How to delete an Xbox 360 profile
You can delete an Xbox 360 profile directly from your console using the settings menu. The process takes about two minutes and removes the profile and all its data from that specific console — but the profile still exists on Xbox Live servers if you created it online. If you want to remove the profile permanently from your Xbox account, you'll need to contact Xbox Support separately.
Deletion is permanent on the console itself, so make sure you've backed up any saved games you want to keep before you start. Most people delete profiles when they're selling the console, switching to a new one, or cleaning up duplicate accounts.
Key Takeaways
- Deleting a profile from your Xbox 360 removes it from that console only, not from your Xbox Live account.
- You must be signed in as an administrator or the profile owner to delete a profile.
- Saved games and achievements tied to that profile will be deleted unless you back them up first.
- If you created the profile online through Xbox Live, you'll need to contact Xbox Support to remove it from your account entirely.
Steps to delete a profile from your Xbox 360
Start by turning on your Xbox 360 and going to the home screen. Press the Guide button on your controller (the large circular button in the center) to open the guide menu.
Navigate to Settings and select it. From there, choose System Settings. You'll see a list of options including Storage, Network, and Accounts. Select Storage first — this is where your profiles are stored on the console.
Choose the storage device where the profile is saved (usually your hard drive or internal memory). You'll see a list of profiles on that device. Highlight the profile you want to delete and press the Y button on your controller. A menu will appear asking you to confirm the deletion. Select Delete and confirm again when prompted.
The profile will be removed from your console when ready. If you need to recover saved games before deleting, you can copy them to a USB drive or memory card from the Storage menu before you delete the profile.
What happens to your saved games and achievements
When you delete a profile, all saved games associated with that profile are deleted along with it. Achievements and gamerscore tied to that profile are also removed from the console. However, if the profile was connected to an Xbox Live account, those achievements remain recorded on your Xbox account online — they just won't show up on this console.
Before deleting, you can back up your saved games by going to Storage, selecting the profile, and copying individual game saves to a USB drive or memory card. You can then transfer those saves to another profile or console later if needed.
Removing a profile from your Xbox Live account
Deleting a profile from your console is different from removing it from Xbox Live entirely. If you created the profile through Xbox Live (rather than as a local console-only profile), the account still exists on Microsoft's servers even after you delete it from your Xbox 360.
To remove an Xbox Live profile permanently, you'll need to contact Xbox Support through their website or phone line. They can help you close the account or remove it from your Xbox profile. This step is important if you're selling your console and want to make sure the buyer can't access your account information.
Local profiles versus Xbox Live profiles
An Xbox 360 profile can be either a local profile (created only on your console) or an Xbox Live profile (linked to an online account). The deletion process is the same for both, but the outcome is different.
If you delete a local profile, it's gone completely — there's no online record of it anywhere. If you delete an Xbox Live profile from your console, the profile disappears from that machine, but the account remains active on Xbox Live. You can sign back in with that account on any other Xbox 360, or you can contact Xbox Support to close the account entirely if you no longer want it.
Troubleshooting if you can't delete a profile
If you see a message saying you don't have permission to delete the profile, you're likely not signed in as an administrator or the profile owner. Sign out, then sign in as the administrator account (usually the account that set up the console). Try the deletion process again.
If the profile is locked or you've forgotten the password, you can still delete it from the Storage menu without signing in — the system will ask for confirmation but won't require a password. If you're still unable to delete it, the profile may be corrupted, and you should contact Xbox Support for help.
What to do before selling your console
If you're deleting profiles because you're selling your Xbox 360, delete all profiles except one temporary one you create for the new owner. This prevents the buyer from accessing your saved games, achievements, or any personal information tied to your accounts.
After deleting your profiles, go back to System Settings and select Network Settings, then Disconnect from Network to remove any stored network passwords. You can also perform a full console reset from the System Settings menu if you want to wipe everything, though this is more extreme than necessary for most sales.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I recover a profile after I delete it?
No — once you delete a profile from your Xbox 360, it's permanently removed from that console. If it was an Xbox Live profile, you can sign back in with that account on another Xbox 360 or contact Xbox Support to recover the account. Local profiles cannot be recovered.
Will deleting a profile affect other profiles on the same console?
No. Deleting one profile has no effect on other profiles stored on the same console. Each profile is independent, and removing one won't change saved games, achievements, or settings for any other profile.
Do I need an internet connection to delete a profile?
No. Profile deletion happens entirely on your console and doesn't require an internet connection. You can delete a profile even if your Xbox 360 is offline.
What if I delete a profile by mistake?
If it was a local profile, it cannot be recovered. If it was an Xbox Live profile, you can sign back in with that account on the same console or any other Xbox 360. Contact Xbox Support if you need help recovering an Xbox Live account.
Can I delete the administrator profile?
You can delete the administrator profile, but you'll need to create a new administrator profile first or sign in as a different administrator. Xbox 360 consoles require at least one administrator account to function properly.