Mute words and control mentions on X: a complete guide

Si Twitter (now X) If you are filled with topics that you prefer to avoid, you have a very simple way out: Mute words, phrases, tags, and even accounts so that they don't appear at startup or bother you with your notifications. This, in addition to control mentions on X. is an effective way to filter out noise and protect yourself from spoilers or conversations that don't interest you.

Imagine you don't want to see anything about a specific topic, such as a controversial fruit or a movie premiere. By adding that term to your mute listTweets containing this content will no longer appear in your timeline and won't send you notifications, even if they arrive in replies or mentions. And best of all: you can do this on the web and mobile with very clear duration and reach options.

What exactly can you mute in X?

In X you can add to your mute list single words, complete sentences, @mentions, hashtags and even emojisThat is, it works for both generic terms and combinations with punctuation marks, specific users, and popular tags.

When you silence a word, its associated hashtag is also silencedFor example, if you include Pineapple, you won't see tweets with Pineapple or #Pineapple. It's case-sensitive, so pineapple, PINEAPPLE, and Pineapple are treated the same.

Mute applies to your start timeline and notificationsSearches aren't filtered with this setting: if you type the term into the search engine, it may appear in results even if you've muted it.

In notifications, the feature covers replies and mentions, plus likes, retweets, and quotes that occur within those conversations. This way, you reduce noise where it's most bothersome: in your notifications.

How to mute words and phrases from the web (desktop)

From the browser, the process is straightforward and powerful. Log in to your account and open the profile menu to access Settings and privacy. Inside, locate the Notifications section and select the option to manage your list of terms.

In some menus you will see the link as “Silenced Words” and others like "Mute specific words from your notifications and timeline." If you already have rules, you'll see the list there; if you've never used it, it will appear empty until you tap Add.

Click on Add to create your filter. You can enter a word, a phrase with punctuation, an @username, or a #hashtag. Then, configure the scope: start timeline, notifications or both, so that you can fine-tune what you want to hide and where.

In the notifications section, you can also decide whether silence applies to notifications from Anyone or just from people you don't followIt's useful when you want to keep information about your contacts but avoid the general noise from others.

Finally, define the mute duration: 24 hours, 7 days, 30 days, or indefinitely. This is perfect for temporary events like sports finals or premieres, which you might just want to avoid for a while.

Mute words on mobile: Android and iOS

In the app, the flow is very similar. Open your profile menu, go to Settings and privacy and navigate to Notifications to find the Muted Words section. There you'll see the current list and the button to add a new rule.

To create a silence on the phone, press the button with the + symbol and type the word, phrase, hashtag, or user. Then, adjust whether it applies to timeline, notifications, or both, whether it affects everyone or only those you don't follow, and the duration (24 hours, 7 days, 30 days, or permanently).

On Android, many users arrive by going through Privacy & Security and then “Mute & Block,” where it says “Muted Words.” That’s the corner where you also manage account silences, so you can lift or apply bans without leaving the same screen.

On iPhone there is a convenient shortcut: from a tweet, select the word that bothers you and the contextual menu will allow you to silence her at the momentIt's useful when you find a problematic term on the spot and don't want to navigate through menus.

Muting authors vs. blocking: when each option is best

Muting an account is discreet: you stop seeing their tweets in your feed and their notifications to you are silenced, but the other person does not receive notice and you can continue interacting. Ideal for lowering the volume without strain.

Blocking is more blunt: it prevents that account from following you, writing to you, or viewing your content normally. It's useful when there are Harassment, spamming, or insistent behaviorCombining word silences with author muting can give you a much cleaner feed.

Control X mentions and sensitive content: show or hide

X tags tweets that may include warnings graphic media, adult or offensive materialYou can choose whether to view them unblurred or hide them from your content preferences.

On desktop, go to Settings and Privacy, then Privacy and Security, and look for the Content section. There you can turn it on or off. “Display media that may contain sensitive content” for your feed.

Searches are adjusted separately: in “Search Settings” activate “Hide sensitive content” if you don't want it to appear in the results. It's an effective way to avoid surprises when exploring new topics.

On Android, it's usually available in the app. On iOS, due to platform policies, some options may not be visibleIf this is the case, log in to x.com from your desktop browser and adjust from there.

Limits and nuances of silencing

Even with active filters, they can sneak in. fragments in replies or retweets, especially when the content is quoted. Additionally, profile banners and live streams follow rules that are independent of the sensitive media setting.

Remember that searches don't follow your mute list. If you want to avoid a term when searching, don't type it or choose more general alternative searchesSilence affects the startup and notification timeline, which is where the most noise is generated.

If you over-label your own content as sensitive or frequently change these settings, X may apply persistent warnings to your account or restrict access to certain preferences. It's best to use these controls judiciously.

Usage tips: duration and maintenance

For short-lived themes (endings, premieres, releases), choose temporary silences of 24 hours, 7 or 30 days. When they are recurring conversations that don't interest you, apply them indefinitely.

Review your list from time to time. It's normal to accumulate terms and, without realizing it, end up with a very empty feed. Keep the list up to date improve quality without missing out on what it really brings.

Report content that violates rules

If you come across material that goes beyond the rules (extreme graphic violence, explicit sex, illegalities), open the three-dot menu on the tweet and choose “Report” with the corresponding reasonThe team will review the case using automated systems and human moderators.

Not everything is removed instantly; if it's deemed to violate policies, it will be deleted and action will be taken against the account. Your reports help prioritize urgent cases and debug the collective timeline.

Resources, authors and support

You'll find practical guides on specialized X projects, with editorial teams focused on optimizing your presence on the platform. Some editors, with SEO profiles and experience in digital strategy, share tips and trends for managing accounts, and even how to migrate to alternatives like Bluesky if you wish.

If something doesn't load on the X website and you see a warning about the execution, check your browser. X requires JavaScript enabled and a compatible browser. If you have any questions, please consult the Help Center and the Terms, Privacy, Cookies, and Ad Information sections.

Alternative route and menu differences

Please note that depending on the app version, the path may vary slightly. Sometimes the access is in “More options” > Settings and support > Settings and privacy, then “Privacy & Security.” Under “Mute & Block,” you’ll see “Muted Words.”

If you already had user mutes or lists, everything is centralized there. It's a good time to review who you've muted. lift vetoes if appropriate and adjust words to fine-tune your feed.

A little reminder: what is silenced and what is not

What is silenced: words, phrases, labels and mentions in start timeline and notificationsWhat's not: Search results, profile banners, and some live content, which are moderated using different criteria.

If something still slips through, consider combining silences with hiding sensitive content in searches, or silencing highly active accounts that bring up the issue over and over again.

With this arsenal of tweaks, you have what it takes to tame your X experience: temporary or indefinite silences, control over who can "sneak" into your notifications, and sensitivity settings for your feed and searches. Used well, your timeline transforms from a clutter into a more convenient place to stay informed and chat without distractions.