Deleting Spotify removes your account, saved music, and playlists forever
When you delete a Spotify account, the company removes your username, email, password, saved songs, playlists, and listening history. You cannot recover any of this after deletion. If you want to keep your music but stop paying, downgrading to the free tier is an option — but deletion is permanent and irreversible.
Spotify does not let you delete your account through the mobile app. You must use a web browser on a computer or phone. The process takes about five minutes and requires you to confirm your password.
Key Takeaways
- Account deletion is permanent — Spotify cannot restore your username, playlists, or listening history once the account is gone.
- You must delete through the Spotify website account settings, not through the mobile app.
- Spotify will ask you to confirm your password and may ask why you are leaving.
- If you have an active Premium subscription, canceling it before deletion prevents accidental charges.
- Free accounts delete the same way as paid accounts and take effect when ready.
Steps to delete your account through the Spotify website
Go to www.spotify.com and sign in with your email and password. Once you are logged in, click your profile icon in the top right corner and select Account from the dropdown menu.
Scroll down to the section labeled Danger Zone or Delete Account — the exact label varies depending on your region and account type. Click the button that says Delete Account or Delete Your Account. Spotify will show a warning that deletion is permanent and ask you to type your password again to confirm.
After you enter your password, Spotify may ask you to select a reason for leaving — options typically include "I have another account," "I found a better service," or "Other." This question is optional and does not affect whether your account deletes. Click the final confirmation button, and your account will be deleted when ready.
Cancel your Premium subscription before deleting
If you pay for Spotify Premium, cancel your subscription before you delete your account. Deleting the account does not automatically stop charges — your payment method may still be billed for the next billing cycle if you do not cancel first.
To cancel, go to Account in your profile settings and look for Subscription or Premium. Click Change Plan or Manage Subscription, then select Cancel Premium. Spotify will ask if you want to keep the free tier or close the account entirely. Choose to keep the free tier, then proceed with account deletion afterward.
If you have already been charged after deleting your account, contact Spotify support through the website to request a refund. Refunds are not may provide but are sometimes issued for accidental charges.
What happens to your data after deletion
Spotify deletes your account data from its active systems within a few days. Your username becomes available for someone else to use. Your playlists, saved songs, and listening history are removed and cannot be recovered.
If you shared playlists with other users, those playlists will remain in their libraries but will show as created by a deleted account. Collaborative playlists you were editing with others will also remain, but you will no longer appear as a contributor.
Spotify may retain some data for legal or billing purposes for a longer period, but you will not be able to access it. If you want to keep a record of your music before deleting, export your playlists to a text file or take screenshots of your favorite songs and artists.
Alternatives to deletion if you want to pause or reduce use
If you are not sure about permanent deletion, consider these options instead. Downgrading to the free tier keeps your account and lets you listen to music with ads — you lose offline downloads and skip limits, but your account and playlists remain. You can upgrade back to Premium anytime.
You can also change your password and remove payment methods from your account without deleting it. This prevents accidental charges while keeping your account dormant. If you return later, your account and playlists will still be there.
If you want to stop seeing Spotify notifications, log out of all devices and do not log back in. Your account will remain but inactive. You can reactivate it by logging in again.
Deleting a Spotify account linked to Facebook or Apple ID
If you created your Spotify account using Facebook Login or Sign in with Apple, you still delete it the same way through the Spotify website. The deletion removes only your Spotify account — it does not affect your Facebook or Apple account.
After deletion, you cannot create a new Spotify account using the same Facebook or Apple ID for 30 days. After 30 days, you can sign up again with that method if you want to start fresh.
What to do if you cannot access your account to delete it
If you forgot your password, click Forgot your password? on the Spotify login page. Spotify will send a reset link to the email address associated with your account. Follow the link, create a new password, and then log in to delete your account through the steps above.
If you no longer have access to the email address on your account, contact Spotify support through the website. Go to Help at the bottom of the Spotify homepage, select Contact Us, and describe your situation. Support can help you regain access or delete the account on your behalf, though this may take several days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete my Spotify account from the mobile app?
No. Spotify only allows account deletion through the website. Open a web browser on your phone or computer, go to spotify.com, sign in, and follow the deletion steps in your account settings.
Will deleting my Spotify account stop my Premium charges?
Deletion does not automatically cancel your subscription. Cancel Premium through your account settings first, then delete the account. If you are charged after deletion, contact Spotify support to request a refund.
Can I recover my account or playlists after I delete them?
No. Spotify deletion is permanent and irreversible. Your username, playlists, saved songs, and listening history cannot be restored. If you want to keep your music, take screenshots or export your playlists before deleting.
What happens to playlists I shared with friends?
Shared and collaborative playlists remain in your friends' libraries, but they will show as created by a deleted account. Your friends can still listen to them and edit them if they were collaborative.
How long does it take for my account to be fully deleted?
Your account is deleted when ready after you confirm deletion on the website. Spotify removes your data from active systems within a few days, and your username becomes available for others to use.