How to stop Twitter revealing your account through your email or phone number

Keep your private obsessions private.
By Amanda Yeo  on 
The Twitter logo seen on a computer screen through a magnifying glass.
Changing this setting could help keep your social media presence on the down low. Credit: Rafael Henrique / SOPA Images / LightRocket via Getty Images

It's reasonable to assume users are more likely to join a social media platform if people they know are already on it. Yet sometimes the fact that nobody knows you're there is the entire appeal. For better or worse, having a secret Twitter account allows us to explore sides of ourselves we wouldn't if we knew our grandmas might see it, posting everything from thirst traps to racism with reckless abandon.

But just because you don't show Nanna your furry art account, it doesn't mean she won't find it and ask awkward questions. Twitter allows users to upload their address book contacts to reveal accounts associated with saved email addresses and phone numbers, which could very quickly blow your cover.

Mashable Light Speed
Want more out-of-this world tech, space and science stories?
Sign up for Mashable's weekly Light Speed newsletter.
By signing up you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up!

Fortunately, you can opt out of being discovered this way, and keep your undying devotion to Jungkook hidden from your partner for a little while longer. Here's how to stop people finding your Twitter account through your email or phone number.

  1. Open Twitter.

  2. If you're on desktop, click on "More…" in the navigation bar on the left to reveal more options. If you're on mobile, open the navigation bar by tapping on your profile picture in the top left corner.

  3. Click or tap on "Settings and privacy" in the navigation bar.

  4. Click or tap on "Privacy and safety."

  5. Click or tap on "Discoverability and contacts."

  6. You will be taken to a menu that allows you to control how others can find your account. Select or toggle whether people can find you via your email or phone number.

You can change these settings at any time, so you can re-enable your discoverability if you suddenly decide to come clean about your online activities.

Topics Twitter How-To

Amanda Yeo
Amanda Yeo
Reporter

Amanda Yeo is Mashable's Australian reporter, covering entertainment, culture, tech, science, and social good. This includes everything from video games and K-pop to movies and gadgets.


Recommended For You

How to cancel NordVPN — and get a refund
NordVPN on a phone

AdultFriendFinder is basically a porn hookup site that's stuck in the past
Phone in hand

How to change your wallpaper on iPhone
A close-up of a person holding an iPhone.

How to change your Gmail password
An illustration of a person on their laptop surrounded by emails.

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for May 8
A phone displaying the New York Times game 'Connections.'

'Wordle' today: Here's the answer hints for May 8
a phone displaying Wordle

NYT's The Mini crossword answers for May 8
Closeup view of crossword puzzle clues

NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for May 7
A phone displaying the New York Times game 'Connections.'

The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!