How to delete your Scruff account
You can delete your Scruff account permanently through the app's settings menu or by contacting Scruff support directly. The process takes a few minutes, but deletion is final — you cannot recover your profile, messages, or photos once the account is gone. If you want to keep your data temporarily, you can deactivate instead, which hides your profile but preserves everything for 30 days.
Key Takeaways
- Deletion through the app settings is permanent and cannot be undone, so read any photos or messages you want to keep first.
- Deactivation hides your profile for 30 days and lets you reactivate if you change your mind, but deletion does not offer this option.
- If you cannot access the app, you can request deletion by emailing Scruff support with your account details and a reason.
- Scruff removes your data from their servers within a few days of deletion, though cached versions may exist elsewhere online.
Delete your account through the Scruff app
Open Scruff and tap the profile icon in the bottom right corner. Scroll down and select Settings, then tap Account. Look for the option labeled Delete Account — it appears near the bottom of the Account menu, usually in red text to signal permanence.
Tap Delete Account and Scruff will ask you to confirm. The app may ask why you are leaving; this is optional. Enter your password to verify your identity, then confirm deletion. Your account and all associated data will be removed from Scruff's servers within a few days. This action cannot be reversed.
Deactivate instead if you might return
If you are unsure whether you want to leave permanently, deactivate your account instead. In Settings > Account, select Deactivate Account. Your profile becomes invisible to other users, but your messages, photos, and preferences stay on Scruff's servers. You have 30 days to reactivate by logging back in with your original credentials.
After 30 days of inactivity, Scruff may delete your account automatically, though you can reactivate within that window to reset the timer. Deactivation is useful if you are taking a break or want to step back without losing your data permanently.
Delete your account by email if you cannot access the app
If you have uninstalled Scruff, forgotten your password, or cannot access the app for another reason, you can request deletion by email. Send a message to support@scruff.com with the subject line "Account Deletion Request." Include the email address or username associated with your account and a brief explanation of why you want to delete it.
Scruff support typically responds within one to two business days. They will ask you to confirm your identity — usually by providing the email address you signed up with or answering a security question. Once verified, they will delete your account and send you a confirmation email.
What happens to your data after deletion
Scruff removes your profile, messages, and photos from their active servers within a few days. However, your data may exist in backups, cached versions on other websites, or screenshots that other users took. Scruff cannot remove information that other people have already downloaded or shared.
If you are concerned about privacy, delete any sensitive photos from your profile before requesting account deletion. You should also be aware that search engines and archive sites like the Wayback Machine may have cached versions of your public profile — these are outside Scruff's control, though you can request removal directly from those services.
Difference between deletion and deactivation
| Action | Profile Visibility | Data Preserved | Time to Reverse | Permanent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deactivation | Hidden from other users | Yes, all data saved | 30 days | No |
| Deletion | Removed completely | No, all data erased | Cannot reverse | Yes |
Choose deactivation if you think you might return to Scruff in the future or want to preserve your profile and messages. Choose deletion if you are certain you will not use the app again and want your data completely removed from Scruff's servers.
Before you delete: what to save
Before you delete your account, take screenshots or save any messages, photos, or contact information you want to keep. Scruff does not provide a bulk read option, so you will need to manually capture anything important. Pay special attention to conversations with people you want to stay in touch with — once your account is deleted, you will lose access to those messages.
If you have shared your contact details with someone on Scruff, they will still have that information even after you delete your account. However, they will not be able to message you through the app once your profile is gone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete my Scruff account on the website instead of the app?
Scruff does not offer account deletion through their website — you must use the mobile app or contact support by email. If you do not have the app installed, email support@scruff.com with your account details and request deletion.
What if I deleted my account by mistake?
If you deleted your account very recently, contact Scruff support when ready at support@scruff.com and explain what happened. They may be able to restore your account within a short window, but there is no may provide. After a few days, recovery becomes impossible because your data is permanently removed.
Will deleting my Scruff account delete my messages with other users?
Your messages will be deleted from your account, but the other person will still see the conversation on their end. They can continue to view and screenshot your old messages even after you delete your account. Scruff does not offer an option to delete messages from both sides simultaneously.
How long does it take for Scruff to fully delete my account?
Your profile becomes invisible when ready after you confirm deletion, but Scruff takes a few days to remove all your data from their servers. During this time, you may still appear in search results or cached pages, but new users cannot find or message you.
Can I use the same email address to create a new Scruff account after deletion?
Yes, you can create a new account with the same email address after your old account is fully deleted. Scruff typically allows this after a few days, though you may need to wait longer depending on their system. Your new account will be completely separate from the deleted one.