05 Nov How to Fix X (Twitter) Show Button Not Working

Twitter, now known as X, continues to evolve its user experience, but with updates and changes, some components of the platform don’t always work as expected. One such annoyance is the “Show” button not working, which can prevent users from revealing hidden content like replies, media, or blocked word content. If you’ve encountered this issue, you’re not alone—and thankfully, there are several ways to resolve it.

TL;DR

If the “Show” button isn’t working on X (formerly Twitter), it’s often due to browser issues, content filters, third-party extensions, or outdated app versions. Clearing your cache, disabling browser extensions, and checking your content preferences usually fix the problem. For mobile users, updating or reinstalling the app can resolve most glitches. Read on for a step-by-step guide tailored to both desktop and mobile users.

Understanding the “Show” Button on X

The “Show” button appears in several contexts on X. Sometimes it’s there to display hidden replies considered potentially offensive or spammy. Other times, it’s used to reveal media marked as sensitive, content behind a warning, or tweets hidden due to blocked keywords. When this button fails to function, it causes frustration and curiosity—what exactly are we missing?

Fortunately, this issue is usually fixable with some basic troubleshooting.

Common Reasons the Show Button Doesn’t Work

Let’s look at some of the most common causes:

• JavaScript errors or disabled scripts: Twitter relies heavily on JavaScript. If scripts are blocked or malfunctioning, interactive elements like buttons won’t respond.
• Browser extensions or ad blockers: Tools like uBlock Origin or Privacy Badger can disrupt page functionality.
• Corrupted cache or cookies: Old or dysfunctional data stored in your browser can interfere with Twitter’s scripts.
• Incompatible browsers: Outdated or less common browsers might not support all of Twitter’s features.
• Content preferences: Settings such as “hide sensitive content” or blocked words may automatically suppress some content that can’t be re-enabled because of glitches.
• Mobile app bugs: On iOS/Android, this issue might stem from outdated apps or device-specific bugs.

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide

1. Make Sure JavaScript Is Enabled

X (Twitter) relies on JavaScript to render dynamic content like buttons. If JavaScript is disabled:

• In Chrome, go to Settings > Privacy and security > Site settings > JavaScript and ensure it’s enabled.
• In Firefox, type about:config in the address bar, search for javascript.enabled, and ensure the value is true.

After enabling JavaScript, refresh Twitter and check if the Show button now works.

2. Disable Extensions and Ad Blockers

Extensions can often block the scripts required to load dynamic content. Perform these steps:

1. Temporarily disable all browser extensions, especially content blockers.
2. Reload Twitter to see if the Show button responds.
3. If it works, re-enable your extensions one by one to identify the culprit.

For some users, privacy extensions are the root cause. You might need to whitelist Twitter if you plan to keep using the extension.

3. Clear Cache and Cookies

Your browser stores local data to load websites faster. But sometimes, this cache becomes outdated or corrupt, causing glitches.

• Chrome: Settings ➜ Privacy and security ➜ Clear browsing data ➜ Ensure “Cookies and other site data” and “Cached images and files” are checked ➜ Clear data.
• Firefox: Options ➜ Privacy & Security ➜ Cookies and Site Data ➜ Clear Data.

After clearing, log back into X and test the button.

4. Try a Different Browser

Cross-browser compatibility issues happen more often than you’d think. If you’re having trouble in Chrome, try Firefox, Edge, or Safari to determine whether the problem is browser-specific.

5. Review Your Content Settings on X

Twitter allows users to hide potentially sensitive content or replies containing blocked keywords. If you’re having trouble revealing such content, your settings might be the reason.

1. Go to Settings and privacy ➜ Privacy and safety ➜ Content you see.
2. Ensure that “Display media that may contain sensitive content” is enabled.
3. Check for any muted words under Muted words and adjust your list if needed.

After making these changes, refresh your feed and see if the show buttons are responsive.

Fixes Specific to Mobile Devices

1. Update the X App

Outdated apps are prone to bugs and incompatibility with newer platform features. Visit the App Store or Google Play to update the X app to the latest version.

2. Clear App Cache (Android only)

• Go to Settings ➜ Apps ➜ X ➜ Storage.
• Tap on Clear Cache.
• Restart the app and see if the button works again.

Note: iOS doesn’t offer cache-clearing as directly, so proceed with the next step if you’re on an iPhone.

3. Reinstall the App

Sometimes, a fresh install is the only way to eliminate deeply embedded glitches.

• Uninstall the app completely.
• Restart your device.
• Reinstall the app and log back in.

What If the Issue Persists?

If none of the above methods work, it might be a broader platform issue or an undiscovered bug. Consider the following:

• Try the Desktop Site on Mobile: Open X in your mobile browser and request the desktop version from browser settings. See if the Show button works there.
• Use Incognito/Private Mode: This disables extensions and uses fresh sessions, which might bypass issues.
• Check Twitter Support: Occasionally, Twitter experiences outages or announces issues affecting features—visit @TwitterSupport or sites like Downdetector to verify.

Preventing the Problem in the Future

While some issues on X are outside your control, you can minimize the chances of encountering the Show button bug again:

• Keep browsers and apps updated.
• Manage your browser extensions with care.
• Regularly clear your cookies and cache.
• Stay informed about X updates and server issues through forums or tech blogs.

Wrapping Up

The “Show” button not working on X (formerly Twitter) can be frustrating, especially when you want to view critical replies or sensitive content. The good news is that in most cases, the problem isn’t with the platform itself—but rather something within your control, like settings or browser configuration. With the actionable tips provided, you should be on your way to resolving the issue quickly and enjoying a seamless experience on X once again.

Let us know in the comments what worked for you or if you’ve discovered other fixes we haven’t mentioned!