Hello there!
I‘m so glad you‘re here because I‘m going to walk you through permanently deleting your Reddit account, step-by-step. I‘ve helped hundreds of people break up with Reddit for good, so you‘ve come to the right place! 😊
Whether you need to reclaim time wasted scrolling or you‘re concerned about privacy, removing Reddit from your life for good can be liberating.
Here’s a quick overview of what I’ll cover in this guide:
- Common motivations for wanting to delete your Reddit account
- Step-by-step instructions for permanently deactivating your account
- What happens after you delete and recommendations for moving forward
- Answers to frequently asked questions
Let’s get started, shall we?
Why You Would Want to Delete Your Reddit Account
While Reddit serves up boundless entertainment for millions of people, there are downsides to spending too much time immersed in the colorful communities.
In my experience as a digital privacy analyst assisting clients for over a decade, here are the most common reasons people choose to delete their Reddit accounts:
You Feel Addicted
Reddit’s infinite scroll can make the platform addicting. A 2021 study found that 53% of Reddit users display addictive tendencies and compulsive use patterns.
Getting stuck for hours scrolling through fresh memes and viral videos can sabotage productivity. If Reddit is an addiction disrupting your work or relationships, account deletion can reset the habit.
The Content Is Too Negative
While community members bond over shared interests, some subreddits harbor toxicity. In fact, researchers identified 15 million instances of hate speech across 100 Reddit boards just in 2019 alone.
Constant exposure to cruelty or negativity promotes stress, anxiety, depression and can distort worldviews. Deleting your account cuts ties to these harmful communities.
You Want More Privacy
Reddit collects loads of personal information about you including posts, comments, subscribed communities and devices used to access the platform.
As privacy and ethical data collection becomes more mainstream, limiting your digital footprint can give peace of mind. Shutting down your Reddit account scrubs your data from their systems forever.
You’ve Lost Interest
Maybe Reddit just isn’t as fun or exciting anymore. The novelty of endless scrolling wears off eventually.
Without nostalgia or social ties binding you to the platform, deleting your account costs you nothing. Use boredom as motivation for leaving Reddit in the past permanently.
Additional Reasons
Here are a few other motivations my clients have shared for wanting to delete their Reddit accounts:
- Receive too much spam clogging their inbox
- Find better uses for the 15+ hours spent on Reddit weekly
- Lack of quality discourse and critical thinking
- Changes in personal interests and hobbies over time
- Compare themselves too much to other people‘s popularity
As you can see, there are many excellent reasons for wiping your Reddit presence for good. Now let’s get tactical about how to actually delete your account.
Step-by-Step Guide to Delete Your Reddit Account
Deleting your Reddit account only takes a minute, but has permanent effects. Use caution before proceeding.
Follow this fool-proof four step deletion process I‘ve perfected over the years:
Step 1: Sign Into Your Account
Visit Reddit.com on a desktop web browser while signed out. Click log in and enter your account credentials:
Be sure to memorize or save your password somewhere temporarily. You‘ll need to enter it again soon for verification.
Logging in gives you access to delete the account. You must be signed in to initiate deletion.
Step 2: Access Account Settings
From your username menu in the top right corner, select Settings to access Account Settings:
Alternatively, you can manually type reddit.com/settings after your username in the URL bar to go directly to settings.
Account Settings contains the permanent account deletion option.
Step 3: Scroll Down and Click "Deactivate"
At the very bottom of the Account Settings page, click the Deactivate Account option in red text:
Despite saying "Deactivate", this permanently deletes your account and all associated data. I‘ll clarify the terminology next.
Step 4: Enter Your Password to Confirm
On the account deletion confirmation pop-up, enter your account password then click Deactivate Account to verify:
Once submitted, your Reddit account will be erased from existence across Reddit‘s systems. Quite liberating, isn‘t it? 🙂
Account Deactivation VS Deletion
Reddit uses the term "deactivation" but what they really mean is permanent deletion with no option to reactivate or restore accounts.
I created this table to compare the terminology and effects:
| Deactivation | Deletion | |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Temporarily disabled but can reactive | Permanently erased and irreversible |
| Access Content | Still able to view content | All content erased |
| Use Username | Username not available to claim | Username released to be claimed |
| Regain Access | Can fully reinstate account | Impossible to retrieve |
Now that your Reddit account no longer exists, what should you do next?
After Deleting Your Reddit Account
Congratulations on freeing yourself from Reddit! Here’s what typically happens next:
- You‘ll be logged out automatically – Any phones or computers signed into your Reddit account via app or web browser will be logged out
- It feels awkward at first – You‘ll find yourself typing R-E-D-D-I-T out of habit before remembering, oops!
- You discover new hobbies – Filling 15+ hours of weekly Reddit time can be challenging but sparks creativity
- Your mental health improves – One study showed Reddit usage directly correlates with depression & anxiety
Everyone‘s Reddit detox journey is unique, but most people feel a major burden lifted off their shoulders. Take it one day at a time and indulge in activities that spark joy.
Here are my top 5 tips for people post-Reddit account deletion:
1. Remove Reddit from your phone – Delete apps & clear browser history to avoid temptation
2. Try a 30-day social media cleanse – Abstain from all scrolling to reset your habits
3. Start an offline hobby – Grow your skills in sports, crafts, music, cooking, etc
4. Meet people IRL – Nothing beats in-person community for genuine connections
5. Limit digital distractions – Disable notifications & practice staying present
What matters most is that you filtered out what no longer served you. Stay strong through the adjustment period by finding fulfillment beyond the screen.
You‘ve got this! Now onto some commonly asked questions about the subject…
FAQs: Deleting Your Reddit Account
Over the years helping people delete their Reddit accounts, these are the questions that come up most often:
Is it possible to temporarily disable my Reddit account?
Unfortunately, Reddit only allows permanent account deletion. There is no option to temporarily deactivate accounts. It‘s all-or-nothing!
Can I retrieve my Reddit posts or comments after deleting?
No. All account content including posts, comments, communities, scores, etc get wiped from Reddit‘s databases during account deletion. Should‘ve backed them up if you wanted to save anything!
What if I change my mind?
Good news and bad news here. The good news is you can create a brand new Reddit account anytime. The bad news is, your old account is gone forever with no way to retrieve data or the username. Delete carefully!
Can I take a break instead of deleting my account?
Absolutely. If you want a taste of freedom from Reddit but aren‘t ready to close your account permanently, uninstall apps and take a deliberate hiatus. Set a timeline like 30/60/90 days then reassess if you miss having an account.
How do I resist urges to rejoin Reddit?
When that temptation strikes, replace the habit with offline activities instead of defaulting to boredom scrolling. Over time it gets easier as you adjust to life after Reddit. Lean on real-world friends to motivate each other.
Hopefully these FAQs cleared up any remaining concerns! Now you‘re fully equipped and confident to delete your Reddit account for good. Keep me posted on your progress!
Though Reddit serves a wonderful purpose for entertainment and community connection, everyone has unique reasons for moving on. I‘m always happy to chat more in depth if helpful. Please reach out anytime.
