How to Delete Your WhatsApp Account

WhatsApp is among the world’s most popular messaging services. But it is not necessary that you need to like the service. If you are not fond of WhatsApp and want to quit it for good, you can always delete your account. 

It is always recommended to delete your WhatsApp account rather than keep it inactive, as it can be hacked. Here’s how you can delete your WhatsApp account.

What Data Will WhatsApp Remove Once Your Account Is Deleted?

Deleting your WhatsApp account will completely wipe your data. As per the messaging platform, this will erase your message history and your Google Drive or iCloud backup. It will also delete you from all of the WhatsApp groups you’re a part of.

Since this is a complete wipe of your data, you might want to back up a few files or take a few screenshots of important messages.

Keep in mind that deleting your WhatsApp account won’t affect any information you made in relation to your contacts. For instance, the people you’ve messaged on the platform will still have access to the chats. However, your account will no longer appear on their end.

Additionally, disappearing messages and media on WhatsApp are deleted automatically after a set time, so they aren’t available, to begin with.

As per WhatsApp, they could retain certain log data, but these won’t be traced back to your account. They might also retain information like term violations, legal problems, and spam prevention efforts.

How To Delete Your WhatsApp Account

1. Open WhatsApp.
2. Tap the gear icon to open settings.
3. Look for Account and proceed.
   
4. Select Delete My Account.
5. Enter your registered number and tap Delete My Account.
6. You can put in a reason why you’re deleting your account, but it’s optional.
7. Tap Delete My Account.
   
   

The last page serves as the final confirmation for your account deletion. WhatsApp will warn you that your account can no longer be recovered once you proceed so think carefully first.

How Long Does WhatsApp Take To Delete Your Account?

Once you initiate the account deletion process, your Whatsapp account will immediately become unavailable. As per WhatsApp though, the entire process will take up to 90 days. Unlike other platforms, you can no longer recover your account once you delete it even if the 90-day period isn’t done yet.

Plan Your Account Deletion Accordingly

WhatsApp doesn’t give any grace period when you delete your account. Make sure that you’re no longer going to need it once you initiate the deletion process. If your reason for deleting your account is that you’re being bombarded with spam messages, check out this guide on how to block spam messages on WhatsApp.