How to Prepare Your X Data for Migration
HelloQuitX will open a free migration platform late December that will allow you to migrate and reconnect with you X followers on Mastodon and BlueSky.
You will need only one suitcase: your X archive. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get it.
1. Download Your Personal Archive
X allows users to download an archive of their data, which includes:
- The list of your followers and accounts you follow.
- All your tweets.
- Media and other interactions.
Steps to download your archive:
- From your X account, go to Settings and Privacy
- Navigate to Your Account > Download an Archive of Your Data.
- Request your archive. You may need to verify your identity (via email or phone).
- Once ready, download the archive to your device.
💡 Save this file securely; it will be critical for migrating your audience and content.
💡 It’s easier to do all these operation from a laptop
3. Create Accounts on Mastodon and/or BlueSky
- Choose platforms that align with your values and community needs.
- Set up your profiles and customize them to reflect your online identity.
💡 *Tip:* Make your usernames consistent across platforms to help your followers recognize you (but this is not mandatory for our migration service).
4. Upload Data to the Migration Platform
Go to http://app.HelloQuitX.com and follow the instructions. It will take less than 5min to complete.
This secure migration platform hosted by ISC-PIF (CNRS) will:
- Enable you to link your X account to your new accounts on Mastodon or BlueSky.
- Automate the process of reconnecting with your followers who have also migrated after January 20th.
Case of large X archives (>1GB)
If your X archive is too large, you won’t be able to upload it in its entirety. You’ll need to :
- Unzip it
- find the followers.js and following.js files in the data folder
- Upload these two files unzipped to the platform.
Here’s the structure of your unzipped archive folder. You can also set aside files 2 and 3 indicated in red, as we plan to allow you to import them as well.
5. Encourage Your Network to Migrate
The success of your migration depends on how many of your followers also move to new platforms. Spread the word:
- Inform your followers about the migration.
- Share links to your new profiles.
- Encourage them to follow the same steps to prepare their data.
💡 Remember: The more people join Mastodon or BlueSky, the easier it will be to rebuild your network.
#20January: The Great Reconnection
On January 20th, 2025, the migration platform will enable the automatic reconnection of accounts. This means:
- You’ll be seamlessly reconnected with your followers who have also migrated.
- Your digital footprint and audience will be alike the one on X, minimizing disruptions.
After the migration, you’ll regain control of your data, audience, and the algorithmic environment in a way that aligns with your values.
