Reddit is one of the largest online forums, connecting millions of users through societies on virtually every topic. However, not everyone chooses to stay indefinitely. Some users may feel overwhelmed by notifications, want to protect their privacy, or simply prefer to step away from social media.
For those seeking a quick answer, the process typically involves logging into your account, navigating to User Settings (or Account Settings on mobile, which redirects to a browser), and then selecting the “Delete Account” option. This action is permanent and irreversible, so it’s essential to understand the consequences before proceeding.
For others, taking a break is important for their mental health, especially if online activity feels overwhelming. Knowing how to delete Reddit account helps you regain control of your online presence while ensuring a clean exit from the platform.
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Log in to Reddit account
Go to the Reddit website or Reddit app and log in to your account
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Go to Setting
In the app or browser, scroll down and tap Settings at the bottom of the menu.
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Tap Delete Account option.
Navigate to the bottom and tap the red Delete Account option.
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Filling a reason
A pop-up will appear asking for a reason to delete the Reddit account permanently.
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Click Delete
A pop-up will appear requesting verification. Tap Delete to permanently delete Reddit account.
Follow this complete guide to delete your Reddit account the right way and reclaim your digital privacy today.
1. How to delete Reddit account on desktop
Deleting your Reddit account from a desktop browser is straightforward, but requires careful attention to each step. You will need to sign in and access User Settings to locate the deletion option. Following this section ensures you can safely delete Reddit account permanently while maintaining control over your login credentials.
Steps to delete on desktop:
Step 1: Go to the Reddit website and log in to your account.
Step 2: Click on your Username in the top right corner, then select User Settings.
Step 3: Navigate to the Account tab and scroll down to the bottom of the page.
Step 4: Click on the red Delete Account button.
Step 5: Reddit will ask for a reason why you want to delete your Reddit account permanently. Filling it in is optional, but I personally found it helpful to articulate my reasons, even if just for my own reflection.
Step 6: Re-enter your login credentials for security verification.
Step 7: Tick the box confirming I understand that deleted accounts aren’t recoverable, then click Delete.
Step 8: A pop-up will warn that the action cannot be undone. Click Delete again to finalize the process.
2. How to delete a Reddit account on iOS
On iOS devices, deletion requires a few extra steps because the process is handled through a browser. This section guides you from the Reddit app to Account settings and shows how to complete the deletion securely. Properly following these steps ensures your mobile deletion is as effective as on a desktop.
Steps for iOS:
Step 1: Open the Reddit app on your iPhone and tap your Avatar in the top right corner.
Step 2: Scroll down and tap Settings at the bottom of the menu.
Step 3: Navigate to the bottom and tap the red Delete Account option.
Step 4: A pop-up will appear requesting verification. Tap Yes, Delete to permanently delete Reddit account.
3. How to delete a Reddit account on Android
Android users also need to access Account settings through the app to delete their account. This section provides a clear walkthrough so you can remove your Reddit account mobile safely and effectively.
Steps for Android:
Step 1: Open your preferred mobile browser on your Android device and log in to your Reddit account.
Step 2: Go to the Account Settings page on Reddit.
Step 3: Scroll down to the bottom and tap the red Delete Account button.
Step 4: A pop-up will appear asking for a reason to delete the Reddit account permanently. Providing feedback is optional. Enter your account credentials, tick the confirmation box stating you understand the deletion is permanent, and tap Delete Account.
Step 5: Confirm the permanent deletion by tapping Delete again to finalize the process.
4. What happens when you delete your Reddit account
Before deleting your Reddit account, it’s essential to know what to expect. Deletion is permanent and irreversible, and there are a few key points every user should understand:
- Permanent deletion: Once you delete your account, it cannot be recovered.
- Username removal: Your username disappears from the platform, but old articles and responses remain visible.
- Posts marked as deleted: All previous content will show as “deleted,” not removed automatically.
- No temporary deactivation: Reddit only supports full deletion, so Reddit delete vs deactivate matters. There is no option to deactivate your account temporarily.
5. Things to consider before deleting a Reddit account
Deleting a Reddit account is permanent, so it’s crucial to plan ahead. This section outlines important preparatory steps to protect your seclusion and data.
- Download your data: Submit a data request via Reddit to keep a copy of your information. Details are available in Reddit’s official seclusion policy.
- Delete articles and responses manually: To remove all traces of your activity, delete individual articles if needed.
- Confirm permanent deletion: Once you delete, you cannot recover your account. This ensures your online identity is no longer linked to Reddit.
6. How to deactivate a Reddit account
It’s crucial to understand a key difference between Reddit and many other social media platforms: Reddit does not offer a temporary “deactivate” option for user accounts. Unlike platforms where you can temporarily hide your profile and content with the ability to reactivate it later, Reddit only provides a permanent account deletion process.
This means if you’re looking to take a break or reduce your online presence without completely removing your account forever, “deactivation” as a temporary measure is not available. My personal experience, and that of many users I’ve seen discuss this, is that this can be a bit frustrating if you’re not ready for a permanent goodbye. However, knowing this upfront helps manage expectations.
If your goal is to step back from the platform without an irreversible decision, consider the alternatives discussed in the “Alternatives to deleting your account” section, such as managing notifications or logging out. These methods allow you to control your engagement without losing your account history or content.
To reiterate, any action labeled “deactivate” on Reddit will ultimately lead to permanent deletion after confirming the steps. There is no middle ground for a temporary break that preserves your account for future return.
7. Comparison: Delete vs deactivate Reddit account
Understanding the difference between deleting and deactivating an account is crucial, especially since Reddit only offers one of these options.
| Feature | Deactivate Account (Not available on Reddit) | Delete Account (Available on Reddit) |
| Availability | Not offered by Reddit. | Offered by Reddit. |
| Reversibility | Generally reversible; the account can be reactivated with full data intact. | Irreversible; once deleted, the account and username cannot be recovered. |
| Data Retention | User data, posts, and comments are typically preserved but hidden. | Username is removed, but posts and comments remain visible, attributed to “[deleted]”. |
| Access | Account is inaccessible during deactivation, but can be regained upon reactivation. | Account is permanently gone; you cannot log in or recover it. |
| Purpose | To take a temporary break, reduce online presence, or manage notifications. | To permanently remove oneself from the platform and digital footprint. |
Given that Reddit only allows permanent deletion, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, my advice is to think carefully. I once impulsively deleted an account on another platform, only to regret losing access to some niche communities I valued. Consider whether a permanent exit is truly what you need, or if managing notifications and content might be a better first step.
>> Read more:
By using these alternatives, you can manage your activity on Reddit more strategically, protect your privacy, and avoid the irreversible step of permanent deletion.
8. Alternatives to deleting your account
If you are unsure about permanently deleting your Reddit account, there are several effective alternatives that let you control your presence while maintaining flexibility and privacy. These options allow you to step back from the platform without losing all your content or account access.
- Log out or use Incognito mode: Temporarily log out or browse Reddit in Incognito/Private mode to take a break. This allows you to stay connected when needed without interacting with your account or leaving traces in your main login.
- Delete specific posts or comments: Instead of deleting your entire account, selectively remove posts or comments you no longer want visible. This method helps you clean up your history while keeping the account active, giving you control over what content remains public.
By using these alternatives, you can manage your activity on Reddit more strategically, protect your privacy, and avoid the irreversible step of permanent deletion.
>> Read more:
9. FAQs about deleting a Reddit account
Even with step-by-step instructions, many users have questions about how to delete their Reddit account and related settings. Here are the most common questions users have about account deletion
Can I reactivate my Reddit account after deleting it?
Once you permanently delete your Reddit account, it cannot be restored. Reddit only permits full deletion, not account deactivation. There is no option for reactivation or temporary deactivation. If you want to return to the platform, you must create a new account from scratch. None of your previous posts will be linked to this new account. Your responses will also not be associated with it.
Do my articles and responses get deleted when I delete my Reddit account?
No, your articles and comments remain visible on Reddit even after you delete Reddit account permanently, but they will be shown as posted by “deleted.” To remove all traces of your activity, you should manually delete Reddit posts and comments before deleting the account. This ensures your content is fully removed from the platform.
How do I delete my Reddit account without a passcode?
You cannot delete an account without a password. To delete Reddit account without password, you must first recover or reset your login credentials through Reddit’s password recovery process. Once you have access, you can proceed with the account deletion steps safely.
Can I delete my Reddit account on the app?
Yes, but Reddit requires a browser to complete the process. From the app, go to Profile > Settings > Account settings, which redirects you to a browser page. Then you can remove Reddit account mobile on both iOS and Android. This ensures that the deletion is secure and fully confirmed.
How long does it take for Reddit to delete my account?
Deletion is immediate once you confirm the process. However, cached content or third-party search engine listings may still display your username or posts temporarily. If you want to ensure complete removal, manually delete Reddit posts and comments before deleting your account.
Do I lose my Reddit Premium subscription if I delete my account?
Yes. Once deleted, all active subscriptions are terminated and non-refundable.
10. Conclusion
Knowing how to delete Reddit account helps you take control of your privacy and online presence. Whether on desktop, iOS, or Android, the steps are simple if you carefully follow User Settings or Account settings. This ensures your account is removed securely and you understand important considerations like preserving data or deleting articles before final deletion.
Deleting a Reddit account is irreversible, so ensure this decision aligns with your privacy needs. Keep in mind that deleting your account will also remove access to any Reddit premium features you subscribed to. For more practical guides on managing online accounts, visit the Tech How-To Simplified category on Safelyo for easy, step-by-step tutorials. Managing online accounts also helps you spend more time on real-life hobbies instead of endless scrolling.
