Switch from X to Mastodon
Mastodon is a social network made of many independent servers. You pick a server, set up your profile, tell your followers where to find you, download your X archive and then deactivate your X account.
Good to know
- Your posts and followers do not move from X to Mastodon. Keep the X archive as your copy.
- Request the X archive before you deactivate: afterwards you cannot download it.
- Your Mastodon address includes the server, like an email address: @name@server. You can move to another server later and take your followers with you.
Steps
Choose a server
Browse the server directory on joinmastodon.org, sorted by topic and language. Read the rules of a server on its about page before you join.
Sign up and set up your profile
Depending on the server, you sign up right away, need an invite or send a short application. Add a picture and a short bio so people from X recognise you.
Tell your followers
Post your full Mastodon address (@name@server) or your profile link on X and put it in your X bio. Then follow the people you find on Mastodon.
Download your X archive
On X, go to Settings and privacy > Your account > Download an archive of your data, confirm your password and click Request archive. X notifies you by email and in the app when it is ready.
Deactivate your X account
When the archive is saved, deactivate your X account. Deactivation lasts 30 days. If you do not log in during that time, the account is deleted and your username is no longer tied to it. Logging in within the 30 days restores the account.
Later: moving to another server
If you want to change servers one day, export your follows under Settings > Import and export > Export, import them on the new account and redirect the old account to the new one. Posts and media cannot be imported.
Sources
Official help pages of the providers, last checked on 25 September 2026. Providers change their apps: if a step no longer matches, the linked help page is authoritative.