In a significant shift as Elon Musk transitioned Twitter into X, the platform has increasingly restricted anonymous browsing. Although some posts can be viewed without logging in, the majority require users to sign in, particularly for viewing comments. However, a new free web tool has emerged that allows users to bypass these restrictions.
The Importance of Anonymous Browsing on X
Creating an account on X is a straightforward process, but there are compelling reasons for browsing anonymously. One major advantage is to prevent X from tracking every interaction, particularly useful when using shared or public devices.
A fantastic aspect of using this tool is the ability to browse without logging in on devices you don’t own. This eliminates the hassle of remembering passwords or worrying about logging out later, especially when using unsecured public Wi-Fi, where personal login information could be at risk.
Introducing XCancel: Your Gateway to Anonymous Browsing
You can check out XCancel, a completely free tool designed to remove login requirements and trackers. Although donations are encouraged to sustain the project, users gain access to a cleaner browsing experience devoid of intrusive advertisements. Notably, there are other methods available for reducing advertisements on both X and Instagram.
The biggest perk? There’s no download required, and it works seamlessly across all platforms as long as you have access to a web browser, including on mobile devices. Moreover, since XCancel does not rely on JavaScript, it offers a layer of safety from common vulnerabilities associated with it, allowing those who typically disable JavaScript to still navigate X without complications.
Built on the foundation of Nitter, which serves as a front-end for Twitter, XCancel is considerably faster—often two to four times quicker than X on slower connections or older devices. Additionally, it proves valuable in regions where X/Twitter access is restricted, although some of these regions might also block XCancel.
Utilizing XCancel for Anonymous Browsing
To browse X anonymously with XCancel, begin by heading over to XCancel.com where you can input any keyword, hashtag, or username in the search bar.
You can refine your search results by selecting either Tweets or Users.

Upon clicking on a tweet or username, you’ll see the content displayed in a more organized and easier-to-read format than what X offers.

If a specific tweet prompts a request to log in, you can still access it by copying the original URL and swapping x.com with xcancel.com. This enables the post to be opened in XCancel rather than X. For example:
https://x.com/MakeTechEasier/status/1985779638400905428
Becomes:
https://xcancel.com/MakeTechEasier/status/1985779638400905428

The same principle applies when looking for specific user profiles—simply replace their URL for direct access. For instance, change:
https://x.com/MakeTechEasier
To:
https://xcancel.com/MakeTechEasier
Understanding the Limitations of XCancel
Anonymous browsing on X does come with certain drawbacks. For starters, XCancel does not allow user logins, meaning you cannot view a personalized feed. While future enhancements may introduce a generic login feature to save favorite feeds, currently, users must rely on direct searches or user profiles.
Moreover, trending content, suggested users, and hashtags aren’t available on XCancel. To keep up with what’s popular, consider using external trending tools like GetDayTrends, which provides real-time trends that you could then search for in XCancel.

Another limitation is the inability to interact with posts, such as liking or commenting. This non-interactive experience can be a stark contrast for those accustomed to engagement on platforms like X. If you frequently check specific accounts, consider saving the modified XCancel URLs as bookmarks for easy access.
For optimal organization across devices, I recommend using a bookmarking tool like Raindrop, which synchronizes across all platforms regardless of your browser choice.
Adjusting Your XCancel Settings
All user settings in XCancel are stored locally. If you clear your browsing history and cookies, you will lose your preferences. However, there are limited customization options to adjust. To modify settings, click the Settings gear icon in the upper right corner. Here, you can select a theme, hide certain elements, and control which media plays. Don’t forget to click Save preferences to apply any changes.

Extending Anonymous Browsing to YouTube and Reddit
XCancel streamlines browsing additional platforms like Reddit and YouTube, automatically directing links to user-friendly, open-source front-ends. For instance, Reddit links open in old.reddit.com, offering a distraction-free experience by utilizing tools like Teddit and Libreddit (now branded as Redlib).
YouTube links are directed through Piped/Invidious, providing a privacy-centric viewing experience by eliminating Google trackers. To explore YouTube anonymously outside of XCancel, you can check available publicly hosted instances of Invidious.
If you’re interested in viewing Instagram stories anonymously as well, there are specific methods available to facilitate that.
Leave a Reply