Reddit deletion is permanent and removes your account within 30 days
When you delete a Reddit account, the site removes your username, profile, and post history from public view within 30 days. After that window closes, the deletion is final — you cannot recover the account, your posts, or your saved content. Reddit keeps some data (like IP logs) for legal reasons, but your public presence disappears.
The deletion process itself takes less than five minutes. You do not need to delete individual posts first, though you can if you want to remove specific content before the account vanishes. If you simply want to hide your profile without losing the account, deactivation is a separate option that keeps your data intact.
Key Takeaways
- Deletion is permanent after 30 days and cannot be undone, so download any posts or messages you want to keep first.
- You must use a desktop or laptop browser to delete your account — the Reddit mobile app does not have a deletion option.
- Your password must be correct to complete deletion, and you cannot use a social login (Google, Apple) as your only authentication method.
- Deactivation hides your profile temporarily but keeps your account and data intact if you might return later.
- Posts you made in public communities remain visible to others even after deletion unless you delete them individually first.
How to delete your account on desktop
Go to reddit.com and sign in if you are not already logged in. Click your profile icon in the top right corner and select User Settings from the dropdown menu. On the left sidebar, scroll down and click Account.
Scroll down the Account page until you see the Deactivate or delete account section. Click the Deactivate account button. Reddit will ask you to confirm your password — type it in and click Deactivate. A popup will appear asking why you are leaving; you can select a reason or skip this step. Click the final Deactivate button to confirm.
Your account will be hidden immediately, but the deletion process takes up to 30 days. During this window, you can log back in and cancel the deletion if you change your mind. After 30 days, the account and all associated data are gone for good.
What happens to your posts and comments after deletion
Your username disappears from your profile and profile page, but posts and comments you made in public subreddits remain visible to other users — they will show as posted by [deleted] instead of your username. If you want those posts removed before your account is deleted, you must delete them individually before you deactivate your account.
To delete individual posts, go to your profile, find the post, click the three dots menu, and select Delete. Repeat this for any comments or posts you want removed. This step is optional but worth doing if you posted sensitive information or content you do not want associated with you after the account is gone.
Private messages you sent will remain in the inboxes of people who received them, but they will show as from [deleted]. Messages in your own inbox will be deleted along with your account.
Deactivation versus deletion — which one to choose
Deactivation hides your profile and username from public view but keeps your account data on Reddit's servers. You can reactivate a deactivated account by logging back in with your username and password at any time. Deactivation is useful if you want to take a break from Reddit but might return later, or if you are not certain about leaving permanently.
Deletion is the permanent option. After 30 days, your account cannot be recovered. Choose deletion if you are certain you will not use Reddit again and want your data removed from the platform entirely. If you are unsure, deactivate first — you can always delete later if you decide you do not want to come back.
Why you cannot delete your account on the mobile app
Reddit's mobile app does not include account deletion in its settings menu. The company requires you to use a web browser on a computer or tablet to delete your account. This is a deliberate design choice — Reddit makes the deletion process slightly harder to reduce accidental account loss.
If you only have access to a phone, you can open reddit.com in your mobile browser (Safari on iPhone, Chrome on Android) and follow the desktop deletion steps. The process works the same way on mobile browsers as it does on a computer.
If you use a social login and cannot delete your account
If you signed up for Reddit using Google, Apple, or Facebook login and never set a Reddit password, you will not be able to complete the deletion process. Reddit requires a password to confirm deletion, even if you normally log in through a social account.
To fix this, go to User Settings and click Account. Scroll to the Change password section and click Set password. Reddit will send a password reset email to the address associated with your account. Click the link in that email, create a new Reddit password, and save it. Once you have set a password, you can follow the deletion steps above.
What to do before you delete
If you have saved posts or comments you want to keep, download them before deletion. Reddit does not offer a built-in download tool, but third-party tools like Pushshift or BDFR (Bulk Downloader For Reddit) can archive your posts and comments. These tools require some technical setup, but they let you save your content as files before the account disappears.
Check your saved items and awards. Go to your profile and click Saved to see posts and comments you have bookmarked. These will be lost when your account is deleted. If any are important, take screenshots or copy the text before you proceed.
Review your email address and two-factor authentication settings. If you use the same email for other accounts, make sure you have access to it — you will not be able to use it with a new Reddit account for at least a few days after deletion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I cancel my deletion after I have started the process?
Yes, during the 30-day waiting period. Log back into your account with your username and password, and your account will reactivate immediately. After 30 days have passed, cancellation is no longer possible.
Will deleting my account remove my posts from Google search results?
Not immediately. Google's search index updates over time, and Reddit pages may remain in search results for weeks or months after your account is deleted. You can request removal through Google Search Console if you want to speed up the process, but Reddit's own site will no longer show the posts.
What if I forgot my Reddit password?
Go to reddit.com and click Forgot password? on the login page. Enter your email address, and Reddit will send a password reset link. Click the link, create a new password, and use it to log in and delete your account.
Do I need to unsubscribe from subreddits before deleting?
No. Unsubscribing is optional and does not affect deletion. Your subscriptions will be removed automatically when your account is deleted.
Can someone else access my account after I delete it?
No. After 30 days, the account no longer exists and cannot be accessed or recovered by anyone, including Reddit staff. Your username will become available for someone else to use after deletion is complete.