There’s No Reason People Need to Call You on X/Twitter

I have a lot of ideas for useful features in X (formerly known as Twitter), but audio and video calling aren’t on my list. Unfortunately, it looks like Elon Musk has them, as the app now allows users to call each other for some reason. Hooray?

Maybe I’m just not the same tweep I used to be, but I can’t imagine wanting to make (or receive) a call on X. If I want to go to a video or audio call, I’ll do it from one of dozens of other platforms , which either integrate this function or are themselves it. ( We can’t use Circles anymore , but calls of course. )

The worst part is that calls are enabled by default . If you do nothing, your account will be ready to send and, in particular, receive audio and video calls. Luckily, not just anyone can call you—only people in your address book and people you follow can call you. But you probably follow a lot of people you’d never want to video call with. If you want, you can even allow all verified users to call you, but honestly, who would want that? It may have meant something back in the day, but now that crowd includes anyone willing to spend $8 on a blue check. Tough passage. So, here’s how to disable this feature.

How to turn off calls on X

Disabling call X is not difficult, but the process is not entirely obvious. To get started, open the app, then go to Settings & Privacy . Tap Privacy & Security , then Direct Messages , then tap the Enable Audio and Video Calls toggle.

If you want calling to be turned on, you can control who can call you by checking the boxes next to People in your address book , People you follow , and Verified people .