negotiable. Deletions on X are permanent - there's no recycle bin or easy undo. X provides a built-in archive tool that's free and straightforward, ensuring you have a local copy of your posts, media, likes, and more.
Step-by-Step guide to downloading your X archive
1. Log into your X account via the web (x.com) or the app.
2. Navigate to Settings and Privacy > Your account > Download an archive of your data.
3. Enter your password and request the archive. X will email you when it's ready (usually within 24-48 hours, but it can take up to a week for large accounts).
4. Download the ZIP file, which includes HTML files for browsing your tweets, JSON data for developers, and media folders.
This archive isn't just a safety net; it's a time capsule. I once helped a client who deleted everything only to realize they needed old posts for a legal matter. With the archive, we recovered the necessary evidence. Pro tip: Store it on an encrypted drive or cloud service like Google Drive with two-factor authentication enabled.
Why backups matter !
With X's evolving policies under Elon Musk's leadership, including rate limits and API changes, archives ensure you're not reliant on the platform's servers. Plus, if you're using third-party tools, some (like Circleboom) allow uploading this archive to bypass X's 3,200-tweet retrieval limit—a game-changer for veteran users.
Common mistakes Forgetting to include media or DMs in your review. Spend time browsing the archive; it might spark nostalgia or remind you to save specific items manually.
Understanding the manual approach - hands on 😎
Before jumping to third-party tools, consider X's native features. They're entirely free and don't require granting access to external apps, making them the safest starting point - albeit time-consuming for bulk actions.
Manual deletion via X Interface
- Single Post Deletion: On any post, click the three dots > Delete. Simple for recent or specific tweets.
- Bulk Selection? X doesn't offer true bulk delete natively. You can scroll through your profile and delete one by one, but for thousands, this could take days.
- Advanced search for targeting: Use X's search bar with operators like "from:yourusername until:2020-01-01" to find old posts, then delete manually.
Pros: No risk of API violations or third-party data sharing. Cons: Inefficient for large volumes; X limits how far back you can scroll without tools.
Understanding X's API limits
In 2026, X enforces daily deletion limits (around 1,000-2,000 actions via API), but manual deletions are less restricted. If your account is small (under 1,000 posts), this might suffice. For larger ones, combine with automation later.
Redact.dev
Why Choose Redact?
Redact runs on your device (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android), processing deletions locally without storing data on servers. It's praised in privacy communities for OAuth-based authentication - no passwords shared.
Detailed step-by-step guide
1. Download and Install: Visit Redact and grab the app for your OS. Installation is quick; no bloatware.
2. Account setup: Use email for a passwordless login.
3. Connect X: Authorize via X's login; Redact gets temporary access.
4. Backup reminder: Ensure your archive is downloaded.
5. Configure deletion: Select X > Choose content (posts, replies, likes). Set "All time" range, no filters for full wipe.
6. Preview mode: Run a scan to review matches. Exclude keepers manually.
7. Execute: Switch to delete mode; it batches actions to respect limits. For 10,000+ posts, expect multiple sessions.
8. Post-cleanup: Revoke access in X settings > Apps.
Pros and Cons
Pros: Free for X, granular controls, disappearing mode for auto-deletes. Cons: Premium needed for other platforms; closed-source (though community-vetted).
Tips : Ensure to be with data, before attempting mass deletion. I've used Redact personally - wiped 5,000 posts flawlessly.
Advanced features in Free Tier
- Keyword filtering: Delete posts with specific words (e.g., politics-related).
- Date ranges: Target pre-2020 content.
- Integration with archive: Upload for complete access beyond 3,200 limit.
2. TweetDelete
Step-by-step guide
1. Visit TweetDelete and sign in with X.
2. Upload archive if over 3,200 (free for basic use).
3. Set filters: Date, keywords, media.
4. Preview and delete.
5. Schedule future auto-deletes (free for basic).
Pros: User-friendly interface, free scheduling. Cons: Premium ($5.99/mo) for unlimited.
3. Circleboom
Step by step guide
1. Sign up at Circleboom with X auth.
2. Go to "Delete Tweets" tool.
3. Upload archive for full access.
4. Apply AI filters: Sentiment, keywords, dates.
5. Bulk select and delete.
6. Use insights to review before action.
Pros: Free deletions, analytics included. Cons: Some advanced AI features are premium.
Disclaimer
This guide is for educational/informational use only. I am not affiliated with X or any mentioned tools. Deleting posts is permanent - no recovery possible. Third-party tools require account access; misuse or X policy changes may cause temporary restrictions, rate limits, reduced visibility, or suspension. You are fully responsible for all actions on your account. Back up your archive first, test small batches, revoke app access after use, and review each tool’s privacy policy. X enforces its own rules - I am not liable for any outcomes, data loss, or issues. Proceed at your own risk.
