Reddit deletion is permanent and takes 30 days

When you delete a Reddit account, the site removes your username, profile, and saved posts within 30 days. After that window closes, the deletion cannot be undone. Any comments you posted stay on Reddit under a "[deleted]" label, but they are no longer linked to your account or profile.

The 30-day waiting period exists so you can change your mind if you log back in during that time. If you do log in, the deletion cancels and your account returns to normal. After 30 days pass without logging in, Reddit permanently removes your account data from their systems.

Key Takeaways

  • Deleting your Reddit account takes 30 days from the moment you request it, and you can undo it by logging in during that window.
  • Your old comments remain on Reddit under a "[deleted]" label and are visible to other users, but they are no longer connected to your username or profile.
  • You should read your data before deleting if you want to keep a copy of your posts, comments, or saved content.
  • Deactivating your account is different from deleting it — deactivation hides your profile when ready but keeps your data on Reddit's servers.

How to request account deletion

Go to your Reddit account settings by clicking your profile icon in the top right corner and selecting "User Settings." On the left sidebar, click "Account." Scroll down to the bottom of the page until you see the red "Deactivate Account" button.

Click that button. Reddit will ask you to confirm your password and explain why you are leaving. You do not have to write anything in the reason field — it is optional. After you confirm, Reddit sends a confirmation email to the address on your account. Click the link in that email to finalize the deletion request.

Once you click the email link, your account enters the 30-day deletion window. Your username disappears from Reddit when ready, but your account data stays on their servers until the 30 days are up.

What happens to your posts and comments

Your posts and comments do not disappear when you delete your account. Instead, they remain on Reddit but show as posted by "[deleted]" instead of your username. Other users can still see the content and reply to it, but they cannot click through to your profile or see your post history.

If you want to remove specific posts or comments before deleting your account, you can delete them individually. Go to your profile, find the post or comment, click the three dots next to it, and select "Delete." That removes it from Reddit entirely. Doing this before you delete your account means those posts will not appear under "[deleted]" — they will be gone.

read your data before deletion

Reddit lets you read a copy of your account data, including your posts, comments, saved items, and upvote history. This is useful if you want to keep a record of what you posted before your account is deleted.

To read your data, go to User Settings and click "Account." Scroll to the bottom and look for "read Your Data." Click that button and Reddit will prepare a file. You will receive an email with a link to read a JSON file containing your account information. This file is yours to keep and can be opened in a text editor or imported into other services.

Deactivation versus deletion

Deactivation and deletion are two different actions. When you deactivate your account, your profile and username disappear from Reddit when ready, but your data stays on Reddit's servers. You can reactivate a deactivated account by logging in with your password at any time.

When you delete your account, you go through the 30-day process described above. After 30 days, your data is removed from Reddit's systems. Deletion is meant to be permanent, while deactivation is temporary.

If you are not sure whether you want to leave Reddit permanently, deactivation is the safer choice. It hides your profile and username right away but gives you the option to come back without losing anything.

What to do if you change your mind

During the 30-day deletion window, you can undo the deletion by logging into your account. Use your username and password to sign in. Reddit will recognize that your account is in the deletion queue and ask whether you want to cancel the deletion. Click yes, and your account returns to normal when ready.

After the 30 days pass, you cannot recover your account. Reddit will not restore deleted accounts under any circumstances, even if you contact their support team. If you want to use Reddit again after permanent deletion, you will need to create a new account with a new username.

Protecting your account before you leave

If you are deleting because you are concerned about your account security or privacy, take a few steps before you go. Change your password one last time to a strong, unique string of characters. Remove any saved payment methods or linked email addresses from your account settings.

Check your connected apps and websites. Go to User Settings, click "Connected Services," and disconnect any third-party apps or websites that have access to your Reddit account. This prevents those services from accessing your Reddit data after you are gone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I delete my Reddit account on mobile?

Yes. Open the Reddit app, tap your profile icon, go to Settings, then Account, and scroll to the bottom. Tap "Deactivate Account" and follow the same confirmation steps as on desktop. You will still need to click the confirmation link in your email to finalize the deletion.

What if I forgot my Reddit password?

You cannot delete your account without your password. Go to the Reddit login page and click "Forgot password?" Enter your username or email address, and Reddit will send you a password reset link. Once you reset your password, you can log in and request deletion.

Does deleting my account remove my data from Google search results?

No. If your Reddit posts were indexed by Google, they may still appear in search results even after your account is deleted. You can ask Google to remove specific URLs from their search results using Google Search Console, but this is separate from deleting your Reddit account.

Can Reddit staff see my account after I delete it?

Reddit staff can see deleted accounts for a limited time during the 30-day window, but after permanent deletion, your account data is removed from their active systems. Reddit keeps some data for legal and safety reasons, but your profile and personal information are no longer accessible through normal means.

What if I want to delete my account but keep my username for someone else to use?

You cannot reserve a username after deletion. Once your account is deleted, the username enters a queue and may eventually become available for others to claim, but you cannot control when or whether that happens. If you want to preserve a username, create a new account with a different name instead of deleting.