Deleting a Reddit account is not something most people do lightly. For some, it’s about protecting privacy. For others, it’s a way to step back from a platform that takes up too much time or energy. Whatever your reason, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about deleting a Reddit account.
Considerations Before Deleting a Reddit Account
Before you hit delete, it’s important to understand what happens:
- Data loss: Once deleted, your account cannot be restored. Reddit will display your username as
[deleted]on old posts and comments. - Posts and comments: Deleting your account does not automatically remove your posts, comments, or messages. You must delete those manually beforehand.
- Subscriptions and Reddit Premium: If you pay for Reddit Premium or other subscriptions, cancel those first to avoid being billed after deletion.
- Privacy and mental health: Many people delete accounts to limit online tracking, protect personal details in posts, or take a step back for time management or mental health reasons.
It’s worth reviewing the Reddit Privacy Policy and FAQs for account deletion to make sure you know what information Reddit retains.
Difference Between Deactivation and Deletion
Reddit does not offer a temporary “deactivation” option. When you delete your account, it is permanent.
- Deletion: Your username becomes unrecoverable. You cannot log back in or reactivate later.
- Inactive accounts: Simply not using Reddit is the only way to “deactivate” without deleting. Your account stays dormant but still exists.
If you’re unsure, you may want to delete your posts and comments first, then take a break before deciding on full deletion.
Step-by-Step Process for Deleting a Reddit Account
Here’s the standard process:
- Log in: Go to the Reddit home page and sign in.
- Navigate to User Settings: Click on your profile icon (top right) > User Settings.
- Scroll to the bottom: Under the “Account” tab, find the Delete Account option.
- Confirm deletion: Reddit will ask for your account password and an optional reason.
- Finalize: Click Delete. Once confirmed, your account is gone.
Your username will appear as [deleted] on all prior activity.
Deleting Reddit Posts, Comments, and History
To fully clear your footprint, you should remove your content before deleting your account:
- Posts: Open each post, click the three dots, and select Delete.
- Comments: Same process as manually deleting posts.
- Messages: Chat messages must also be deleted one by one.
- Browsing history: Use Reddit’s settings to clear history or clear it directly in your browser/app.
- Third-party tools: Some browser extensions or scripts can bulk-delete comments and posts if you have many.
If you skip this step, your posts will stay visible, just without a username attached. The karma linked to your activity also remains attached to those posts, but it will no longer be associated with you personally.
Account Deletion Without Access Credentials
If you’ve lost your password or can’t log in, things get tricky:
- Password reset: Start by using the password reset process. Reddit will email you a reset link if your email is still valid.
- Incorrect username or password error: This usually means you entered the wrong credentials. Double-check your u/username and email.
- Connected accounts: If you used a Google or Apple ID to sign up, you must log in with those credentials in the “Connected Accounts” section.
- Still locked out? Contact Reddit Support or Reddit Customer Support with as many account details as possible.
If you cannot regain access, Reddit will not delete the account on your behalf without proof of ownership.
Deleting a Reddit Account on Mobile Devices
You can delete your account using the mobile app or a mobile browser.
- On the Reddit app (Android or iPhone):
- Open the official Reddit app.
- Tap your profile avatar > Settings > Delete Account.
- Follow the prompts to confirm.
- On a mobile browser:
- Log in to Reddit.
- Go to User Settings > scroll down to Delete Account.
- Enter your password and confirm.
Remember to cancel Reddit Premium in the Subscriptions section if you’re paying for it through Google Play or the App Store.
Frequently Asked Questions About Reddit Account Deletion
1. Can I recover my deleted Reddit account?
No. Once deleted, the username and profile cannot be restored.
2. Do my posts and comments disappear?
No. They remain, but your username changes to [deleted]. You must remove posts manually if you want them gone.
3. What about Reddit Premium?
Cancel your Reddit Premium subscription before deleting to avoid charges.
4. Can Reddit still track my activity after deletion?
Reddit may still retain certain data under its privacy policy, including logs and information subject to court orders.
5. Should I download my data before deleting?
Yes. You can request your Reddit data through Reddit’s data download page.
Final Thoughts
Deleting a Reddit account is an easy process, but there is no turning back. Posts, comments, and history will remain unless you delete them manually. If you’re leaving for privacy or time management reasons, consider removing your content first and downloading your data.
If you run into trouble with account access, use the password retrieval methods or reach out to Reddit Support.
Contact NewReputation for expert reputation management and online privacy services.
