What happens to my posts and comments when I deactivate?

Your posts and comments remain visible on Reddit but appear as posted by '[deleted]' user. They are NOT automatically removed. If you want your content deleted, you must manually delete each post and comment before deactivating your account.

Can someone else take my username after I deactivate?

Yes, immediately. Reddit releases your username as soon as you deactivate, and anyone can claim it right away. This is different from most social platforms. If username impersonation is a concern, consider changing to a generic name before deactivating.

Will I lose my Reddit Premium subscription?

Yes, immediately. Your Reddit Premium subscription is canceled with no refund when you deactivate. If you have Reddit Coins or unused Premium benefits, they are forfeited. Cancel Premium and use benefits before deactivating.

What happens to my karma and awards?

All karma (post and comment karma) and awards are permanently deleted when you deactivate your account. There's no way to recover or transfer these to a new account. Your entire contribution history and reputation are lost.

How do I delete all my posts before deactivating?

You must delete posts and comments manually one by one through Reddit's interface, or use third-party tools like PowerDeleteSuite. Reddit doesn't provide a bulk delete option. Note that some comments may be archived on external sites even after deletion.

Can I download my Reddit data?

Yes. Go to User Settings > Privacy & Security > Request Reddit Data. Reddit will compile your data and send you a download link via email, typically within 30 days. This includes all posts, comments, messages, and account activity.

What happens to my saved posts and subscriptions?

All saved posts, custom feeds, and subreddit subscriptions are permanently deleted when you deactivate. Reddit doesn't provide a way to export this information. Consider manually backing up important saved content before deactivation.

How to Delete Your Reddit Account - Step-by-Step Guide (2025)

Written & Verified By

Delete.Directory Content Team

Our team of privacy advocates and former social media employees verify every deletion process through hands-on testing.

This guide helps you permanently delete your Reddit account. We believe in digital autonomy: your right to leave any platform should be as easy as joining it. Follow these verified steps to ensure complete account deletion.

How We Verified This Guide

Methodology: Hands-on testing with live accounts

Quick Information

Time Required

5 minutes

Difficulty

easy

Steps

5 steps

Official Resources

Reddit Help - Deactivate Your Account

Official deletion guide from Reddit

Additional Resources

[1]

Request Your Reddit Data

Official guide for downloading your complete Reddit data before deletion

[2]

Reddit Privacy Policy

Understanding how Reddit handles your data and privacy

[3]

Delete Posts and Comments

How to manually delete your content before account deactivation

Step-by-Step Guide

Access User Settings

Log into Reddit and click on your profile icon in the top right corner. Select 'User Settings' from the dropdown menu.

Tips

•You can deactivate from both desktop and mobile
•Consider downloading your Reddit data before deactivating

Navigate to Account Settings

In User Settings, scroll down to find the 'Account' tab or section. Look for the 'Deactivate Account' option near the bottom of the page.

Tips

•The deactivation option is at the very bottom of Account settings
•Consider deleting posts/comments manually first if you want them removed

Review Deactivation Information

Reddit will display information about what happens when you deactivate. Read through the details carefully, including information about username availability and content visibility.

Warnings

•Your posts and comments will remain visible but show as [deleted]
•Your username becomes available for others to claim

Confirm Your Identity

Enter your Reddit username and password to verify your identity. Check the box acknowledging you understand the consequences of deactivation.

Tips

•Make sure you're entering your exact username correctly
•Password is case-sensitive

Deactivate Account

Click the 'Deactivate' button to complete the process. Your account will be immediately deactivated. You can reactivate within 30 days by logging back in.

Warnings

•After 30 days, deactivation becomes permanent
•Your username can be claimed by others immediately

Important Warnings

Posts and Comments Remain Visible

When you deactivate your Reddit account, your posts and comments do NOT get deleted automatically. They remain visible on Reddit but appear as posted by '[deleted]' user. If you want to remove your content, you must manually delete each post and comment before deactivating your account.

Username Immediately Available to Others

Unlike most platforms, Reddit releases your username immediately upon deactivation. Anyone can claim your username right away, potentially impersonating you. If you plan to return to Reddit, consider keeping your account or changing to a generic username before deactivating.

30-Day Reactivation Window

You have 30 days to reactivate your account by simply logging back in. After 30 days, your account is permanently deleted and cannot be recovered. All saved posts, custom feeds, Reddit Premium benefits, and karma are permanently lost.

Reddit Premium and Coins Lost

If you have an active Reddit Premium subscription or Reddit Coins, these are immediately forfeited upon account deactivation with no refund. Cancel Premium and spend coins before deactivating if you want to use these benefits.

Awards and Karma Cannot Be Recovered

All awards you've received, awards you've given, and your karma score are permanently deleted when your account is deactivated. There's no way to transfer these to a new account. Your contribution history to communities is lost.

Saved Posts and Custom Feeds Lost

All posts you've saved, custom feeds you've created, and subreddit subscriptions are permanently deleted. Reddit doesn't provide a way to export this information, so consider manually backing up important saved content before deactivation.

Alternatives to Consider

Delete Your Posts and Comments Manually

medium

Before deactivating, use third-party tools or scripts to delete all your posts and comments individually. This removes your content from Reddit while keeping your account active for lurking.

Pros

•Remove all your public contributions
•Keep your account for reading and voting
•Maintain access to saved posts and subscriptions
•Can create a new posting identity if desired

Cons

•Time-consuming for accounts with many posts
•May require third-party tools or scripts
•Some comments may be cached or archived elsewhere
•Reddit's API limits may slow the process

30 min

Create a New Throwaway Account

easy

Instead of deactivating, stop using your main account and create a new throwaway account for Reddit participation. This preserves your post history while giving you a fresh start.

Pros

•Keep your contribution history archived
•Preserve your karma and awards as a record
•Can reference old posts if needed
•Fresh start without losing old content

Cons

•Old account still exists with your content
•Need to manage multiple accounts
•Doesn't address privacy concerns about old posts
•Username still tied to old content

5 min

Download Your Reddit Data First

easy

Request a complete archive of your Reddit data before deactivating. This includes all posts, comments, messages, and account activity for your personal records.

Pros

•Keep a personal backup of all your contributions
•Review what data Reddit has collected about you
•Archive includes voting history and private messages
•Free service provided by Reddit

Cons

•Takes up to 30 days to receive your data
•Large file size for active users
•Doesn't remove content from Reddit
•Must request separately before deactivation

5 min

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, but only within 30 days. Simply log back into your account with your username and password during this grace period and Reddit will reactivate your account with all data intact. After 30 days, deactivation becomes permanent and your account cannot be recovered.

References & Citations

[1]
Request Your Reddit Data
Official guide for downloading your complete Reddit data before deletion
https://support.reddithelp.com/hc/en-us/articles/360043048352-How-do-I-request-a-copy-of-my-Reddit-data
[2]
Reddit Privacy Policy
Understanding how Reddit handles your data and privacy
https://www.reddit.com/policies/privacy-policy
[3]
Delete Posts and Comments
How to manually delete your content before account deactivation
https://support.reddithelp.com/hc/en-us/articles/360043043412-How-do-I-delete-a-post-or-comment

All citations verified as of 11/8/2025. We regularly review and update all external links to ensure accuracy.

Found incorrect information?

We strive for accuracy. If something's outdated or wrong, let us know.

Report incorrect information

Quick Navigation

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Critical Warnings

Posts and Comments Remain Visible
When you deactivate your Reddit account, your posts and comments do NOT get deleted automatically. T...
Username Immediately Available to Others
Unlike most platforms, Reddit releases your username immediately upon deactivation. Anyone can claim...
30-Day Reactivation Window
You have 30 days to reactivate your account by simply logging back in. After 30 days, your account i...

Last Updated

November 8, 2025

Reddit Account Deletion

How We Verified This Guide

Quick Information

Official Resources

Additional Resources

Step-by-Step Guide

Access User Settings

Navigate to Account Settings

Review Deactivation Information

Confirm Your Identity

Deactivate Account

Important Warnings

Posts and Comments Remain Visible

Username Immediately Available to Others

30-Day Reactivation Window

Reddit Premium and Coins Lost

Awards and Karma Cannot Be Recovered

Saved Posts and Custom Feeds Lost

Alternatives to Consider

Delete Your Posts and Comments Manually

Create a New Throwaway Account

Download Your Reddit Data First

Frequently Asked Questions

References & Citations

Found incorrect information?

Quick Navigation

Related Guides

Critical Warnings

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