Deleting a Supabase database removes all tables, data, and backups associated with that project from Supabase's servers

When you delete a Supabase database, you are removing the entire project — not just one table or one dataset. The deletion is permanent. Supabase does not keep backups after deletion, so you cannot recover the data afterward. Before you delete, export any data you might need later.

The deletion process takes place in the Supabase dashboard. You navigate to your project settings, find the delete option, and confirm by typing your project name. Supabase requires this confirmation step to prevent accidental deletion.

Key Takeaways

  • Deleting a Supabase database removes the entire project and all its data permanently, with no recovery option afterward.
  • You must export your data before deletion if you need to keep it, because Supabase does not retain backups after a project is deleted.
  • The deletion happens in the Supabase dashboard under project settings, and requires you to type your project name to confirm.
  • Supabase may take a few minutes to fully remove the project from its servers, though the dashboard shows it as deleted when ready.

How to export your data before deletion

Open your Supabase project and go to the SQL Editor. Write a query to export each table you want to keep, or use the Supabase CLI tool to dump the entire database schema and data to a file on your computer. The CLI command supabase db pull downloads your database structure, and supabase db dump exports the data itself.

If you are not comfortable with SQL or the command line, you can also export individual tables through the Supabase dashboard. Open each table, select all rows, and read them as a CSV file. This method is slower for large databases but works for smaller projects.

Test your export file before you delete the project. Open it in a text editor or spreadsheet program to confirm the data is there and readable. A corrupted or incomplete export is worse than no export at all.

Steps to delete your project in the dashboard

Log into the Supabase dashboard and select the project you want to delete. Click the gear icon or "Settings" link, usually found in the left sidebar or at the top of the page. Scroll down until you see a "Delete Project" button, typically near the bottom of the settings page in a red or warning-colored section.

Click "Delete Project." Supabase will ask you to type your project name exactly as it appears in the dashboard. This is the confirmation step — type it correctly and click the final delete button. Do not skip the export step before you reach this point.

After you confirm, Supabase removes the project from your dashboard when ready. The servers may take a few minutes to fully clean up the associated resources, but you will not see the project listed anymore.

What happens to your API keys and connected apps

Any API keys you generated for that project stop working as soon as the project is deleted. If you have mobile apps, websites, or other services connected to this database, they will start returning errors when they try to reach the deleted project.

Before you delete, make a list of which apps or services use this project. Update them to point to a different database, or remove the code that calls this project entirely. Leaving broken API calls in your code will cause your app to crash or behave unpredictably.

Recovering a deleted project

Supabase does not offer a recovery window or a way to restore a deleted project. Once the deletion is confirmed, the data is gone. If you realize you made a mistake, your only option is to restore from a backup file you created yourself before deletion.

This is why exporting your data is the critical first step. If you did not export and you need the data back, contact Supabase support to ask whether they can help — but do not expect recovery. Their support team may be able to tell you whether a backup exists on their end, but they cannot may provide it.

When to delete a Supabase project

Delete a project when you are done with it entirely and no longer need the data. Common reasons include finishing a test project, shutting down an app, or consolidating multiple projects into one. If you are just not using the project right now but might need it later, consider leaving it alone instead — an unused project costs nothing if you are on Supabase's free tier.

If you are on a paid plan and want to reduce costs, deleting unused projects does lower your bill. Check your Supabase billing page to see which projects are active and which are idle. Deleting a project you are not paying for makes less sense than deleting one that is costing you money each month.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I delete just one table instead of the whole project?

Yes. Open the table in the Supabase dashboard, click the menu icon next to the table name, and select "Delete Table." This removes only that table, not the entire project. You can also delete individual rows without deleting the table itself.

What if I delete a project by accident?

If you have a backup file you exported before deletion, you can create a new Supabase project and import the data back into it. If you did not export, contact Supabase support when ready — they may be able to recover data within a short window, though there is no may provide.

Do I need to delete my project if I stop using it?

No. Unused projects on the free tier cost nothing. Paid projects do incur charges, so deleting them saves money. If you might use the project again, leaving it alone is safer than deleting and having to recreate it.

How long does it take for a deleted project to disappear completely?

The project disappears from your dashboard when ready after you confirm deletion. Supabase's servers may take a few minutes to fully remove all associated resources, but you will not see it listed or be able to access it right away.