You can delete your Lyft account through the app or website, and the process takes about five minutes
To delete your Lyft account, open the Lyft app or go to lyft.com, sign in, and navigate to your account settings. Look for a "Delete Account" or "Close Account" option — the exact wording depends on whether you're using the app or website, but both lead to the same result. Lyft will ask you to confirm the deletion and may prompt you to explain why you're leaving. Once you confirm, your account is permanently deleted within a few days.
Before you delete, understand what happens: your ride history disappears, any remaining Lyft credit or gift card balance is forfeited, and you lose access to saved payment methods and addresses. If you have an active ride or a scheduled ride coming up, you'll need to cancel it first. Lyft does not restore deleted accounts, so if you change your mind later, you'll have to create a new account from scratch.
Key Takeaways
- Delete your account through the app's settings menu or at lyft.com by signing in and finding the account closure option.
- Any unused Lyft credit or gift card balance will be lost when you delete, so spend it before you go.
- Active or scheduled rides must be canceled before deletion is possible.
- Deletion is permanent and cannot be undone — you cannot recover a deleted account later.
How to delete through the Lyft app on your phone
Open the Lyft app and tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner. Scroll down to find "Settings" and tap it. Look for an option labeled "Delete Account," "Close Account," or sometimes "Account & Payment" followed by a delete option — the exact placement varies by app version and whether you're on iOS or Android, but it's always in the settings section. Tap the delete option.
Lyft will show you a confirmation screen explaining what happens when you delete. Read through it, then tap "Delete Account" or "Confirm Deletion" to proceed. You may see a survey asking why you're leaving — this is optional, but Lyft sometimes uses the feedback. After you confirm, the app will log you out. Your account will be fully deleted within a few business days, though you'll lose access immediately.
How to delete through the Lyft website
Go to lyft.com and sign in with your email and password. Click your profile icon or name in the top right corner and select "Account Settings." Scroll down the settings page until you see "Delete Account" or "Close Account." Click that link.
A pop-up or new page will appear asking you to confirm. Lyft will remind you that deletion is permanent and that any remaining credit will be lost. Check the box or button to confirm, then click "Delete" or "Confirm." You'll be logged out, and your account will be removed within a few business days.
What to do before you delete
Spend any remaining Lyft credit or gift card balance before deletion, because you cannot recover it afterward. Open the app, go to your payment method or wallet section, and check your balance. Use the credit on a ride, or contact Lyft support if you have a large balance and want to discuss options — though they rarely refund unused credit, it's worth asking before you delete permanently.
Cancel any active or scheduled rides. If you have a ride in progress or one booked for later, you must cancel it before the account can be deleted. Open the app, find the active ride, and tap "Cancel Ride." Wait for the cancellation to process, then proceed with deletion.
If you're deleting because of a problem with your account — such as a dispute over a charge, a deactivated driver account, or a locked account — contact Lyft support first. Sometimes the issue can be resolved without deletion. Go to the Help section in the app or visit lyft.com/help to start a chat or call support.
What happens to your data after deletion
Your ride history, saved addresses, and payment methods are deleted from Lyft's systems within a few business days. However, Lyft may retain some information for legal or tax purposes — for example, if you were a driver or if there was a dispute. Your personal data is handled according to Lyft's privacy policy, which you can review at lyft.com/privacy.
If you received a 1099 tax form from Lyft as a driver, that record will not disappear when you delete your account. Keep copies of any tax documents you received before deletion, as you'll need them for your tax return.
If you want to pause instead of delete
Lyft does not offer an official pause or deactivation option for riders, but you can simply stop using the app without deleting. Your account will remain open, and you can return anytime by signing in. This is useful if you're taking a break but might want to use Lyft again later.
If you're a driver, Lyft does offer the option to go offline or deactivate your driver account temporarily without deleting your entire account. This keeps your rider account intact while stopping your ability to accept rides. You can reactivate your driver account later by going back online in the app.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I undo a deleted Lyft account?
No. Once you confirm deletion, the account is permanently removed and cannot be recovered. If you want to use Lyft again, you'll have to create a new account with a new email address or phone number. Any history, saved addresses, and payment methods from the old account are gone.
What happens to my Lyft credit if I delete my account?
Any unused Lyft credit or gift card balance is forfeited when you delete. Lyft does not refund unused credit, so spend it on a ride before you delete. If you have a large balance and believe there's an error, contact Lyft support before deletion to discuss your options.
Do I lose my driver rating when I delete my account?
If you're a driver, your rating and driving history are tied to your account and will be deleted along with it. If you delete and create a new account later, you'll start with no rating history. Riders and drivers who used your services will not be able to see your old ratings or reviews after deletion.
How long does it take for my account to be fully deleted?
Lyft typically deletes your account within a few business days after you confirm. You'll be logged out immediately, but the backend deletion takes time. If you try to sign in during this period, you'll see an error message. After a few days, the account will no longer exist in Lyft's system.
Can I delete my account if I have an outstanding balance or dispute?
Lyft may prevent deletion if there's an unpaid charge or active dispute on your account. Resolve any outstanding issues through the app's Help section or by contacting support before attempting to delete. If you delete without resolving a dispute, Lyft may still pursue collection or hold you responsible for the charge.