Deleting a Battle.net account is permanent and removes access to all Blizzard games tied to it

When you delete a Battle.net account, Blizzard removes your access to every game connected to that account — World of Warcraft, Diablo, Overwatch, Hearthstone, and any others. The deletion is irreversible. You cannot recover the account, its characters, items, or progress after the process completes. If you want to step away from Blizzard games but might return later, closing the account temporarily (without deletion) is a safer option.

Blizzard requires you to delete the account through their official website. You cannot delete it through the game launcher or a support email. The process takes a few minutes if you have your login credentials ready, but Blizzard may ask you to verify your identity or wait a short period before the deletion finalizes.

Key Takeaways

  • Deleting a Battle.net account is permanent and cannot be undone — all games, characters, and progress are lost.
  • You must delete the account on the Battle.net website using your login email and password, not through the game launcher.
  • Blizzard may ask you to verify your identity by email or phone before processing the deletion.
  • If you might return to Blizzard games later, closing the account temporarily is safer than deleting it.
  • Any linked payment methods, authenticators, or connected social accounts should be removed before deletion to avoid complications.

Steps to delete your Battle.net account

Go to the Battle.net account management website at account.battle.net and sign in with your email address and password. Once logged in, look for "Account" in the left menu and select it. Scroll down until you see a section labeled "Delete Account" or "Account Deletion" — the exact wording changes occasionally, but it will be near the bottom of the page.

Click the delete button. Blizzard will show you a warning that explains the deletion is permanent and lists the games you will lose access to. Read this carefully to confirm you are deleting the correct account. Enter your password again to confirm your identity, then click the final confirmation button. Some accounts may require additional verification — Blizzard might send a confirmation email or ask you to verify through a phone number on file.

After you confirm, the account enters a grace period. Blizzard typically waits 30 days before the deletion becomes final. During this time, you can contact Blizzard support to cancel the deletion if you change your mind. After 30 days, the account and all associated data are permanently removed.

What happens to your games and progress

Every game tied to your Battle.net account becomes inaccessible when ready after deletion is confirmed. This includes World of Warcraft characters at any level, Diablo items and progress, Overwatch cosmetics and rank, Hearthstone cards and decks, and Starcraft campaigns or multiplayer rating. You cannot transfer characters or items to another account — they are deleted along with the account.

If you own games outright (like Diablo IV or Starcraft II purchased as a one-time purchase), you lose the license to play them. Games you paid for through a subscription like World of Warcraft Plus are also lost. Any in-game currency you purchased with real money — World of Warcraft gold bought through the shop, Overwatch coins, or Hearthstone gold — cannot be refunded and will be deleted.

Removing linked services before deletion

Before you delete the account, disconnect any payment methods, authenticators, and linked social accounts. This prevents confusion and ensures no charges occur after deletion. Sign into your Battle.net account and go to the account settings page.

Under "Payment Methods," remove any credit cards, PayPal accounts, or other payment sources. Under "Security," disable the authenticator app if you use one — you will need your authenticator code or backup codes to do this. Under "Connected Accounts," disconnect any linked Facebook, Google, or Xbox Live accounts. These steps take a few minutes but prevent problems if someone tries to use your old credentials or if Blizzard's system attempts to charge a linked payment method after deletion.

Difference between closing and deleting your account

Closing your account (sometimes called suspending or deactivating) is different from deleting it. When you close an account, Blizzard keeps your data but you cannot log in or play games. You can reopen the account later by signing in again — your characters, items, and progress are still there. Closing is useful if you want to take a break from Blizzard games but might return in a few months or years.

Deleting is permanent and removes everything. If you are unsure whether you want to leave Blizzard games forever, close the account first. You can always delete it later if you decide you do not want to return. To close your account instead of deleting it, contact Blizzard support through the Battle.net website and ask them to suspend the account.

What to do if you cannot access your account

If you forgot your password or no longer have access to the email address tied to your account, you cannot delete it through the standard process. Go to the Battle.net login page and click "Forgot your password?" to reset it using a recovery email or phone number. If you do not have access to either, contact Blizzard support through their website.

Blizzard support can verify your identity through security questions, the phone number on file, or other account details. Once verified, they can help you reset your password or delete the account directly. This process takes longer than self-service deletion — usually a few business days — but it is the only option if you cannot log in.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund for games or in-game purchases after deleting my account?

No. Blizzard does not refund games or in-game currency after account deletion. If you purchased World of Warcraft time, Overwatch coins, or Hearthstone packs, that money is gone. If you want a refund for a recent purchase, contact Blizzard support before you delete the account — they may refund purchases made within 30 days depending on the game.

Will deleting my Battle.net account delete my Blizzard Launcher?

No. The Blizzard Launcher is a separate process that stays on your computer. Deleting your Battle.net account only removes your access to games through that account. You can uninstall the launcher separately if you want to remove it completely.

What if I change my mind during the 30-day grace period?

Contact Blizzard support through the Battle.net website and tell them you want to cancel the deletion. They can restore your account if the 30 days have not passed yet. After 30 days, restoration is not possible.

Can I delete my account if I have an active World of Warcraft subscription?

Yes, but your subscription will be cancelled when the account is deleted. You will not receive a refund for unused subscription time. Cancel your subscription manually before deletion if you want to avoid any confusion about charges.

Does deleting my Battle.net account affect my Activision or Blizzard employee account?

No. Your Battle.net gaming account is separate from any work account or Activision employee account. Deleting one does not affect the other.