How to get verified on X Twitter

The blue checkmark on X (formerly Twitter) has had changes since the platform's rebranding and changes under Elon Musk's leadership. What was once a symbol of notability and authenticity granted selectively by the company is now primarily tied to a paid subscription service called X Premium. As of 2026, verifying your X account - meaning obtaining that coveted blue checkmark -involves meeting straightforward eligibility criteria and subscribing to X Premium. This shift democratized verification but also sparked debates about trust, impersonation, and platform credibility.

Today we are going to explore the current verification process in detail, including requirements, step-by-step instructions, optional enhancements like ID verification, benefits, limitations, and tips for maintaining your verified status. Whether you're an individual creator, business owner, or casual user looking to boost visibility, understanding how to verify your X account can help you navigate the platform more effectively.

The evolution of verification on X

Before going further into the how-to, it's worth understanding briefly what X verification was and is. Before 2022, the blue checkmark was a legacy verification badge awarded to public figures, celebrities, journalists, brands, and organizations deemed "notable," "active," and "authentic" by Twitter's team. It required no payment and served as a marker against impersonation.

In November 2022, following Elon Musk's acquisition, the system changed dramatically. Legacy blue checks were gradually removed (with most gone by 2023), and verification became linked to X Premium subscriptions. Today, the blue checkmark simply indicates an active X Premium subscriber who meets basic eligibility rules no rigorous notability review required for standard users. This made verification accessible but raised concerns about distinguishing genuine accounts from paid ones.

Special cases remain: governments and multilateral organizations can apply for grey checkmarks, while businesses may pursue gold checkmarks through Premium Organizations. For most users, though, the blue checkmark is the goal.

Current eligibility requirements for the blue Checkmark

According to X's official Help Center (as updated in recent years), only accounts subscribed to X Premium qualify for the blue checkmark. Your account must also satisfy these criteria to receive and keep it:

1. Complete profile : Include a display name and a profile photo. Blank or default profiles won't qualify, this has nothing to do with the bio.

2. Active use : The account must have been active in the past 30 days (e.g., posting, replying, or engaging) though over the last months this has gradually changed. This prevents dormant accounts from getting verified.

3. Security measures: A confirmed phone number linked to the account. This helps verify ownership and reduces bot activity. However, for countries which are not eligible for monetization even verifying numbers is not possible. Therefore, it has been trashed one way or another and only a verified email address is required.

4. Non-deceptive behavior: No recent changes to your profile photo, display name, or @username (handle) that could confuse others. Your account must show no signs of misleading or deceptive practices per X's impersonation and deceptive identities policy.

6. Compliance: Adhere to X's Terms of Service and rules no violations that could trigger suspension or restrictions. X retains the rights to act in accordance to their policies. 

Note : These are not exhaustive, X has deliberately aired off people claiming that they are shadow banned - however, its evident that it does so to deboost some accounts due to change in account activity. Therefore, these are not conclusive.

If your account fails these (e.g., due to spam flags or recent profile tweaks), the checkmark may be delayed or removed even after subscribing.

X Premium comes in tiers - Basic, Premium, and Premium+ but the blue checkmark is available on Premium and Premium+ (Basic may have limitations or exclusions in some regions).

Step-by-Step guide on how to verify uour X Account

Verifying is straightforward and mostly automated. Here's the process:

1. Log In to Your X Account

   Use the X app (iOS/Android) or website (x.com). Ensure you're on a stable connection.

2. Access Premium settings

   - On mobile: Tap your profile picture → Select "Premium" (or "X Premium").  

   - On desktop: Click "More" (three dots/lines) → "Premium".  

   This opens the subscription page highlighting features like the blue checkmark.

3. Choose and Subscribe to a Plan 

   Select Premium or Premium+ (Premium+ offers extras like ad-free experience and higher Grok limits).  

   Pricing varies by region and tier (often around $8–$16/month or discounted annually in USD equivalents; check current rates in-app as they fluctuate).  

   Enter payment details (credit card, etc.) and confirm. Subscriptions auto-renew unless canceled.

4. Complete profile and security Requirements (If Needed) 

   Before or after subscribing:  

   - Add/edit a profile photo and display name.  

   - Go to Settings → Your account → Account information → Add/confirm phone number (receive and enter a code). However, this os only for countries which are eligible.

   Avoid changing your handle, name, or photo right after subscribing  - wait for verification to stabilize.

5. Wait for review and activation

   X reviews your subscription and eligibility automatically. The blue checkmark usually appears within hours to a few days (sometimes up to a week if there's a backlog or additional checks).  

   You'll get a notification when it's added. No separate application is needed for standard blue verification.

If issues arise (e.g., delayed checkmark), check your email for notifications or review eligibility in settings.

Optional: ID verification for extra trust and benefits

X offers voluntary ID verification for Premium subscribers (individuals only, not organizations). This uses a government-issued ID and selfie to confirm you're a real person.

Benefits include :

- An "ID Verified" label visible when users click or hover your blue checkmark.

- Increased trust and reduced impersonation risk.

- Faster checkmark approval and more flexibility with profile changes (e.g., frequent name/photo updates without losing verification).

How to Apply :

- Subscribe to Premium first.

- In Premium settings or profile, find "ID Verification" (or similar prompt).

- Upload a clear photo of your government-issued ID (passport, driver's license, etc.) and a selfie.

- X processes it (often AI-assisted) and adds the label upon approval.

This is optional but recommended for public figures, creators, or anyone concerned about copycats.

Benefits of getting verified

The blue checkmark offers  advantages beyond what has been shared below:

- Increased visibility : Verified accounts get reply prioritization, appearing higher in conversations.

- Monetization access : Eligibility for creator revenue sharing, subscriptions, and other programs (requires Premium + other criteria like follower count). Check out our post about monetization

- Credibility boost: Signals legitimacy, helping combat impersonation.

- Extra features : Edit posts, longer posts/videos, undo tweets, reduced ads (tier-dependent), X studio and more Grok access.

- Affiliation Options : Businesses can use Premium Organizations for gold/grey checks and affiliate badges.

Common challenges and how to avoid losing verification

- Subscription lapses: The checkmark disappears if Premium expires - resubscribe promptly, However, a minimum of 3 days is given incase auto subscription fails.

- Policy Violations: Bans or restrictions remove it.

- Deceptive changes: Frequent profile edits can trigger removal.

Tips: Enable two-factor authentication, monitor notifications, and avoid spammy behavior.

Sweet Truth

Not everyone needs the blue check. Build trust organically with:

- Consistent, high-quality content.

- Verified links in bio.

- Engagement with followers.

- Transparent bio and branding.

Grey/gold checks remain for governments/businesses via separate applications.

Is getting a checkmark worth it? 

Verifying your X account in 2026 is simpler than ever: subscribe to X Premium, meet basic requirements, and wait for the blue checkmark. And yes! though a checkmark is no longer a marker of elite status, it provides tangible benefits for visibility, monetization, and security - especially with optional ID verification.