What you need to create a Twitter account

Creating a Twitter account takes about two minutes and requires three things: an email address or phone number, a password you haven't used elsewhere, and a birth date. Twitter (now called X by its owner) lets you sign up directly on its website or through the mobile app for iPhone or Android. You do not need to be invited, pay a fee, or wait for approval — the account exists as soon as you finish the signup process.

Before you start, decide what email address you want to use. You can change your display name and username later, but using a dedicated email (rather than a shared family one) makes it easier to recover your account if you forget your password. If you use a phone number instead of email, make sure it's one you can access for the next few minutes — Twitter sends a confirmation code you'll need to enter.

Key Takeaways

  • You need an email address or phone number, a unique password, and your birth date to create an account.
  • Your username (the @handle) can be changed anytime, but it must be between 4 and 15 characters and cannot contain spaces.
  • Twitter will ask you to confirm your email or phone number by entering a code before your account is fully active.
  • You can set your account to private so only people you approve can see your posts.

Step 1: Go to Twitter and click Sign Up

Open twitter.com in your web browser or open the Twitter app on your phone. Look for the "Sign up" button, usually in the top right corner of the page or at the bottom of the app. Click or tap it to begin.

Twitter will open a popup window or take you to a new page with a form. This is where you'll enter your information. Do not close this window until you've finished all the steps.

Step 2: Enter your email or phone number

In the first field, type the email address you want to use. If you prefer to use a phone number instead, look for a link that says "Use phone number instead" and tap it, then enter your number in the format Twitter shows (usually with your country code).

Use an email address you check regularly. Twitter sends important messages there, including password reset links if you get locked out. If you use a phone number, make sure it's one you have access to right now — you'll need it to receive a confirmation code in the next few minutes.

Step 3: Create a password and enter your name

In the password field, create a password that is at least 8 characters long and includes uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols (like ! or #). Do not use a password you've used on other websites. If you reuse passwords and one website gets hacked, someone could use that password to break into your Twitter account too.

In the "Name" field, enter the name you want to appear on your profile. This can be your real name, a nickname, or anything else — you can change it anytime. This is different from your username (the @handle), which comes next.

Step 4: Choose your username

Your username is the @handle people use to mention you or find you. It must be between 4 and 15 characters, can include letters and numbers, and cannot have spaces. Twitter will show you if the username is taken. If it is, try adding a number or a short word to make it unique — for example, @sarah_writes or @sarahwrites22.

You can change your username later without losing your account or your followers, so do not worry if you cannot get your first choice. Pick something you're comfortable with, and move forward.

Step 5: Confirm your email or phone and set your birth date

Twitter will send a confirmation code to the email address or phone number you entered. Check your email inbox (or text messages if you used a phone number) and look for a message from Twitter. The code is usually a six-digit number. Enter this code in the field Twitter shows you.

Next, enter your birth date. Twitter uses this to verify you're old enough to use the platform (the minimum age is 13 in most countries). Once you enter your birth date and confirm the code, your account is active and ready to use.

What to do after your account is created

After you sign up, Twitter may ask you to add a profile picture and write a short bio about yourself. These are optional, but a profile picture makes your account look more complete and helps people recognize you. Your bio can be up to 160 characters and is a good place to say what you're interested in or what you post about.

You can also choose whether your account is public or private. A public account means anyone can see your posts and follow you without your permission. A private account means you must approve each person who wants to follow you, and only your followers can see your posts. You can change this setting anytime in your account settings under "Privacy and safety."

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a phone number instead of an email address?

Yes. During signup, look for the option to use a phone number instead of email. Twitter will send you a confirmation code by text message. Make sure you have access to that phone number before you start, because you'll need it to complete the signup process.

What if my username is already taken?

Try adding numbers or underscores to make it unique — for example, @sarah_writes or @sarahwrites22. You can also change your username later without losing your account. Twitter does not hold usernames, so if someone is not using theirs, you may be able to claim it after waiting a period of time.

Can I change my username or email after I sign up?

Yes. You can change your username anytime in your account settings under "Account" and then "Username." To change your email, go to "Account" and then "Email." Both changes take effect immediately, and you do not lose your followers or posts.

Is my password stored safely?

Twitter stores passwords using encryption, which means Twitter employees cannot see your actual password. However, use a password you do not use anywhere else. If Twitter is ever hacked, a unique password means someone cannot use it to break into your email, bank, or other accounts.

Do I have to add a profile picture or bio?

No. Both are optional. However, a profile picture helps other users recognize you and makes your account look more established. You can add or change your picture and bio anytime after you create your account.