Everyone has done it: posted something on X, regretted it seconds later, and hit delete. Politicians, celebrities, brands, and regular users delete thousands of tweets every day. The question everyone asks next is simple: can those deleted tweets still be found?
The answer is yes, sometimes. Here are the seven methods that still work in late 2025, explained honestly with exact steps and realistic success rates.
Method 1: Internet Archive’s Wayback Machine (Most Reliable for Old Tweets)
The Wayback Machine saves snapshots of public web pages, including X profiles.
How to Use It
- Go to archive.org/web
- Paste the full profile URL: https://x.com/username
- Check the calendar for saved dates
- Click any blue circle date and scroll through the captured timeline
Success rate: High for tweets older than a few months, low for very recent deletions.
Method 2: Politwoops / Deleted Tweets Archives (Best for Politicians)
ProPublica’s Politwoops tracks deleted tweets from politicians worldwide. Similar projects exist for celebrities and journalists.
Just search the username on politwoops.eu or deletedtweets.com.
Method 3: Google Cache (Quick Check for Very Recent Deletions)
Sometimes Google keeps a copy for a few hours or days.
Type in Google: cache:https://x.com/username/status/tweetID (you need the exact tweet number).
Method 4: Screenshot Services & War Rooms
Political parties, newsrooms, and dedicated accounts screenshot controversial tweets instantly. Search the username + “deleted” or “screenshot” on X itself.
Method 5: Third-Party Backup Tools (TweetDelete, TweetDeleter History)
If the person used a service to mass-delete tweets, some tools keep logs for premium users.
Method 6: Data Requests & Legal Archives
Researchers and journalists can sometimes get deleted content through official X data requests or court orders, but this is not available to regular users.
Method 7: Real-Time Viewers Like Sotwe.co.uk (Prevention, Not Recovery)
Important: No real-time viewer can show deleted tweets. Tools like Sotwe.co.uk only display live public content directly from X servers. Once something is deleted on X, it disappears instantly from Sotwe too. This is actually a good thing, it protects privacy and proves we never store or archive anything.
If you want to browse current public tweets anonymously, Sotwe.co.uk is still the best option. Learn how in our guide: How to View X Without an Account
Summary Table – Which Method to Try First
| Method | Best For | Success Rate | Time Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wayback Machine | Old tweets | High | 2-10 minutes |
| Politwoops | Politicians | Very high | 30 seconds |
| Google Cache | Last 24-48 hours | Low | 1 minute |
| Sotwe.co.uk | Current live tweets only | 100% for non-deleted | Instant |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Sotwe.co.uk recover deleted tweets?
No. We show only live public content. Deleted = gone forever from our site too.
Is it legal to look for deleted tweets?
Yes, as long as the original tweet was public and you use public archives.
Why do some websites claim they can show any deleted tweet?
They are lying or showing very old archives at best. Be careful.
Start with the Wayback Machine and Politwoops, they work 90% of the time for notable accounts.