Short answer
Your numeric account ID is in your X data archive (the account.js file); a post's ID is the long number at the end of its link, after /status/.
Key takeaways
- Account IDs never change, even when the username does.
- Post IDs are visible in every post link; they also encode the time the post was made.
- Be careful with third-party 'ID lookup' sites: only paste public usernames, never log in.
Usernames come and go. The numeric ID behind an account doesn't. If you're building something with the X API, tracking an account that keeps renaming itself, or filling in a support form, the ID is what you need.
How do I find my own account ID?
Download your X data archive and open the account.js file, which lists your accountId.
- Go to Settings and privacy > Your account > Download an archive of your data.
- Confirm your password and the verification code X sends.
- Wait for the email or notification that the archive is ready (it can take a day or more), then download the ZIP.
- Open
data/account.jsin a text editor and look for"accountId".
The archive is useful anyway: it's your complete record of posts, media and messages. See how to download your X data for what it contains.
Is there a faster way?
Developers can call the X API's user lookup by username; others can use a reputable lookup site with a public username.
With API access, the users-by-username endpoint returns the ID. Many free web tools do the same lookup. If you use one, type only the public username and never connect your X account or enter your password. An ID lookup needs no login.
How do I read a post ID?
It's the number at the end of the post's link.
In https://x.com/juniperlane/status/1854213006012345678, the post ID is 1854213006012345678. Copy the link with the share button on any post. Post IDs are "snowflake" numbers: the first part encodes the time the post was created, which is why researchers can date a post from its ID even when the timestamp is hidden.
How do I open an account from its ID?
Visit x.com/i/user/ followed by the ID; X redirects to the current username if the account is public and active.
This is handy when you have an ID from an old export and the username has since changed. If the account was deleted or suspended, you'll see an error page instead.
Questions people ask
Is the account ID private?
No. It's a public identifier used throughout X's systems and API. Knowing it doesn't give anyone access to the account.
Why would I need my account ID?
Developers use it with the X API, some tools ask for it to track an account across username changes, and support forms sometimes request it.
Can I find who owns an ID?
If the account exists and is public, opening x.com/i/user/ followed by the ID in a browser usually redirects to its profile.