The Twitter robot check is X's captcha step. It appears when your account looks like it's behaving automatically, and X locks it until you confirm you're not a robot. X says the check runs in the background while you see a spinning wheel, so you don't need to do anything, then you tap Continue to X to get back in.
If you've landed on a 'Please verify your account' screen, don't panic and don't keep refreshing. Below is what each version of that screen means and how to pass it the way X intends, as of October 2026. Nothing here gets around X's checks; it's just how to clear them quickly.
Why X asks you to prove you're not a robot
X's Help Center gives one plain reason: if your account appears to have shown automated behaviour that breaks the X Rules, X may lock it and ask you to pass a captcha challenge. More broadly, X says it may show 'Please verify your account' to keep the platform safe, and you then verify ownership by phone, email or recaptcha.
Here's a detail people don't expect. While your account is in this state, X says visitors to your profile may see a message that the account has shown unusual activity, asking if they still want to view it. So it's worth clearing the check soon, even if you were only planning to browse.
The captcha screen, step by step
- Log in to your account. If you can't log in at all, X's route is its support team.
- Look for the message asking you to verify your account.
- Wait. You'll see a pinwheel or wait cursor while the captcha check completes in the background. X says you don't need to do anything.
- When X has confirmed you're not a robot, tap Continue to X.
That third step is the one that confuses people, because they're expecting a puzzle. In X's own description, this captcha is a background check. Leave the page alone while it runs.
Every verify screen on X and what to do
| What you see | What it means | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Please verify your account, with a spinning wheel | A captcha check for automated behaviour | Wait for it to finish, then tap Continue to X |
| Your account has been locked, with a Start button | X wants to confirm ownership by phone | Tap Start, enter your phone number, then enter the code X texts or calls you with and tap Submit |
| Verify your account, with Send email | X wants to confirm ownership by email | Tap Send email, find the code in your inbox and tap Verify |
| Locked out! after login attempts | Too many failed sign-ins | Wait about an hour and don't request more password resets |
| Features temporarily limited | Aggressive following or engagement was detected | Use X in a limited state for the stated time, or verify your phone or email if offered |
| A question only you would know, or an emailed code | An extra check at log in | Answer it, or enter the code. If you can't, contact support |
Two things about the phone route. X says it will associate the number you enter with your account, and the code may take a few minutes to arrive. If you've got an email on the account, X also sends instructions there, so check spam, junk and social folders too.
Locked out after too many login attempts
This is a different lock, and it's a timer, not a test. After a limited number of failed sign-ins, X temporarily stops you from trying, even with the right password. X says the lock lasts about an hour and then clears on its own. X explains why: it doesn't want to give hackers unlimited attempts at guessing your password.
If it doesn't clear after an hour, X suggests:
- Turn off third-party apps that log in for you, such as X Pro, Hootsuite or widgets.
- Wait another hour.
- Check that you can sign in at x.com/login, and only then turn those apps back on.
If you use X Pro, X says keeping it open may be what's causing the repeated locks. Sign out of it, close it fully, wait an hour, and log in on x.com first. If you can't remember your password, you can reset your password, but X is clear that you shouldn't keep requesting resets while a lock is running.
When the verification code doesn't arrive
- Text messages can be slow. X says to wait at least two minutes before trying to sign in again.
- Your phone is offline or in flight mode. You may not get SMS codes. X suggests the Login code generator in the app instead, under Settings and privacy, Account, Security.
- You've changed number or carrier. Update your settings while logged in, or use a backup code. X lets you have up to five active backup codes, and using one out of order cancels the earlier ones.
- You're with Verizon. X suggests logging out and back in, and if that fails, texting GO to 40404 to opt in to its texts.
If text codes are a recurring problem, here's more on text message login codes on X.
The Not a Bot test
Some people search 'Twitter not a bot' because of a separate X program. From October 17th, 2023, X started testing Not a Bot for new accounts on the web in two countries, New Zealand and the Philippines. New users there verify a phone number first, then choose a small annual subscription or a Premium plan. Anyone who opts out gets read-only access: they can read posts, watch videos and follow accounts, but not post, like, reply or repost. X says existing users aren't affected by the test.
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If verifying isn't working for you
If you've lost access to the email or phone number on your account, X says to contact its support team, and admits that sometimes the only option is to create a new account. If you're setting up a brand new account and get locked out, support is the route there too. If you think the lock was a mistake, X says you can appeal through support. For the reasons accounts end up here in the first place, see why accounts get locked.
My honest view
I'd treat the robot check as a nudge, not a punishment. Let the captcha finish, verify by phone or email if asked, and then look at what triggered it: tools posting for you, or a burst of following and liking. Keep the email and phone on your account up to date, because X says that's exactly what you'll need to get back in.
I keep every related walkthrough in the Twitter (X) Help: 21 Guides to Features, Verification, Video Fixes and Tools.
Frequently asked questions
Why does X keep asking me to verify I'm not a robot?
X says it may lock an account and ask for a captcha if the account appears to show automated behaviour that breaks the X Rules. Third-party tools logging in for you can also trigger repeated login locks.
What do I do on the X captcha screen?
Nothing while it runs. X says you'll see a pinwheel or wait cursor while the captcha completes in the background. When it's done, tap Continue to X.
How long does the Twitter login lock last?
X says a lock after too many failed login attempts lasts about an hour and clears on its own. Don't request more password resets while you wait.
Why hasn't my X verification code arrived?
X says text messages can be delayed, so wait at least two minutes before trying again. Email codes can take a few minutes, so check spam, junk and social folders.
Is Twitter's Not a Bot check for everyone?
No. X describes Not a Bot as a test for new accounts on the web in New Zealand and the Philippines. Existing users aren't affected.
