How to Delete Your ChatGPT Account – WARNING, you can’t ever use ChatGPT again with your ID

Author:

Editor

Published:

August 14, 2023

Updated:

April 1, 2024

So, you’ve decided to part ways with your ChatGPT account? We get it, sometimes it’s just time to move on.

But before you take the plunge, let’s make sure you’re absolutely, positively, 100% sure about this. Why? Because once you hit that delete button, there’s no turning back.

And by “no turning back,” we mean you can’t ever use ChatGPT again with your email ID. Yep, it’s that serious.

Ready to proceed? Alright, let’s get to it!

There are two ways to Delete Your ChatGPT Account:

1. The DIY Method: Self-serve Deletion

Feeling independent? Here’s how you can delete your account all by yourself:

Sign In: Head over to ChatGPT and log in. Easy peasy, right?

Settings Time: In the bottom left, there’s three little dots next to your name. Give them a click. Then find ‘Settings’.

Data Controls: Once you’re in the Settings modal, find and click on ‘Data controls’.

The Big Red Button: Under ‘Delete account’, there’s a ‘Delete’ option. But wait! Have you been logged in for the last 10 minutes? If not, you’ll need to refresh your login (basically, sign in again).

Images from the OpenAI website

Double-Check: A confirmation modal will pop up. Here’s where things get real. You’ll need to type your account email + “DELETE” to unlock the “Permanently delete my account” button. Feeling nostalgic yet?

Images from the OpenAI website

The Final Step: Once you’ve filled out the inputs, the “Permanently delete my account” button will be ready for action. Take a deep breath, and click it. And… it’s gone!

2. Account Deletion via Help Chat

Too scared to push the big red button on your own delete your ChatGPT account? OpenAI will do it for you – after 4 long weeks (we’re serious).

Log In: Make sure you’re logged into your OpenAI account. They need to know it’s really you!

Help Button: On the website, you’ll see a “Help” button in the bottom right. Give it a click.

Send a Message: Choose the “Send us a message” option.

Account Deletion: Select “Account Deletion” and follow the workflow. Your request will be sent to the team, and they’ll handle the rest. Just a heads up, it might take up to 4 weeks for the process to be completed. Patience is a virtue, right?

A few things to remember 💭

If you’re thinking of reusing that email or phone number for another OpenAI account, think again. Deletion is permanent, and you can’t use the same email for a new account.
Speaking of phone numbers, you can only use a phone number for verification for up to 2 unique OpenAI accounts. If you’re on your third account (you overachiever, you!), you’ll need a different number.
Deleted your account and having second thoughts? Sorry, but OpenAI can’t reactivate old accounts or create a new one with the same email. Remember it’s a one-way street?