In a move that underscores the ongoing transformation of the social media platform once known as Twitter, X has announced it will retire the twitter.com domain, potentially locking out users who fail to update their security settings by November 10. The change, part of Elon Musk's sweeping rebrand since acquiring the company in October 2022, affects those relying on hardware security keys or passkeys for two-factor authentication.
According to a post from X's Safety account, users must reenroll their security keys under the new x.com domain to maintain access. The deadline is firm: after November 10, affected accounts could face temporary lockouts until the updates are made. This step marks the final phase in erasing the last vestiges of the Twitter era, as Musk continues to reshape the platform he purchased for $44 billion.
The announcement came via X's official Safety handle on October 24, 2025, stating,
By November 10, we’re asking all accounts that use a security key as their two factor authentication (2FA) method to re-enroll their key to continue accessing X. You can re-enroll your existing security key, or enroll a new one. A reminder: if you enroll a new security key, any…The message, though cut off in some reposts, emphasizes that the process is straightforward but essential for those using physical devices like YubiKeys.
X has been clear that this is not a response to any security breach. 'This change is not related to any security concern, and only impacts Yubikeys and passkeys, not other 2FA methods (such as authenticator apps),' the Safety account posted. Instead, it's a technical necessity tied to the domain shift, ensuring that security measures previously linked to twitter.com are realigned with x.com.
For the majority of X's users, estimated at over 300 million monthly active users based on recent reports, the transition will be seamless. Those using standard two-factor methods like SMS or authenticator apps won't need to take action. However, security-conscious individuals who opt for hardware keys—often praised for their robustness against phishing—face a brief window to comply.
Elon Musk's acquisition of Twitter in October 2022 set off a series of rapid changes. Renaming the platform to X in July 2023 was just the beginning; it followed layoffs, policy shifts on content moderation, and the introduction of premium features like X Premium. The domain retirement is the latest in this evolution, effectively burying the blue bird logo and twitter.com URL that defined the site since its launch in 2006.
Users affected by the change have been advised to log into their accounts and navigate to the security settings to reenroll. While X hasn't provided a step-by-step guide in its announcement, sources indicate it's a simple process involving removing the old key and adding it anew under the x.com domain. Failure to do so could result in temporary inability to log in, though X assures that accounts won't be permanently lost.
The move has sparked discussions among tech experts about the implications of such rebrands on user security. Some view it as a minor inconvenience in the grand scheme of platform changes, while others worry it could catch less tech-savvy users off guard. No major conflicts in reporting have emerged, with outlets like CNET consistently framing it as a routine update rather than a crisis.
Historically, domain changes for major platforms are rare but not unprecedented. When Facebook rebranded to Meta, it retained facebook.com for its core service, avoiding widespread user disruptions. X's approach, however, aligns with Musk's vision of an 'everything app,' potentially integrating more services under the x.com umbrella, which he originally purchased in 1999 for an unrelated venture.
In its communication, X reiterated the non-urgent nature of the update for most. 'The shift marks another step in Elon Musk's ongoing rebrand of the social network over the last two years,' noted a CNET report, highlighting how Musk has altered features, policies, and even the platform's cultural role since taking over.
Potential lockouts could affect a niche but important segment of users, including journalists, activists, and executives who prioritize advanced security. YubiKeys, produced by Yubico, are popular for their physical token-based authentication, which requires the device to be plugged in or tapped for login. Passkeys, a newer passwordless standard supported by companies like Google and Apple, face similar requirements in this transition.
As the November 10 deadline approaches, X has encouraged proactive updates. The company's post serves as a reminder of the broader rebranding efforts, which have included controversial decisions like rate limiting and the removal of legacy verification badges. Despite backlash, user numbers have reportedly stabilized, with Musk claiming growth in certain metrics.
Looking ahead, this domain retirement could pave the way for further integrations, such as expanded payment features or AI enhancements via Musk's xAI venture. Analysts suggest that while the immediate impact is limited, it symbolizes the complete detachment from Twitter's past, potentially influencing user trust and retention.
In the context of ongoing debates about social media security, this update underscores the trade-offs of enhanced protections. Users who miss the deadline may need to contact X support for recovery, though the company has not detailed that process. As one of the final nails in Twitter's coffin, the change invites reflection on how far the platform has come—or strayed—from its origins as a microblogging site.
Ultimately, the retirement of twitter.com closes a chapter in social media history, with X positioning itself for a future under Musk's direction. Whether this leads to innovation or further user exodus remains to be seen, but for now, affected account holders have just days to secure their access.