Short answer
If you deactivated within the last 30 days, just log in to reactivate; if the account was hacked, use X's hacked-account form; if it was suspended, file an appeal from the notice or X's help forms.
Key takeaways
- Deactivated accounts can be restored only within 30 days.
- Hacked accounts: reset the password from the login screen first, then use the hacked-account form if the email was changed.
- Suspensions are appealed, not 'restored'; read the reason in the notice.
"Restore my account" covers four different situations on X. Work out which one you're in first, because each has a different fix.
Which situation am I in?
Deactivated by you, hacked, locked by X, or suspended by X.
| Situation | What you see | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| You deactivated it | Logged out, profile gone | Log in within 30 days |
| Hacked | Can't log in, or posts you didn't write | Password reset, then hacked-account form |
| Locked | "Your account is locked" with a challenge | Complete the challenge (phone, email, password) |
| Suspended | "Your account is suspended" notice | Appeal |
How do I reactivate a deactivated account?
Log in with your username and password within 30 days of deactivating.
X asks whether you want to reactivate. Confirm, and the account comes back with posts and followers, though counts can take a little while to catch up. After 30 days it's gone for good.
How do I recover a hacked account?
Reset the password from the login screen, revoke unknown sessions, and if the attacker changed your email, use X's hacked-account form.
- On the login page, choose Forgot password? and reset it through your email or phone.
- Once in, go to Security and account access > Apps and sessions and log out all other sessions; remove apps you don't recognize.
- Turn on two-factor authentication.
- Delete posts the attacker made and warn followers.
- If the reset didn't work because the email and phone were changed, use the hacked account option in X's help forms.
More steps in how to reset your X account and how to secure your account.
How do I appeal a suspension?
Use the appeal link in the suspension notice or X's suspended account form, and explain briefly and politely.
State the account, what you believe happened and why it doesn't break the rules, or acknowledge the mistake and say what you've changed. Avoid creating a new account while suspended: that's ban evasion and can make the suspension permanent. Locked accounts are a lighter case; see locked vs protected accounts.
Questions people ask
Why are my followers missing after reactivating?
Follower and post counts can take some time to reappear after reactivation. They usually return within a day or two.
Can I recover an account deleted more than 30 days ago?
No. After the 30-day window the account is permanently deleted and can't be restored.
What if I no longer have the email or phone on the account?
Use the password reset with your username, and if that fails, X's account access form, which asks you to prove ownership.