Are you tired of receiving spam, solicitations, or offensive Direct Messages (DMs) from unknown accounts on X? The primary reason for most annoying DMs is that your settings are accidentally set to “Allow messages from everyone.”
In this article, we explain the root causes of DM spam and provide a step-by-step guide to reclaiming your inbox—from adjusting your core privacy settings to using “Block” and “Report” features to permanently exclude malicious users. Stop the annoying notifications and enjoy a cleaner X experience today.
Why You Receive Spam DMs on X
The most common cause of unwanted DMs is that your “Message Request” settings are too open.
- Improper DM Reception Settings
- “Allow message requests from everyone” is ON: This allows accounts you don’t follow to send you messages.
- Following the Wrong Accounts: If you follow a spammy or malicious account, they can send you DMs unconditionally.
- Malicious Account Activity
- Spam Bots: Automated accounts that mass-send links for scams or solicitations.
- Harassment: Targeted persistent messages or verbal abuse from specific individuals.
How to Stop Spam DMs: Settings and Features
The most effective way to block unwanted messages is to narrow the scope of who can contact you.
1. Change Your DM Reception Settings (Most Important)
Modify these settings to filter out requests from strangers.
| Setting Item | Recommended Action | Effect |
| Allow message requests from | Off / Verified users only | Completely blocks or restricts DMs from people you don’t follow. |
| Allow message requests from everyone | OFF | Prevents the majority of spam from random accounts. |
| Users you follow | ON | Ensures you can still receive messages from friends and trusted accounts. |
Google スプレッドシートにエクスポート
How to find these settings:
- Go to “Settings and Privacy” on your X app or browser.
- Select “Privacy and safety.”
- Select “Direct Messages” to adjust the preferences.
2. Dealing with Specific Accounts
If a particular account is bothering you, use these individual tools:
- Block: The most powerful option. It cuts off DMs, hides your posts from them, and prevents them from following you.
- Mute: Hides their posts and notifications, but they can still technically send a DM. Block is better for stopping harassment.
- Delete/Decline Requests: When you receive a request, choosing “Delete” or “Decline” prevents that user from sending further requests.
3. Reporting Misconduct
For DMs that clearly violate X’s rules (scams, harassment, or threats), you should file a report.
- How: Open the message, tap the details icon, and select “Report message.”
- Effect: X reviews the report and may take action, such as suspending the offending account.
Preventive Measures for the Future
- Never Share Personal Info: Do not send bank details, passwords, or your home address via DM, as these can be used for phishing.
- Be Cautious of Links: Clicking links from unknown users can lead to malware or account hijacking.
- Vet the Accounts You Follow: Since you generally receive DMs from anyone you follow, avoid following suspicious accounts.
By simply reviewing your DM settings, you can eliminate the vast majority of spam. If a problem persists with a specific user, we strongly recommend using the Block feature immediately.
