How to permanently delete your WhatsApp account

Learn how to permanently delete your WhatsApp account from your iPhone or Android phone if you no longer need to use this Facebook-owned messaging service.

Are you suffering from information overload? Is using multiple chat services to stay in touch with friends and family starting to feel like a burden?

People who rarely use WhatsApp and don’t envision using the service much going forward might be wondering whether they can nuke their account and all of the underlying data.

The answer to that question is a resounding ‘yes!’ But first, let’s talk about deactivating it.

Deactivate WhatsApp temporarily

Unlike most social media apps that offer the option to deactivate your account and take a break for some time, there is no way to deactivate your WhatsApp account.

However, if you lost your phone, the best option is to get a replacement SIM card for the same number and register your WhatsApp account on a new device. After this, WhatsApp will be logged out automatically from your lost phone. You can learn more about it here.

Permanently delete your WhatsApp account

You can easily do this from the app settings on your iOS or Android phone.

1) Open WhatsApp on your smartphone.

• If you’re on iPhone, tap You (formerly Settings) in the bottom right corner.
• On an Android phone, tap the three-dot menu icon at the top and select Settings.

We’re using an iPhone to show the remaining steps.

2) Go to Account settings.

3) Tap the three-dot icon at the top and select Delete account.

4) Select your country and enter your phone number.

5) Finish the process by tapping the red Delete account button and following the simple on-screen instructions. The app may ask you to enter your WhatsApp two-step verification code, so make sure you know it.

Once your WhatsApp account is deleted, you can remove the app from your iPhone or Android phone.

What happens when you delete your WhatsApp account

• Your phone number is no longer associated with WhatsApp
• Your account is removed from your friends’ WhatsApp Favorites lists
• Your account is deleted from all WhatsApp groups
• Your WhatsApp chats and media are erased from the app
• Your service payment information is removed from WhatsApp servers

Keep in mind that you can always reactivate your account by re-registering your mobile phone number, or some other number, with the service, but you cannot get back your old chats.

Reactivate your deleted WhatsApp account

1. Download WhatsApp on your iPhone or Android phone and open it.
2. Enter your phone number to verify and register with the service.

What if you just want a break?

Here are some things you can do to take a break or reduce distractions from WhatsApp on your iPhone:

• Turn off all its notifications: Settings app > Notifications > WhatsApp, and turn off Allow Notifications.
• Hide WhatsApp from the Home Screen so that it isn’t visible.
• Offload the app, which will delete the app but keep its data intact.
• Delete the app. You can reinstall it later and sign in again using your phone number. Note that this will remove all your chats unless you back up and restore them while setting up your account again.

WhatsApp automatically deletes inactive accounts

WhatsApp will delete your account if you have not been active for 120 days. So, to keep your account active, connect your phone to the internet and open the WhatsApp app at least once every four months.

Also, check out: How to delete your Facebook or Instagram account