The X mobile app brings the entire platform to your phone, making it easy to post, engage, and stay updated wherever you are. This guide covers everything from initial setup to advanced features.
Getting Started with the X App
Downloading the App
The X app is available on both major mobile platforms:
iOS (iPhone/iPad):
- Open the App Store
- Search for "X" or "Twitter"
- Tap Get to download
- Open after installation
Android:
- Open Google Play Store
- Search for "X" or "Twitter"
- Tap Install
- Open after download completes
The app is free to download and use. Premium features require a subscription.
Creating Your Account
New users can sign up directly in the app:
- Open X and tap Sign Up
- Enter your information: Name, email or phone number, date of birth
- Choose a username: This becomes your @handle (e.g., @yourname)
- Create a password: Use a strong combination of letters, numbers, and symbols
- Verify your account: Confirm via email or SMS code
Setting Up Your Profile
A complete profile builds credibility:
Profile photo:
- Tap the camera icon on your profile
- Choose a clear image of yourself or your logo
- Recommended size: 400x400 pixels
Header image:
- Tap the larger image area at the top
- Select an image that represents you or your brand
- Recommended size: 1500x500 pixels
Bio:
- Tap Edit Profile
- Write up to 160 characters describing yourself
- Include relevant keywords for discoverability
Location and website:
- Add your location (city, country, or general area)
- Link to your website or other social profiles
Navigating the App
The X app uses a simple five-tab navigation at the bottom:
Home Tab
Your main feed showing posts from accounts you follow. The algorithm determines order based on engagement, your interactions, and relevance. Pull down to refresh for new content.
Search Tab
Find accounts, topics, and trending content. The top section shows what's trending. Use the search bar for specific queries.
Grok Tab (if available)
Access to X's AI assistant for questions and conversations. Premium feature in some regions.
Notifications Tab
Shows interactions with your content: likes, reposts, replies, mentions, and new followers. Filter by type using the tabs at the top.
Messages Tab
Direct messages with other users. Start conversations by tapping the compose icon.
Creating Posts
The floating blue button (bottom right) opens the post composer.
Writing a post:
- Tap the compose button
- Write your message (up to 280 characters, or longer with Premium)
- Add media if desired
- Tap Post to publish
Adding media:
- Photos: Tap the image icon to add up to 4 images
- Videos: Record or select from your gallery
- GIFs: Tap the GIF icon to browse the library
- Polls: Create interactive polls with up to 4 options
Post options:
- Who can reply: Limit replies to everyone, accounts you follow, verified accounts, or only mentioned users
- Location: Add your location to the post (optional)
- Schedule: Plan posts for later (desktop feature, third-party apps available for mobile)
Engaging with Content
Basic Interactions
Like: Tap the heart icon to appreciate a post
Repost: Tap the repost icon to share with your followers (choose repost or quote)
Reply: Tap the speech bubble to respond to a post
Bookmark: Tap the bookmark icon to save for later viewing
Share: Tap the share icon to send via other apps or copy the link
Quote Posts
Quote posts let you add your commentary while sharing:
- Tap the repost icon
- Select "Quote"
- Add your thoughts
- Tap Post
This creates a new post containing the original, with your commentary above.
Using Spaces
Spaces are live audio conversations on X.
Joining a Space:
- Look for the purple ring around profile pictures
- Tap on an active Space notification
- Listen or request to speak
Starting a Space:
- Long-press the compose button
- Select Spaces
- Name your Space and start talking
Spaces work well for discussions, Q&As, and community building.
Managing Notifications
Control what alerts you receive:
- Go to Settings and Privacy
- Select Notifications
- Configure preferences for:
- Push notifications
- Email notifications
- Filter preferences
- Muted notifications
Notification filters:
- Filter by quality to reduce spam
- Mute specific accounts
- Mute specific words or phrases
Privacy and Security Settings
Two-Factor Authentication
Add an extra security layer:
- Go to Settings
- Select Security and Account Access
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication
- Choose your method: text message, authentication app, or security key
Privacy Settings
Control who can interact with you:
- Protected tweets: Only approved followers see your posts
- Photo tagging: Control who can tag you in images
- Discoverability: Manage how people find your account
Blocked and Muted Accounts
Manage problem accounts:
- Tap the three dots on any post or profile
- Select Block or Mute
- Review blocked/muted lists in Settings
X Premium Features on Mobile
Premium unlocks additional capabilities:
- Longer posts: Up to 25,000 characters
- Edit posts: Modify posts after publishing
- Verification badge: Blue checkmark on your profile
- Reduced ads: See approximately half as many ads
- Priority ranking: Your replies appear higher in threads
- Longer video uploads: Up to 3 hours
Subscribe through the app or X.com.
Tips for Mobile Use
Battery and data:
- Enable data saver mode in Settings to reduce media auto-loading
- Videos consume significant data; download on Wi-Fi
Accessibility:
- Increase text size in Settings > Accessibility
- Enable image descriptions for screen readers
Efficiency:
- Use swipe gestures for quick actions
- Double-tap to like posts
- Long-press profile pictures to preview
Mobile vs. Desktop Differences
Some features work differently or are unavailable on mobile:
Desktop only:
- Advanced scheduling (built-in)
- Analytics dashboard (full version)
- TweetDeck/X Pro access
Mobile advantages:
- Push notifications
- Camera integration
- Location tagging
- Spaces hosting
Consider using Postel's post scheduler if you need mobile scheduling capabilities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can't I schedule posts on the mobile app?
X's built-in scheduling is a desktop feature. For mobile scheduling, use third-party tools that support the X API or draft posts in the app for manual publishing later.
How do I switch between accounts on mobile?
Tap and hold your profile picture, then select from linked accounts or tap "Add an existing account" to sign in to another profile.
Can I use X on a tablet?
Yes. The X app works on tablets. On iPads, you get an expanded interface similar to desktop. Android tablets use the phone interface.
Why are my notifications delayed?
Check that notifications are enabled in both the X app settings and your device's system settings. Also ensure battery optimization isn't limiting the app.
How do I report a problem with the app?
Go to Settings > Help Center > Contact Us, or shake your device while in the app to access the feedback tool.
The X mobile app provides a complete platform experience in your pocket. Master the basics: posting, engaging, and navigating. Then explore advanced features like Spaces and Premium as your needs grow. The app continually updates, so check release notes for new features.