Deleting your Twitch account removes it from the platform entirely

When you delete a Twitch account, the platform deactivates it when ready and removes your username, profile, and chat history from public view within a few hours. Twitch keeps some data for legal and safety reasons — like records of reports you made or received — but your streams, followers list, and account settings are gone. You cannot undo a deletion, and you cannot use the same email address to create a new Twitch account for 60 days.

The deletion process itself takes about five minutes and happens entirely through your account settings. You do not need to contact Twitch support unless something goes wrong during the process.

Key Takeaways

  • Twitch account deletion is permanent and cannot be reversed, so read any content you want to keep before you start.
  • You must log in to your account to delete it — Twitch will not delete an account based on an email request alone.
  • The deletion takes effect when ready, but your username becomes available for others to use after 60 days.
  • If you own a channel that other people moderate or stream on, deleting your account will remove their access too.
  • You can deactivate your account temporarily instead of deleting it if you want to take a break without losing your data.

What happens to your content when you delete

All your past streams, clips, and videos disappear from Twitch's public platform. If you had videos saved to your channel, they will no longer be watchable by anyone. Followers you had will see your channel as deleted, and any subscriptions or channel memberships end when ready without refunds.

If you have content you want to keep — recordings of streams, clips, or highlights — you need to read them before you delete. Twitch does not send you copies of your content after deletion. You can read past broadcasts through your Creator Dashboard by going to Videos, selecting each broadcast, and using the read option if it is available for that video.

The steps to delete your account

Start by logging into your Twitch account on a computer or phone. Go to your Settings by clicking your profile icon in the top right corner and selecting Settings from the menu.

In Settings, click the Account tab on the left side. Scroll down until you see a button that says "Deactivate Account" — this is the first step. Click it, and Twitch will ask you to confirm that you understand the account cannot be recovered. Select the checkbox to confirm, then click the button again.

After you deactivate, Twitch will show you a second option: "Delete Account". This is the permanent step. Click it, enter your password when prompted, and confirm one more time. Your account will be deleted when ready.

The difference between deactivating and deleting

Deactivation hides your account temporarily. Your profile, streams, and followers list disappear from public view, but Twitch keeps all your data. You can reactivate by logging back in within 60 days, and everything returns exactly as it was. No one else can use your username while it is deactivated.

Deletion is permanent. After 60 days, your username becomes available for anyone to claim. Your data cannot be recovered. Choose deactivation if you think you might want to return to Twitch later, or if you are not sure yet.

What you need to know about your email address

After you delete your account, you cannot use the same email address to create a new Twitch account for 60 days. If you try to sign up with that email before the 60 days are up, Twitch will reject it and tell you to wait.

If you want to create a new account sooner, you will need a different email address. You can use a new email you create, or an existing email that is not linked to any Twitch account. After 60 days, your original email becomes available again.

If you have a channel with other moderators or streamers

Deleting your account removes the entire channel, even if other people have moderator permissions or stream on it regularly. Those people will lose access when ready, and the channel cannot be recovered.

If you want to step away but keep the channel running, consider transferring ownership instead. You can make another person the channel owner through your Creator Dashboard, and they will have full control while you keep your account. This is a better option if other people depend on the channel.

What to do before you delete

read any videos or clips you want to keep. Check if you have any pending payouts from subscriptions or bits — Twitch will not pay out after deletion, so contact support if you have money waiting. If you have two-factor authentication turned on, make sure you have your backup codes saved somewhere safe, because you will not be able to access your account after deletion.

If you have linked your Twitch account to other services — like Discord, YouTube, or gaming platforms — those links will break when you delete. You do not need to unlink them first, but be aware that any features that relied on your Twitch account will stop working.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my account back after I delete it?

No. Twitch does not restore deleted accounts under any circumstances. If you are unsure, deactivate instead of delete — you have 60 days to reactivate and get everything back.

What happens to my followers and subscriptions?

All followers lose access to your channel, and all active subscriptions end when ready. Subscribers do not receive refunds. If you have pending payouts, contact Twitch support before you delete to make sure you receive them.

Can someone else use my username after I delete?

Not for 60 days. After 60 days, your username becomes available and anyone can claim it. If you want to keep your username reserved longer, deactivate instead of delete.

Will Twitch delete my account if I just stop using it?

No. Inactive accounts stay on Twitch indefinitely. You must manually delete it through your Settings. Twitch will not delete it automatically no matter how long you go without logging in.

What if I forget my password and cannot log in to delete?

Use the "Forgot your password?" link on the Twitch login page to reset it. You must be able to log in to delete your account — Twitch support cannot delete an account without your login. If you cannot access your email, contact Twitch support and explain the situation.