How Do You Stop Following Someone on Twitter? The Definitive Guide

So, you’ve decided to trim your Twitter feed, eh? Maybe someone’s tweets have become a constant source of annoyance, perhaps their interests have diverged from yours, or maybe you simply need to declutter your digital life. Whatever the reason, unfollowing someone on Twitter is a straightforward process. There are two primary methods to achieve this:

Method 1: Unfollowing from Their Profile Page

1. Navigate to the person’s Twitter profile. You can do this by searching for their username in the Twitter search bar, clicking on their username in a tweet, or finding them in your “Following” list.
2. Locate the “Following” button. This button is prominently displayed on their profile page, usually near their profile picture and bio.
3. Click the “Following” button. This action will change the button to say “Unfollow” or display an “Unfollow?” confirmation. If you see “Unfollow?”, click it again to confirm.

Method 2: Unfollowing from Your “Following” List

1. Access your “Following” list. Click on your profile icon, then select “Profile,” then click on the “Following” count displayed on your profile page. This will take you to a list of everyone you currently follow.
2. Scroll through your list or use the search bar. Locate the account you wish to unfollow.
3. Click the “Following” button next to their name. Just like on their profile, this will either unfollow them directly or prompt you to confirm the unfollow action.

And that’s it! You’ve successfully unfollowed someone on Twitter. It’s quick, painless, and easily reversible if you change your mind later. Now, let’s dive into some frequently asked questions to give you a complete understanding of unfollowing and related Twitter etiquette.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Unfollowing on Twitter

What Happens When You Unfollow Someone on Twitter?

When you unfollow someone, their tweets will no longer appear in your home timeline. They won’t receive a notification directly informing them that you’ve unfollowed them. However, they might notice if they keep track of their follower count. You will also no longer be able to directly message them if they don’t follow you back, depending on their DM settings. Their tweets will also no longer appear when you’re looking at “For You” as this is tailored to your follow list.

Does Unfollowing Someone Block Them?

No, unfollowing someone is different from blocking them. Unfollowing simply removes their tweets from your timeline. Blocking prevents them from seeing your tweets, following you, or directly messaging you. It’s a more drastic measure. They will still see your tweets if they log out of their account.

Can Someone Tell If I Unfollowed Them?

Twitter doesn’t send a notification when someone unfollows you. However, users who are particularly attentive to their follower count might notice the decrease. Third-party apps and websites also exist that can track follower changes, but their accuracy isn’t always guaranteed. Some people regularly purge their follow list, it is often nothing personal.

Will They Know if I Visit Their Profile After Unfollowing?

Visiting someone’s profile after unfollowing them doesn’t automatically notify them. However, they might see your profile listed under “Who to follow” if Twitter’s algorithm suggests they follow you. It’s also possible they could infer that you’ve been viewing their profile if you interact with their tweets after unfollowing (e.g., liking or retweeting).

If I Unfollow Someone, Will They Be Able to See My Tweets?

If your account is public, anyone, including someone you’ve unfollowed, can see your tweets simply by visiting your profile. If your account is private, only your approved followers can see your tweets. Unfollowing someone doesn’t change your account privacy settings.

Can I Unfollow Someone Anonymously?

Twitter doesn’t offer a feature to unfollow someone anonymously. The person will be able to see that you are not following them if they visit your profile. As mentioned before, they will not receive a notification.

What Is a “Soft Block,” and How Does It Relate to Unfollowing?

A “soft block” is a technique where you block and then immediately unblock someone. This forces them to unfollow you, and you unfollow them in return. It can be useful if you want to remove someone from your followers without directly asking them to unfollow or having to block them permanently. Soft blocking does not remove them from seeing your tweets if you are a public account, nor does it stop them from searching for your tweets if they are not logged into Twitter.

How Do I Unfollow a Large Number of Accounts Quickly?

While Twitter doesn’t offer a built-in bulk unfollow feature, third-party apps and browser extensions can help you unfollow multiple accounts at once. Be cautious when using these tools, as they can potentially violate Twitter’s terms of service and lead to account suspension. Use them sparingly and carefully. They may also ask you to sign-in using your Twitter credentials, so be wary of phishing scams.

Can I Create a List of People I Don’t Want to See on My Timeline Without Unfollowing?

Yes, you can use Twitter Lists to curate your timeline. By adding accounts to a list, you can view tweets only from those accounts. This allows you to filter out content from accounts you follow but aren’t particularly interested in at the moment, without having to unfollow them.

What’s the Difference Between Muting and Unfollowing?

Muting an account means you won’t see their tweets in your timeline, and you won’t receive notifications from them, but you’ll still be following them. They can still see your tweets and interact with you. Unfollowing removes their tweets from your timeline altogether, and they can only see your tweets if your account is public. Muting is a less drastic alternative to unfollowing.

Will Unfollowing Someone Delete Our Previous Interactions (Mentions, DMs, etc.)?

No, unfollowing someone does not delete your previous interactions with them. Past mentions, direct messages, and replies will remain visible in your and their archives. You can however delete these messages. This will be a personal choice.

Can I Refollow Someone After Unfollowing Them?

Yes, you can refollow someone at any time. Simply navigate to their profile and click the “Follow” button. If their account is private, they will need to approve your follow request again. Remember that if they have blocked you, refollowing will not be possible until they unblock you.

Navigating the intricacies of social media etiquette, especially on a platform as dynamic as Twitter, can sometimes feel like traversing a minefield. Understanding the nuances of unfollowing, muting, and blocking allows you to curate a positive and productive online experience. Don’t be afraid to trim your digital garden and create a space that serves you best. After all, your Twitter feed is your kingdom!