How to Deactivate & Delete Your Reddit Account

4 min read
Sep 9, 2020 7:37:41 PM

Have you had enough of Reddit?

Do you feel like you're with angry rants instead of logical rebuttals when you express your views about a subject?

If the ever-increasing toxicity on Reddit is now choking you, like hundreds of other users, it's time to take your leave because nobody should take unwarranted aggression when it serves nothing. 

Reddit can be a fantastic source of the latest updates and categorized information, particularly for developing events and breaking news. It's accessible, on the go, and from people to people. It's a platform where like-minded people can find some company and engage in the type of discussions they want.

However, some users may need help finding the constant waves of information too much for them. Others may miss the early days of Reddit when a difference of opinion was tolerable and a certain mob mentality had yet to take root. It was a time when you could post memes and discuss subjects without uncontrolled backlash.

Oh, the good old days!

If you face a similar situation, it's time to delete the 'front page of the internet!" But how can you do that once and for all? By deleting your Reddit account!

Yes, it's possible to delete your Reddit account permanently. If you have decided enough, you must know how the deleting process works. 

Below is a guide explaining how to permanently delete your Reddit account, summarizing all the information you need.

Deactivation vs. Deletion: What's the Difference?

Before we dive into the "how," let's clear up some terminology. Reddit makes a distinction between deactivation and deletion of an account.

  • Deactivation: This is a temporary suspension of your account. Your account and posts are hidden from other users, but your data remains on Reddit's servers. You can reactivate your account at any time by simply logging back in.
  • Deletion: When you delete your account, it's a more permanent step. Your account and all associated data, including your posts and comments, are permanently removed from Reddit's servers.

So, the choice between deactivation and deletion depends on whether you plan to return to Reddit. For those who are sure they won't be back, the deletion process is what you're looking for.

With a Reddit Premium Subscription

If you have a Reddit Premium subscription, it's important to note that canceling your subscription is a separate process from deactivation or deletion. Cancelling your subscription stops the billing but doesn't deactivate or delete your account. If you wish to remove the account, follow the steps for your subscription platform, such as the App Store, Google Play, or the official Reddit website.

How to Deactivate Your Reddit Account

On Desktop:

  1. Log in: Open your web browser, go to Reddit's website, and log in to your Reddit account.
  2. Access User Settings: In the top-right corner of the Reddit homepage, click on your username. This will open a dropdown menu. Select "User Settings."
  3. Deactivate Account: In the "Account" tab of the settings, scroll down until you see the "Deactivate Account" section. Click on the "Deactivate" option.
  4. Follow the Prompts: Reddit will ask you to confirm your decision and provide a reason for deactivation. Once you've done that, enter your password and click "Deactivate."

On Mobile:

  1. Open Reddit App: Launch the Reddit app on your mobile device.
  2. Access User Settings: Tap your profile icon in the top-left corner of the screen. From there, navigate to "Settings."
  3. Deactivate Account: Scroll down in the settings until you see "Deactivate Account." Tap on it.
  4. Follow the Prompts: Similar to the desktop process, you'll be prompted to confirm your decision, provide a reason, and enter your password. After you've done this, tap "Deactivate."

How to Delete Your Reddit Account

If you're sure you want to remove your Reddit account and all associated data, here's how to do it:

  1. Log In: Start by logging into your Reddit account through a web browser on your desktop or mobile device.
  2. Access User Settings: Click on your username in the top-right corner and select "User Settings."
  3. Delete Account: In the "Account" tab of the settings, scroll down until you see "Delete Account." Click on it.
  4. Follow the Prompts: Reddit will ask you to confirm your choice, provide a reason, and enter your password. Once you've completed these steps, click "Delete."

FAQs

Are Deactivation and Deletion the Same?

No, they are not the same. Deactivation temporarily suspends your account and hides it from other users, while deletion permanently removes your account and all associated data from Reddit's servers.

Can You Reactivate Your Account Later?

Yes, if you've deactivated your account, you can reactivate it anytime by logging back in. Deletion is a permanent action, and there's no way to recover your data or account.

Is Your Personal Information Removed When You Delete Your Account?

When you delete your account, Reddit removes your account data, including your posts and comments, from public view. However, Reddit may retain some of your data for legal and operational purposes, but it won't be associated with your account or visible to other users.

Will my posts and comments be automatically deleted when I deactivate my account?

No, your posts and comments will remain on the website forever. But do not worry. Your username will not be shown, as below:

If you want every post and comment you've made to be gone, you'll have to do it manually. That is, you will have to delete every post and comment one by one—that, too, before deactivating your account. Once you delete your account, you can not delete any post or comment you have made on the site.

Conclusion

Following the above steps, you can permanently delete your Reddit account and protect your online privacy. I hope you found this helpful article. Please comment below if you have trouble going through the steps above or have any feedback.

Enjoy your Reddit-free life!

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