GUIDE

How to send a Direct Message on X (Twitter)

To send a DM on X, open Messages (the envelope icon in the app), select the new message icon, enter a name or @username, write your message and send it. You can message anyone who follows you. To let customers you don't follow message you, turn on message requests from everyone under Settings and privacy, Privacy and safety, Direct Messages.

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Who can you send a Direct Message to on X?

You can't be in a one-to-one conversation with an account you block.

  • Anyone who follows you, one to one or in a group
  • People who have turned on message requests from everyone, which X says some accounts, particularly businesses, have done
  • People who allow requests from Verified users, if your account is Verified
  • Anyone you've messaged before
  • Members of the same Premium Business or Premium Organization, even if you don't follow each other

Source: X Help Center: About Direct Messages, checked 15 October 2026

How do you send a DM on X?

On x.com, press Shift and Enter together for a new line; Enter on its own sends the message.

  1. In the app, tap the envelope icon. On x.com, click Messages in the left navigation.
  2. Select the new message icon.
  3. Enter the names or @usernames of the people you want to message. A group can include up to 256 people.
  4. Write your message. You can add a photo, video, GIF or emoji.
  5. Send it: tap the send icon in the app, or click Send or press Enter on x.com.

Source: X Help Center: About Direct Messages, checked 15 October 2026

How do you let customers message your business?

X's page names the setting differently by app: Allow message requests from everyone in the iOS app, Receive messages from anyone on Android and x.com. Messages from people you don't follow then arrive in Requests, where you Accept or Delete them, and senders can't see you've read a request until you accept it. Turning the setting off later doesn't stop people you already have a conversation with; block or report them for that.

  1. On x.com, click More in the navigation bar.
  2. Select Settings and privacy, then Privacy and safety.
  3. Under Direct Messages, tick Receive messages from anyone.

Source: X Help Center: About Direct Messages, checked 15 October 2026

How do you edit, pin, snooze and delete DMs?

  • Edit: select the three dots next to a message, then Edit. There's no time limit, each message can be edited up to 5 times, and Edited shows underneath
  • Pin: in the iOS app, swipe right on a conversation and tap the pin icon. You can pin up to six
  • Search: use the search bar in your messages. Images and GIFs can't be searched
  • Snooze: from a conversation's info icon, snooze notifications for 1 hour, 8 hours, 1 week or Forever
  • Delete: tap and hold a message and select Delete message. It's only removed from your account; others still see it

Source: X Help Center: About Direct Messages, checked 15 October 2026

How do message requests, filters and read receipts work?

  • The quality filter is on by default in the iOS and Android apps. It hides requests X thinks are lower quality, without notifications, at the bottom of Requests
  • To change it, tap Change settings at the top of the Requests tab and toggle Quality filter
  • Media in a request stays hidden until you accept it or tap View media
  • A graphic media filter is on by default and shows a warning over graphic media
  • Read receipts are on by default. Turn off Show read receipts under Privacy and safety, Direct Messages; you then can't see other people's either

Source: X Help Center: About Direct Messages, checked 15 October 2026

Why can't you send or receive a DM on X?

  • The person doesn't follow you and hasn't turned on requests from everyone, or from Verified users if you're Verified
  • You've blocked them, or they've blocked you
  • A customer's message is missing: check Requests, including the low-quality section at the bottom
  • Your account is limited for a possible rules violation: X says you can then only message your followers
  • A link looks different: X shortens links in DMs to t.co links
  • Be careful with media: recipients can download or reshare it, and anyone with the link can view it

Sources: X Help Center: About Direct Messages, checked 15 October 2026; X Help Center: Help with locked or limited account, checked 15 October 2026

Where does Zolyp fit? (Disclosure: Zolyp is our product)

DMs are where customers ask the real questions. Zolyp takes the posting off your plate: it plans, writes and schedules your X posts, so your time goes on replies, and you approve the week in minutes. There's a 3-day free trial, no card required.

Common questions

Can I DM someone on X who doesn't follow me?

Yes, if they've turned on message requests from everyone, if they allow requests from Verified users and you're Verified, or if you've messaged each other before.

How many people can be in an X group message?

Up to 256, according to X's Direct Messages help page.

Can I edit a DM on X?

Yes. Select the three dots next to the message, then Edit. Each message can be edited up to 5 times, with no time limit.

Does deleting a DM on X delete it for everyone?

No. X says deleting a message or conversation removes it from your account only; other people in the conversation can still see it.

How do I turn off read receipts on X?

Go to Settings and privacy, Privacy and safety, and turn off Show read receipts under Direct Messages. You then won't see other people's read receipts either.

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