Lock Down Your X (FKA Twitter) Account: A No-Nonsense Guide to Keep Your Data Safe

In the wild west of social media, locking down your X (formerly Twitter) account is like securing your front door—crucial, yet often overlooked. Whether you're posting memes, following influencers, or just browsing, keeping cybercriminals and nosy corporations at bay is key. Follow these tips to boost your security across any device you’re using.

Regardless of whether you’re using Windows, Mac, iPhone, or Android, these steps are your universal shield against digital mischief and unwanted ads. Think of them as your first line of defense in the social media battleground.

1. Power Up Your Password

The cornerstone of securing your X account is a robust password. Forget about using your dog's name or "password123." Your password should be:

• At least 8 characters long.
• A mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters like $, @, or %.
• Unique (don’t reuse passwords from other accounts).
• Not easily guessable (avoid using personal details like your birthdate or common phrases).

To change your password:

1. Open the X app or website and log in.
2. Click on the menu icon (upper left on mobile or left sidebar on desktop).
3. Select Settings and privacy.
4. Navigate to Your account > Change your password.
5. Enter your current password and then your new, stronger password twice.
6. Click or tap Save.

2. Activate Two-Factor Authentication (2FA)

2FA adds an extra layer of security by requiring a one-time code in addition to your password when logging in.

Here’s how to set it up:

1. Go to Settings and privacy.
2. Select Security and account access > Security > Two-Factor Authentication.
3. Choose your authentication method:
   • Text message (SMS): Receive a one-time code via SMS.
   • Authentication app: Use an app like Google Authenticator or Authy to generate codes.
   • Security key: Use a physical device like a YubiKey for added security.

Once 2FA is enabled, X will generate a backup code. Save this code securely—it’s your lifeline if you lose access to your phone.

3. Block Geolocation

Your location data is precious, and X doesn’t need to know where you are.

To keep your location private:

1. Go to Settings and privacy.
2. Select Privacy and safety.
3. Scroll down to Location information.
4. Toggle off Add location information to my Tweets to stop geotagging your posts.
5. On mobile, also toggle off Precise location to prevent the app from using your exact location.

4. Mute and Block

Keep your X experience enjoyable by filtering out unwanted content:

To mute specific words, phrases, or hashtags:

1. In Settings and privacy, go to Privacy and safety > Mute and block.
2. Tap Muted words.
3. Tap the + icon (on mobile) or Add (on desktop) to enter words or phrases you want to mute.
4. Select where the mute should apply (Home timeline, Notifications).
5. Choose how long the mute should last (Forever, 24 hours, 7 days, or 30 days).
6. Tap Save.

To block users:

1. Visit the profile of the user you want to block.
2. Tap the three dots icon on their profile page.
3. Select Block @username.
4. Confirm by tapping Block.

5. Notification Control

Fine-tune notifications to avoid distractions:

1. In Settings and privacy, go to Notifications > Filters.
2. Turn on Quality filter to reduce low-quality notifications.
3. Under Muted notifications, select categories of users whose activities you don’t want to be notified about (e.g., accounts without a profile picture, unverified email addresses).

Final Thoughts

No matter what device you’re using, taking a few minutes to tighten up your X account’s privacy settings can save you from a world of headaches. Whether it’s blocking trolls, hiding your location, or just ensuring your account stays safe from hacks, these steps will help you stay in control of your digital life.