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. The deletion takes effect when ready, but Reddit's servers complete the removal within 30 days. You cannot undo this action — once the 30-day window closes, your account and its data are gone for good. If you change your mind within those 30 days, you can log back in to cancel the deletion.
Deletion is different from deactivation. A deactivated account stays in Reddit's system but appears as "[deleted]" to other users. A deleted account removes your presence entirely. Choose deletion only if you are certain you will not want to return.
Key Takeaways
- You must use a web browser to delete your account — the Reddit mobile app does not have a deletion option.
- Reddit requires you to enter your password and solve a CAPTCHA before confirming deletion.
- Your username becomes available for others to claim after the 30-day deletion window closes.
- Deleted accounts cannot be recovered after 30 days, so read any content you want to keep before you start the process.
- Posts and comments you made may still appear in search results or on other sites that archived Reddit content.
Steps to delete your account on a computer
Go to Reddit.com and log in if you are not already signed in. Click your profile icon in the top right corner and select "User Settings" from the dropdown menu.
In the left sidebar, scroll down and click "Account". On the Account page, scroll to the bottom until you see a red button labeled "Delete Account". Click it.
Reddit will ask you to confirm your password and complete a CAPTCHA puzzle. Enter your password in the field provided, solve the CAPTCHA, and click "Delete". A message will appear saying your account is scheduled for deletion. You are done — the deletion will complete within 30 days.
What happens to your posts and comments after deletion
Your username disappears from Reddit when ready, but the text of your posts and comments may remain visible. Other users will see "[deleted]" where your username was, but they can still read what you wrote. Reddit does not remove the content itself during account deletion — it only removes the link between the content and your account.
If you want to remove the actual text of your posts before deleting your account, you must delete them individually. Go to your profile, find each post or comment, click the three dots next to it, and select "Delete". This step takes time if you have posted frequently, but it is the only way to remove your words from Reddit's servers before your account is deleted.
Content you posted may also exist on other websites that archive Reddit. Sites like Pushshift and the Internet Archive save copies of Reddit posts. Deleting your Reddit account does not remove these archived copies, and you cannot control them directly.
If you cannot access your account or forgot your password
If you cannot log in, you cannot delete your account through the normal process. Instead, go to Reddit's login page and click "Forgot password?" Enter the email address associated with your account. Reddit will send you a password reset link. Check your email (including spam folders) and click the link to create a new password.
Once you have reset your password and logged back in, follow the deletion steps above. If you no longer have access to the email address on file, Reddit's support team may be able to help. Go to Reddit.com/help and look for the "Contact Us" option to reach their support form. Be prepared to provide information that proves you own the account, such as the email address you used to sign up or details about posts you made.
The 30-day window and what you can do during it
After you click "Delete", you have 30 days to change your mind. During this time, your account is hidden from public view, but you can still log in using your username and password. If you log in at any point during the 30 days, the deletion is automatically cancelled and your account returns to normal.
After 30 days pass, your account is permanently removed and cannot be recovered. Your username becomes available for someone else to use. If you think you might want to return to Reddit in the future, consider deactivating instead of deleting — deactivated accounts can be reactivated at any time.
Why you might want to deactivate instead of delete
Deactivation hides your account without removing it permanently. Your profile becomes invisible to other users, and your posts show as "[deleted]" — the same appearance as a deleted account. However, Reddit keeps your account in its system, and you can reactivate it by logging in again at any time in the future.
Deactivation is useful if you are taking a break from Reddit but might return later, or if you want to remove your presence without the permanent commitment. The downside is that your account data remains on Reddit's servers, and your posts are still technically linked to your account even though they appear as "[deleted]" to others.
Privacy and data concerns with deletion
Deleting your account removes your profile and username from Reddit, but it does not may provide complete removal of all your data. Reddit's privacy policy states that they may retain certain information for legal, security, or operational reasons, even after deletion. This typically means server logs, metadata, or information needed to comply with law enforcement requests.
If you are concerned about your Reddit history for privacy reasons, deleting individual posts before deleting your account gives you more control. You can also use third-party tools designed to help Reddit users bulk-delete their post history, though these tools are not made by Reddit and come with their own privacy considerations. Research any tool carefully before using it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete my Reddit account from the mobile app?
No. The Reddit mobile app does not have a delete account option. You must use a web browser on a computer or mobile device to access Reddit.com and complete the deletion through User Settings. Open your phone's web browser, go to Reddit.com, and follow the steps above.
What if I delete my account but want to use the same email address for a new Reddit account?
You can create a new account with the same email address when ready after deletion, even during the 30-day window. Reddit does not lock email addresses after deletion. However, you cannot use the same username — your old username will be unavailable for 30 days, then becomes available for anyone to claim.
Will deleting my account remove me from subreddits I moderated?
Yes. If you were a moderator of any subreddit, your account will be removed from the moderator list when your account is deleted. The subreddit will continue to exist, but you will no longer have any control over it. If you are the only moderator, the subreddit may become inactive or be taken over by Reddit's admin team.
Can Reddit recover my account after the 30 days are up?
No. After 30 days, your account is permanently deleted and cannot be recovered by Reddit or by you. If you realize you want your account back after this point, you would need to create a completely new account from scratch.
Do I lose money or credits when I delete my account?
If you purchased Reddit Premium or have Reddit coins remaining on your account, those are forfeited when you delete. Reddit does not refund unused Premium time or coins. If you have a balance you want to use, spend it before you delete your account, or consider deactivating instead.