How to extract your data from X to migrate to another platform

Since Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter, now called X, many individuals, media organizations, politicians, and celebrities have opted to leave the platform. This exodus is a protest against the political and, at times, aggressive direction X has taken. As alternatives, they are moving to platforms like BlueSky and Mastodon, which are open-source, or Threads, which is Meta’s version.

Tools like the French-developed HelloQuitX are available to help users migrate their X accounts to other social networks. Whether you’re looking to switch platforms while preserving your activity history or just want to download all the data X has on your account, here’s how you can do it.

Step-by-step guide to export your data from X

Legally, X must provide you with a file containing all your personal data if you request it. This file, which includes your followers/following list and tweets, is particularly helpful when moving to a new platform. To request this data, follow these instructions:

1. Select “More” from the main navigation menu on the left side of your timeline.
2. Choose “Settings and privacy”.
3. Go to the “Account” section within “Settings”.
4. Click on “Your X data” under “Data and permissions”.
5. Choose “Download an archive of your data”. X will ask for your password for identity verification and will send you an SMS or email to confirm.
6. Once verified, a “Request an archive” button will appear on the right. Click this button.

You’ll need to wait 1 to 3 days for X to prepare your data. When it’s ready, you’ll receive an email notification. Return to the “Download an archive of your data” section and download the .ZIP file provided.

Now, you’ll have a file with your tweets, and lists of followers and followed accounts.

What is HelloQuitX?

HelloQuitX is a tool from France designed for X users who are dissatisfied with the platform’s political direction under Elon Musk and wish to move to platforms like Mastodon, BlueSky, or Threads.

According to their website, HelloQuitX states, “As Elon Musk uses X/Twitter, including the algorithm, for political purposes, X has become a danger to democracies. It’s time to change things… The election of Donald Trump was a wake-up call. This is a unique opportunity to create a global shift towards social networks that can reduce misinformation, societal polarization, and manipulation of global opinion.”

Following Donald Trump’s inauguration as U.S. President, the tool was used by 30,000 individuals, companies, and organizations in 24 hours. This was in response to the “Leave X on #January20th” campaign, urging users to leave X in protest of Trump’s and Musk’s influence.

Other Tools to Extract Your Data from X

In addition to HelloQuitX, other tools are available to help users transfer their data from X to other platforms.

ThreadLink is a straightforward app found on Google Play and the Apple Store that lets you move your followers from X into Threads.

OpenVibe is a free app that operates on a single timeline, gathering content from four decentralized social networks (Threads, Mastodon, Nostr, and Bluesky). This allows users to see posts from the people they follow, no matter where the original content was posted.

Follow the Sky is another tool that enables you to import your list of followed users from X and search for them on Bluesky. To use this, you need to upload your follower list from X, and the tool searches for those users on Bluesky.

With Skeeter, you can also transfer your personal data from X or Mastodon to find your contacts on Bluesky. You upload a .js file containing your data, and Skeeter will attempt to locate those people on Bluesky.

Finally, Sky Follower Bridge is a browser extension that simplifies finding your followers on Bluesky. You just install the extension, go to your follower list on X, and run it. The extension will look for those users on Bluesky.

Do you know any others? Let us know.

Photo: Depositphotos.