How to limit who can DM you on Twitter

Tips on how to limit who can DM you, block people on Twitter, report people on Twitter, and some DM facts.

To receive DMs from only the people you follow uncheck the box for Receive Direct Messages from anyone in your Privacy and safety settings on twitter.com. You can also adjust this setting via the Twitter for iOS or Twitter for Android apps. (See below for directions.)

If you check that box, not only will you receive messages from strangers but also anyone can add you to group conversations which opening the door to annoying spam messages.

To change your settings using Twitter for iOS:

1. In the top menu, tap your profile icon.
2. Select Settings and privacy.
3. Tap Privacy and safety.
4. Under Direct Messages, and next to Receive messages from anyone, drag the slider to allow anyone to send you Direct Messages.

To change your settings using Twitter for Android:

1. In the top menu, you will either see a navigation menu icon or your profile icon. Tap whichever icon you have.
2. Select Settings and privacy.
3. Tap Privacy and safety.
4. Under Direct Messages, and next to Receive messages from anyone, check the box to allow anyone to send you Direct Messages.

To change your settings using Twitter for twitter.com:

1. Click on the More icon in the navigation bar.
2. Select Settings and privacy.
3. Tap Privacy and safety.
4. Under Direct Messages, and next to Receive messages from anyone, check the box to allow anyone to send you Direct Messages.

Note: Disabling the Receive messages from anyone setting will not prevent you from continuing to receive Direct Messages from someone you don’t follow if you have a prior conversation already established with that person. You will need to either report the conversation or block the account to stop receiving Direct Messages from that person.

Blocking and Reporting

If someone is bothering you block them and report them. Unfortunately, if you previously had a conversation with a person through Direct Message, that person is able to message you regardless of if you follow them or not.

Disabling the Receive Direct Messages from anyone setting does not stop accounts from messaging you whom you have previously had conversations with and do not follow.

To stop receiving Direct Messages from someone:

1. Locate the conversation from the account, and click or tap to open it.
2. Click or tap the information icon
3. Select Report.
4. Confirm your choice. The account will not be able to send you a message until you send them a message first.

Alternatively, to stop receiving messages, you can block the account. Blocked accounts cannot send you messages, unless you unblock them.

HOT TIP: Remember Direct Messages on Twitter are not really private

• When you delete a Direct Message or conversation (sent or received), it is deleted from your account only.
• When you share a link in a Direct Message, it is automatically processed and shortened to a t.co link. Anyone with a t.co shortened link will be able to navigate to the destination URL.
• When you share photos or videos in a Direct Message, it will be viewable by everyone in the conversation. Recipients can download or share whatever you send to them.