Go to Settings and privacy, then Your account, then Download an archive of your data. Confirm your password and request it. X (formerly Twitter) emails you when it is ready, usually within a day or two, then you download a zip file containing your tweets, media, and account information.
Why you might want your archive
I get asked about this a lot. People want a backup before they delete their account, or they want to check old tweets without scrolling for hours. Some just want proof of what they posted and when.
Whatever your reason, the process is the same. It is built into the platform, so you do not need any third party tools or browser extensions to get it.
Where to find the download option
You need to be logged in on a desktop browser or the mobile app. The option sits inside your account settings, not somewhere obvious like your profile page.
On desktop, click More in the left menu, then Settings and privacy. On mobile, tap your profile icon, then Settings and privacy. From there you are looking for Your account.
Step by step: requesting your archive
Once you are in Settings and privacy, follow these steps in order. It only takes a couple of minutes to set the request going.
- Go to Settings and privacy
- Tap or click Your account
- Select Download an archive of your data
- Enter your password to confirm it is you
- Click or tap Request archive
After that last step, you wait. X (formerly Twitter) will send you an email and also a notification inside the app when your file is ready.
How long it takes
This is not instant. In my experience it usually takes anywhere from a few hours to a couple of days, depending on how much data is attached to your account.
Accounts with years of tweets, lots of media, and a long follower history tend to take longer. If you have only had your account a short while, it should be quicker.
There is no way to speed this up. You just have to wait for the notification and email to land.
Downloading the file once it is ready
When you get the email or notification, go back to the same Settings and privacy path. Select Your account, then Download an archive of your data again. You should see a button to download the archive rather than request it.
Confirm your password once more, then download the zip file. Save it somewhere you will remember, because you may want to refer back to it later.
What is inside the archive
The zip file contains a mix of data. There is an HTML file that lets you browse your own tweets in a format that looks a bit like the platform itself, which is handy if you just want to read through your history.
You will also find your account information, such as your username, display name, bio, and account creation date. There is data on your followers and who you follow, plus any direct messages if you have any saved.
Media you have posted, including photos and videos, is included as separate files. There are also JSON files behind the scenes that store the raw data, which developers or more technical users might want to dig into.
I cannot tell you the exact folder structure will never change, because platforms update these things over time. But broadly, expect tweets, media, account details, and connection data as the core parts.
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What you will not find in there
It is worth being clear about this. The archive does not include tweets from other people, even ones you have interacted with. It is your data, not a record of the whole platform.
It also will not include anything you deleted before requesting the archive. If you deleted a tweet last year, it will not show up here. The archive reflects your account as it stands at the time you request it.
I cannot confirm it captures every single interaction, like every like or every reply thread in full context, so do not treat it as a complete social history. Treat it as a solid personal backup instead.
What to do with it once you have it
Some people archive it and forget about it, which is fine if you just wanted peace of mind. Others use the HTML file to browse old tweets before deciding what to delete.
If you are moving away from the platform or just want a personal record, this file is the closest thing to an official export you will get. Keep a copy somewhere safe, such as an external drive or a cloud folder you trust.
I would not rely on it as your only backup if the content really matters to you. Keep more than one copy, just as you would with any other important file.
Related: the developers page.
Frequently asked questions
Can I download my Twitter archive on mobile?
Yes. Open the app, tap your profile icon, then go to Settings and privacy, Your account, and Download an archive of your data. The steps mirror the desktop process.
How long does it take to get the archive?
It varies. Some accounts get the file within a few hours, others wait a day or two. It depends on how much data and media is attached to your account history.
Does the archive include deleted tweets?
No. The archive only reflects your account as it stands when you request it. Anything you deleted beforehand will not appear in the download.
Will the archive show other people's tweets?
No. It only contains your own tweets, media, account details, and connection data such as followers and following. It is not a record of the wider platform.
More X and Twitter fixes: the X help guide.
