X Safety Settings

X safety settings help parents and eligible teenagers review posts, messages, calls and account security. X, formerly Twitter, combines public conversations, news, video and an AI assistant called Grok. This guide explains practical protections and their limits, including why blocking alone does not hide public posts.

Age Rating and Child Safety Warning

X’s parent and minor user guidance sets a minimum age of 13. It says known minors receive protected posts and restricted message defaults. Therefore, use a correct birthday and keep those protections. Parent permission does not make a child under 13 eligible.

The Irish Apple App Store rates X 16+. That store rating is separate from account eligibility. X permits some adult pornography and other sensitive material while restricting access for known minors. CODA does not recommend X for young children. Age filters cannot guarantee that every recommendation or conversation is suitable.

X’s age assurance guidance describes checks using existing account signals, age estimation and, where needed, a live selfie or government ID. An age estimate can be wrong. Before submitting images or documents, read the current privacy notice. Use only the official process. If the outcome is incorrect, follow its appeal route. These checks concern age thresholds, rather than another person’s trustworthiness.

Restrictions Available

Keep posts protected

Protected posts restrict the post audience. However, existing followers keep access until you remove or block them.

• Open your Profile photo in the app, or More on the website.
• Select Settings and privacy, then Privacy and safety.
• Open Audience and tagging.
• Enable Protect your posts. The website may show Protect my posts.
• Review Follower requests and approve only trusted people. Check current followers too.

Why it matters: This reduces unwanted viewing. Nevertheless, profile details, copies and shared media links can expose information. Making posts public later also reveals older protected posts. Official instructions.

Restrict photo tagging

Photo tags connect your account to someone else’s photograph.

• Open your Profile photo in the app, or More on the website.
• Select Settings and privacy, then Privacy and safety.
• Open Photo tagging under Posts, as described in X’s photo guidance.
• Choose Off, or disable the photo tagging slider. If retaining tags, select Only people you follow can tag you.
• To remove an existing tag, open that post’s menu and choose Remove tag from photo in the app, then Delete. On the website choose Remove my tag from photo, then OK.

Why it matters: Tags can reveal associations. However, removing a tag does not remove the photograph or prevent written mentions. X’s documentation uses older grouping labels here, so check its linked guidance if your menu differs. Official instructions.

Limit who can reply

Reply controls limit responses to an individual post.

• Open the Post composer.
• Select Everyone can reply beside the globe.
• Choose Accounts you follow or Only accounts you mention, then finish the post. Mention nobody if you want the latter choice to exclude replies.
• For a saved post, open its More menu and select Change who can reply. Choose the intended audience.

Why it matters: A smaller reply audience can reduce harassment. However, mentions grant reply access and quote posts do not inherit these restrictions. A reply restriction does not make a public post private. Official instructions.

Stop video downloads

X offers a download switch for videos in posts and legacy messages. Known users under 18 have post downloads disabled.

• Attach the video in the Post composer or a Direct Message.
• Select Edit on the video, then Settings.
• Switch Allow video to be downloaded off before posting or sending.

Why it matters: This removes X’s download option. However, screen recording remains possible. The setting cannot be changed afterwards, and X warns that shared video links can expose protected videos. Official instructions.

Restrict message requests

Restrict new private approaches. Check both legacy Direct Messages and the newer Chat interface.

• Open your Profile photo in the app, or More on the website.
• Select Settings and privacy, then Privacy and safety.
• Open Direct Messages.
• Disable Allow message requests from everyone or Receive messages from anyone, depending on the label.
• Leave requests from Verified users and Allow messages from my subscribers off if those options appear.
• Block an unwanted established sender separately.

Why it matters: Prior conversations can remain open. A paid badge does not establish trust. Also, an enabled X Number creates another route into Chat. Official instructions.

Turn off read receipts

Read receipts reveal that a message was opened.

• Open your Profile photo in the app, or More on the website.
• Select Settings and privacy, then Privacy and safety.
• Select Direct Messages.
• Turn Show read receipts off.

Why it matters: This can reduce pressure to reply immediately. You also lose access to other people’s receipts. The documented control concerns legacy messages. Official instructions.

Keep request filtering on

The request quality filter hides some unwanted approaches.

• Open Messages, then Requests.
• Select Change settings.
• Under Privacy, keep Quality filter enabled.

Why it matters: Filtering reduces some interruptions, but hidden requests remain accessible. Keep graphic media warnings on too. Their current switch path needs confirmation on the account. Official instructions.

Disable an unwanted X Number

An enabled X Number lets a new contact reach a closed inbox.

• Open Chat and enter your PIN if asked.
• Open the inbox dropdown, then Number.
• Switch Enabled off. Alternatively, choose Refresh if an old number has spread.
• Use Hide from others if retaining it.

Why it matters: Existing contacts may still message you. Hide does not revoke a code already shared. Official instructions.

Protect the Chat passcode

The Chat passcode protects access to encrypted history.

• On a mobile device where Chat is already synced, open the Chat inbox.
• Tap the gear, then Change passcode.
• Enter and confirm the new passcode. Store it securely.

Why it matters: Resetting without a synced device loses encrypted history. After 20 wrong guesses, history becomes inaccessible. Follow the linked recovery guide rather than continuing to guess. Official instructions.

Review disappearing messages

Disappearing messages apply a deletion timer.

• Open the Chat conversation, then its conversation information screen.
• Select Disappearing messages and choose a duration.

Why it matters: Copies can survive. Preserve safe evidence before using deletion. Encryption also leaves metadata visible and does not protect material sent to Grok. Official instructions.

Disable unwanted calls

Calling is available without Premium. Review callers separately from post privacy.

• Open Messages using the envelope icon.
• Tap the gear to open Chat settings.
• Disable the audio and video calling feature if it is unnecessary.
• If keeping calls, restrict them to People you follow. Avoid Everyone, Verified users and People in your address book unless you deliberately want those callers.

Why it matters: Default callers can include followed accounts, uploaded contacts and members of the same Premium organisation. A prior message is required for an individual call, but that does not establish a safe relationship. Official instructions.

Hide the call network address

Enhanced privacy hides your network address from the other caller.

• Open Messages, then the gear for Chat settings.
• Enable Enhanced call privacy.

Why it matters: This limits network address exposure. It does not verify the caller or prevent recording. X’s calling article says group calls are not encrypted from end to end. Official instructions.

Reduce contact based discovery

Contact based discovery can connect the account to other people’s address books.

• Open your Profile photo in the app, or More on the website.
• Select Settings and privacy, then Privacy and safety.
• Open Discoverability and contacts.
• Disable Let others find you by your email and Let others find you by your phone.
• Repeat for each account sharing the number.

Why it matters: This reduces particular suggestions. It does not hide the username or public profile. These controls are separate from the decision to upload contacts. Official instructions.

Stop syncing and remove contacts

Stopping uploads and removing earlier contacts are separate actions.

• Open your Profile photo in the app, or More on the website.
• Select Settings and privacy, then Privacy and safety.
• Open Discoverability and contacts.
• Disable Sync address book contacts on every device.
• Choose Remove all contacts, then confirm if you want earlier uploads removed.

Why it matters: Switching off one device does not stop another. Earlier contacts remain stored and used until removed. Check the removal completed before reconnecting any syncing device. Official instructions.

Remove location from new posts

Remove a location label before posting.

• Open the Post composer.
• Select the location icon to open its location list.
• Tap the X in the top left to remove the selected location.
• Check the draft has no location label before sharing.

Why it matters: This also stops that label appearing in subsequent posts until selected again. However, pictures and text can reveal places. It does not erase older coordinates, private messages or external copies. Official instructions.

Keep safe search enabled

Safe search excludes some sensitive results and unwanted accounts.

• Sign in to the website and enter a search.
• On the results page, select More, then Search settings.
• Enable Hide sensitive content and Remove blocked and muted accounts.
• Allow several minutes for changes to apply.

Why it matters: The documented choices apply across web and mobile searches. However, they do not filter every feed item or image. Retain age restrictions and never change a birthday to bypass them. Official instructions.

Mute words and conversations

Word muting reduces selected material in the home feed and notifications.

• Open Notifications and select the gear.
• Select Muted, then Muted words, then Add.
• Enter one word, phrase or hashtag.
• Enable Home timeline and Notifications. Select From anyone and Forever for broad ongoing muting.
• Choose Save, then Done.
• For one public conversation, open a post in it, select More, then Mute this conversation and confirm.

Why it matters: Muting does not remove content. Search results and specific account post alerts can still reveal muted terms. Conversation muting silences alerts while leaving the discussion accessible. Official instructions.

Filter unwanted notifications

Notification filters reduce alerts from selected account types.

• Open Notifications, then the gear.
• Keep Quality filter enabled.
• Open Advanced filters.
• Enable the desired filters for accounts you do not follow, accounts that do not follow you, new accounts, default photos, unconfirmed email or unconfirmed phone numbers.

Why it matters: The quality filter excludes followed accounts and recent interactions. These options silence notifications rather than blocking contact. Therefore, inspect harmful messages and report them separately. Official instructions.

Stop automatic video playback

Choose when a video begins playing.

• Open your profile menu or More, then Settings and privacy.
• Select Accessibility, display, and languages, then Data usage.
• Open Video autoplay in the app or Autoplay on the website.
• Choose Never and repeat on each app or browser.

Why it matters: This reduces surprise playback. However, thumbnails and manually opened videos remain visible. Autoplay choices can differ between devices. Official instructions.

Block unwanted accounts

Blocking restricts an account’s engagement.

• Open the unwanted account’s profile.
• Choose More, then Block and confirm the account.
• Keep Protect your posts enabled and review followers too.

Why it matters: Public posts can remain visible to blocked accounts. Another account or external copy can bypass this barrier. Muting merely hides selected content and does not stop private contact. Official instructions.

Report posts and messages

Report specific harmful material as well as blocking its sender.

• Open the harmful post’s menu and select Report post.
• For a legacy message, open the conversation, press and hold the message, then select Report message.
• For an iPhone conversation report, swipe left on the inbox conversation and select the report icon.
• Describe the issue accurately and complete the requested steps.

Why it matters: Reporting does not guarantee removal. X says reported legacy messages disappear and cannot be recovered. Therefore, keep safe details first, without saving or sharing sexual images of children. Official instructions.

Strengthen X login security

An authenticator adds a login check without paying for SMS.

• Install a reputable authentication app first and confirm access to the account email.
• Open Settings and privacy, then Security and account access, then Security.
• Select Two-factor authentication, then Authentication app.
• Choose Start and complete password or email confirmation if prompted.
• Use Link app now, scan the QR code with the authenticator, then select Next.
• Enter its code, select Verify, then Got it. Store any issued backup code securely.

Why it matters: A stolen password alone becomes less useful. Security key is another available method. SMS requires Premium and varies by carrier. Never share authentication or recovery codes. Official instructions.

Change or recover the password

Use a unique password and keep the recovery email secure.

• If signed in, open Settings and privacy, then Your account, then Change your password.
• Enter the current password and the New password, then repeat it in Confirm password. Select Done.
• If locked out, choose Forgot password? on the official sign in page.
• Enter the account email or username, choose the recovery email, then enter the received code and select Submit.
• Create the new password when prompted.

Why it matters: Recovery depends on access to an associated email or phone. Resetting logs out active sessions. However, review connected applications separately after a suspected compromise. Official instructions.

Protect password reset requests

Additional reset information can make account takeover harder.

• Open the app’s profile or navigation menu, then Settings and privacy.
• Follow the documented Account, then Security route.
• Enable Password reset protection if present.

Why it matters: X’s security article uses this older menu route. If absent, consult its current instructions rather than weakening other protections. Login alerts are automatic for supported new or suspicious logins, and their location can be approximate. Official instructions.

End unwanted login sessions

End sessions you no longer use.

• Sign in and open Settings and privacy.
• Open Apps and sessions using X’s linked account settings page if your menu groups it differently.
• Under Sessions, review the displayed login time and location.
• Choose Log out for an unwanted session or Log out all other sessions.

Why it matters: This ends further actions from those sessions. Cached messages may remain on a device. A suspicious session also warrants a password change. Official instructions.

Revoke connected app access

An authorised application may read information or act through the account.

• Sign in and open Settings and privacy.
• Open Apps and sessions using the linked official settings route.
• Review connected applications and each permission.
• Select an unwanted application and choose Revoke access.

Why it matters: Revocation removes its permission, but does not guarantee deletion of earlier copies. Never give an outside application your X password. Official instructions.

Review Grok data choices

Training and personalisation are separate data choices.

• Open your Profile photo in the app, or More on the website.
• Select Settings and privacy, then Privacy and safety.
• Under Data sharing and personalization, open Grok & Third-party Collaborators.
• Under Data Sharing, disable permission to train on your public data and Grok interactions.
• Under Grok Personalization, disable Allow X to personalize your experience with Grok.

Why it matters: Feedback can authorise training on that conversation. The opt out also does not stop every deployed feature learning from use. Keep private information out of prompts. Official instructions.

Delete Grok conversation history

Delete unwanted assistant conversations separately.

• Open your Profile photo in the app, or More on the website.
• Select Settings and privacy, then Privacy and safety.
• Open Data sharing and personalization, then Grok.
• Select Delete Conversation History.
• Confirm Delete your interactions, inputs, and results if you intend to erase them.

Why it matters: X describes removal within 30 days, with security and legal exceptions. Adding Grok to a Chat exposes subsequent messages while it remains present. Avoid sharing private group material with it. Official instructions.

Review personalisation and sharing

Review optional uses of data and business partner sharing.

• Open your Profile photo in the app, or More on the website.
• Select Settings and privacy, then Privacy and safety.
• Open Personalization and data, as named in X’s documentation.
• Read each available choice and turn off optional features you do not want. The documented master switch disables the features on that screen.

Why it matters: Signed in choices follow the account across devices. Signed out choices concern that browser. Labels and Irish options may differ, so these controls do not imply that all advertising or collection stops. Official instructions.

Download the account archive

An archive provides a private record before closing an account.

• Open your profile menu, then Settings and privacy.
• Follow X’s documented Account, then Data and permissions, then Your X data route.
• Select Send code, using the confirmed email or phone, then enter the received code.
• Under Download your data, choose Request data.
• When ready, return to Download archive while signed in and save the ZIP securely.

Why it matters: Preparation can take days. The archive contains sensitive information, including messages. X’s article uses older grouping labels, so consult the linked guidance if your menu differs. Official instructions.

Delete an identifying post

Remove your own post when it identifies someone or shares too much.

• Open your profile photo, then Profile.
• Locate the post and open its More menu.
• Select Delete post, then Delete to confirm.

Why it matters: Deletion removes the original and its reposts within X. However, screenshots, copied text, quote commentary and search engine copies can remain. You cannot delete another person’s post. Official instructions.

Deactivate and delete the account

Deactivation begins the account deletion process.

• First download anything you need and review paid renewals with the billing provider.
• Open the navigation menu, then Settings and privacy.
• Select Your account, then Deactivate your account.
• Read the warning and choose Deactivate.
• Enter the password, select Deactivate, then Yes, deactivate if prompted.
• Avoid signing in during the following 30 days if you want permanent deletion.

Why it matters: Signing in can reactivate the account. Mobile store subscriptions remain separate from account closure, although X says web purchases cancel after deactivation. External copies may survive. Official instructions.

X Safety Settings and Why They Matter

Review X safety settings as separate controls for audience, contact and security. For example, protecting posts does not decide who can call you. Also, a restricted message inbox cannot prevent a trusted follower from sharing a screenshot.

Keep sensitive media restrictions and warnings in place. Search filters and recommendations can still miss harmful content. Therefore, speak regularly about what appears in the feed and pause use when repeated material causes distress.

How to Use X Safely

Alongside X safety settings, avoid posting a home address, school timetable or live location. Check photographs for identifying details before sharing them. A protected account still needs careful choices about followers and group conversations.

Use the Following feed and reliable sources deliberately rather than treating viral posts as verified news. In addition, compare important claims with original reporting or an authoritative organisation. AI generated images, persuasive replies and large view counts do not prove accuracy.

Agree breaks, notification limits and times when the device stays away from sleep. Device family controls can support those agreements. Keep a trusted adult available when an interaction becomes uncomfortable.

Parent and teenager setup

Use this guide together on the teenager’s own eligible account. The official material reviewed here does not provide a verified parent account linking procedure. Therefore, do not assume a parent receives message access or can lock these choices remotely.

For parents

• Agree whether X is appropriate for this teenager and discuss how to ask for help.
• Sit together and review Protect your posts, followers, messages, X Number, callers and data choices.
• Arrange device family controls separately for bedtime, purchases and app access. Confirm the actual limits on every device.
• Revisit the settings after updates and when a new account or device is added.

For teenagers

• Use your correct date of birth and keep age protections.
• Complete the controls above on your account. Check each choice remains selected when you reopen it.
• Keep private codes and the Chat PIN secure. Avoid responding to pressure to share them.
• Tell a trusted adult if someone threatens you, asks for sexual content or requests money.

Public audio and group conversations

Spaces are public audio conversations. A protected post account does not make a Space a private family room. Choose listening rather than speaking when you do not need to participate. Avoid sharing school, location or contact details. X Spaces guidance.

Keep group membership small and known. Encryption concerns transmission, rather than whether each participant behaves safely. Message requests in the newer Chat can begin unencrypted. Also, an image or message sent to Grok for analysis leaves the encrypted conversation for that use.

Essential Safety Advice and Current Concerns

Even with stronger X safety settings, users can face harassment, impersonation, sexual pressure and scams. Be cautious about urgent giveaways, investment promises or requests to move a conversation elsewhere. Never send passwords, verification codes or money to someone claiming to unlock an account.

Grok can produce inaccurate or unsuitable responses. Do not use it as a substitute for a trusted adult or qualified professional. Also, avoid uploading intimate images or asking AI tools to alter someone’s image without permission. Encryption cannot prevent a recipient from taking a screenshot.

If someone threatens or pressures a teenager, stop responding and seek support without blame. Keep safe details without forwarding sexual images involving children. Visit CODA’s helplines and support resources. In immediate danger, contact local emergency services.

Platform Support and Regional Differences

These X safety settings cover the website and mobile app. Message and AI labels can differ between releases. Follow the linked official guidance when your screen differs, and check that the selected choice actually saved.

Calling support differs by device. X’s current guide lists group calls for iPhone and the website, with Android support described as coming soon. Core protection, blocking and authentication app controls do not require Premium. SMS authentication is a paid feature.

Check subscription billing and renewal terms before buying Premium or a creator subscription. Removing the app does not cancel billing. Use the service that took payment to manage cancellation, and review your receipt for that provider.

Keep automatic sensitive media restrictions for known minors. The safe search instructions above cover search results, rather than every recommendation. X’s help pages mix newer Chat features with older message and account menu labels. If your menu differs, use the linked official instructions and check the available choice saved.

Safety Checklist

• Confirm account eligibility and use an accurate birthday.
• Keep Protect your posts enabled and review existing followers.
• Restrict Direct Messages and check established conversations.
• Disable unwanted calls or use a trusted caller audience.
• Enable Enhanced call privacy if retaining calls.
• Turn off unwanted email and phone discovery.
• Set up an Authentication app and protect backup codes.
• Review Grok training and personalisation choices separately.
• Retain sensitive media restrictions and agree how to seek help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a 13+ account minimum mean X suits children?

No. The account minimum differs from the Irish 16+ store rating and from a family’s judgement about suitability. Adult content, strangers and public debate create risks that filters cannot eliminate.

Can a blocked account read my public posts?

Yes. X says a blocked account can still see public posts, although it cannot engage with them. Protect posts and review followers if you need a restricted audience.

Does switching off message requests stop existing senders?

Not always. A prior conversation can remain open even after requests are restricted. Block an unwanted account separately and report harmful contact.

Does opting out of Grok training make answers safe?

No. A data choice concerns particular uses of information. It cannot guarantee accurate answers or suitable content. Review personalisation separately and verify important claims.

Related CODA Guides

• Resources for Parents for family guidance.
• Instagram safety settings for privacy on another social platform.
• Helplines and support resources for further help.

References

• X: Age and known minor protections. Age and known minor protections.
• Apple: Irish X listing. Irish store classification.
• X: Age checks and appeals. Age checks and appeals.
• X: Protected post controls. Protected post controls.
• X: Photo tagging options. Photo tagging options.

• X: Reply audience choices. Reply audience choices.
• X: Video downloads and playback. Video downloads and playback.
• X: Legacy message requests and receipts. Legacy message requests and receipts.
• X: Chat codes, PIN, encryption and deletion. Chat codes, PIN, encryption and deletion.
• X: Calls and network privacy. Calls and network privacy.

• X: Contact based discovery. Contact based discovery.
• X: Contact syncing and removal. Contact syncing and removal.
• X: Location labels. Location labels.
• X: Safe search filters. Safe search filters.
• X: Word and conversation muting. Word and conversation muting.

• X: Notification filters. Notification filters.
• X: Blocking limits. Blocking limits.
• X: Post and message reporting. Post and message reporting.
• X: Login authentication. Login authentication.
• X: Password recovery. Password recovery.

• X: Reset protection and alerts. Reset protection and alerts.
• X: Sessions and application permissions. Sessions and application permissions.
• X: Assistant data choices. Assistant data choices.
• X: Data personalisation controls. Data personalisation controls.
• X: Private account export. Private account export.

• X: Post deletion. Post deletion.
• X: Account deactivation. Account deactivation.
• X: Public audio participation. Public audio participation.

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Last updated: 10 October 2026