Quick answer
X (formerly Twitter) uses a “Sensitive content” interstitial to shield media that might be adult or graphic. You can choose to show such media and allow it in search by changing two settings:
- Content you see → Display media that may contain sensitive content
- Search settings → uncheck Hide sensitive content.
Some posts may still stay hidden due to local laws or enforcement actions (e.g., content withheld by country).
Prefer to keep the warning on but still browse public posts safely? Try Twitter Viewer—it lets you view and organize publicly available posts without trying to bypass platform rules.
What is the Twitter (X) sensitive content warning?
“Sensitive content” on X covers material that could be disturbing or not safe for work, such as adult or graphic/violent imagery. X’s rules allow certain adult or graphic media if it’s properly labeled and not prominently displayed, and X may place such media behind a click-through notice.
You’ll typically encounter the warning:
- On an individual post before media loads,
- On a profile that regularly shares such media, and
- In search results when sensitive content is filtered.
Why you might see the warning
Your viewing settings are filtering it.
If Display media that may contain sensitive content is off—or if Hide sensitive content is on in Search—you’ll get warnings or filtered results.
The author labeled their media as sensitive.
Creators can (and in some cases must) label posts that include adult or graphic content; visits to their profile may show an advisory. Repeated mislabeling can lead X to switch an account’s setting to mark posted media as sensitive.
X placed an interstitial or other limitation.
X can put sensitive media behind a notice, limit reach, or otherwise restrict visibility (e.g., for viewers without age signals).
Local laws and regional policies.
Some posts or accounts can be withheld in a country to comply with legal demands, so you’ll see a limitation message regardless of your settings.
How to turn off the sensitive content warning
Allow sensitive media in your timeline
- Log in at x.com and click More (left sidebar).
- Go to Settings and privacy → Privacy and safety → Content you see.
- Under Safety, check Display media that may contain sensitive content. Settings save automatically.
This controls whether posts that X flags as “sensitive” render without the interstitial in your timeline and post detail pages. It does not override legal or enforcement restrictions (see “Limitations” below).
Allow sensitive results in Search
Enabling media in your timeline does not automatically include sensitive items in Search. Adjust Safe Search separately:
Quick path
- Web: From any search results page, click the … (more) icon → Search settings → uncheck Hide sensitive content.
- iOS/Android: Tap Explore → your query → tap the filter/overflow icon → Search settings → uncheck Hide sensitive content.
What to expect:
- The page explicitly lists Safe search options and how to uncheck Hide sensitive content.
- X notes these changes can take several minutes to apply across devices; once applied, the search setting syncs to web, iOS, and Android.
Limitations you can’t bypass with settings
Age-restricted content: X restricts viewers under 18 (or accounts without a birth date) from seeing adult content—even if display settings are on. Add a valid birth date to your profile to be age-verified.
Country-withheld content: Posts or accounts may be withheld in specific countries to comply with law. Your settings won’t override this; X labels such cases and explains how withholding works.
Troubleshooting checklist
- Confirm both places: Turn on Display media that may contain sensitive content (timeline) and uncheck Hide sensitive content (Search). Many users miss the second toggle.
- Give it a moment: Search changes may take a few minutes to propagate.
- Switch surfaces: If an interstitial can’t be clicked on iOS, open the same post on web (x.com) or Android.
- Check age and region: Make sure your birth date is set and you’re signed in; country-withheld items won’t appear regardless of settings.
FAQ
Q: Where will I see the warning?
A: Typically on (a) individual posts before media loads, (b) profiles that frequently share sensitive media, and (c) search results when Safe Search filters are on.
Q: I enabled display media that may contain sensitive content, but some posts are still hidden. Why?
A: Two common reasons:
- Country-withheld content due to local law (your settings can’t override this).
- Age limits: users under 18 or accounts without a birth date can’t view adult-labeled media.
Q: Why do some profiles still show a sensitive-content advisory?
A: If a creator labels their posts as sensitive—or X has adjusted their account for repeated mislabeling—visitors may see a profile-level warning before media appears.
Q: Does enabling sensitive media expose minors to adult material?
A: X blocks adult-labeled media for users under 18 or for accounts without a valid birth date, regardless of display settings.
