How do you delete your twitter account

(Pocket-lint) - Whether you're just getting a bit caught up in the emotion of online spats or you want to detox your life from digital influences, there are plenty of reasons you might want to delete your Twitter account.

However, doing it permanently actually requires you to jump through a few hoops, so you might like some guidance on how to get it done. We've got a step-by-step guide for you right here.

How to delete your Twitter permanently

Before you can completely delete your Twitter account, you have to deactivate it and wait 30 days - this is to prevent people from rashly deleting their account then regretting it, in theory.

To do this, follow these steps:

• In the app, use the left-hand navigation menu to select "Settings and privacy"
• Next, tap "Your account", then "Deactivate your account"
• Read the information presented then tap "Deactivate" if you're sure
• Enter your account password and tap "Deactivate" again

This sets your account into its deactivated stage, and the good news is that if you really want to delete it, you don't have to do anything more. In 30 days' time, provided you don't log into your account at any time, the account will automatically be deleted.

You should also know that if you want to use the email address associated with your account for another Twitter down the line, you should change it in your account settings before deleting your profile or it'll be locked to your deleted account once it's gone.

Writing by Max Freeman-Mills. Editing by Britta O'Boyle.

So you've decided that you are no longer comfortable using Twitter, or you have decided that you really do need to halt the spread of that embarrassing Tweet that you posted.

Well, the good news is that it is entirely possible to permanently delete your account.

It’s also really simple to do - once you know-how! All you need to do is just follow those steps.

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How to Delete Your Twitter Account

Step 1 – Sign into Twitter

Sign into your Twitter account. This needs to be done via the full site rather than the Twitter app, as the app doesn’t include the deactivation link.

Log in to Twitter.

Step 2 – Go to Settings and Privacy

Click on your profile and select the Settings and Privacy option under More, in the menu on the left-hand side of the page.

Click on settings and privacy.

Step 3- Click on Deactivate my Account

Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click the ‘Deactivate my account’ link.

Select Deactivate Your Account from the menu.

Step 4 – Confirm your Decision

At this point, you are redirected to a confirmation page. If you are sure that you want to go ahead with removing your account, then click the big blue Deactivate button at the bottom of the message.

Confirm you want to deactivate your account.

Step 5 – Enter Your Password

You are now taken to a page that double-checks that you really want to delete your account. To confirm that you want to take this action, enter your password and click the Deactivate button.

Re-enter your password to confirm.

Step 6 – Uninstall the app

If you have the Twitter app on your phone, tablet, or another device, uninstall the app.

You cannot deactivate your account from the app, but accidentally clicking on the app will reverse the deactivation process within the first 30 days after you have chosen to deactivate the account. So, the best course of action is to remove the app itself.

Step 7 – Don’t log into your account for 30 days

You are almost there, but it is crucial to note again that there is a 30-day deactivation period.

If during this time you log into your account, or any apps or services that are integrated with Twitter, you will find that your Twitter account is no longer deactivated. You’ll need to go through the process again.

The best way to avoid this is to go through all your apps and services and disconnect them from your Twitter account. Yes, this is time-consuming, but it is necessary to ensure that your deactivation becomes permanent to safeguard your privacy.

Once you complete these 7 steps and avoid logging in for 30 days, your account is gone for good.

This includes all your contacts and any direct messages that you have sent or received.

However, as with most other services, any information shared on other pages or with other people through Direct Messaging still exists on the receiver’s end.

This is important to note, because if you’re hoping to wipe all traces of an embarrassing conversation, it may not be possible unless the other person is willing to delete the information or deactivate their account as well.

If you're also interested in deleting your Facebook account, click here.

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