How to Delete Your ChatGPT Account (Permanently)

How to delete your ChatGPT account

1. Cancel any paid subscription first (Settings > Subscription > Manage > Cancel) or the billing may continue separately.
2. Go to chatgpt.com and sign in, or open data controls directly.
3. Click your profile icon (bottom-left) > Settings.
4. Open the "Data controls" tab.
5. Select "Delete account" and follow the confirmation prompts.
6. Alternatively, use OpenAI's Privacy Portal (privacy.openai.com) and choose "Delete my account".

In the iOS/Android app: tap the menu > your name > Data Controls > Delete Account.

Before you delete

• Deleting the account also deletes your OpenAI API access and any API keys tied to it.
• If you signed up with Google/Microsoft/Apple SSO, log in with that same method before deleting.
• Deleting ChatGPT does not automatically cancel ChatGPT Plus billed through Apple or Google — cancel in the store first.
• You cannot re-register with the same email immediately after deletion; OpenAI may block reuse for a period.

What happens after you delete

Deletion is permanent and cannot be undone. Chats and API access are removed; OpenAI says data may be retained up to 30 days for abuse monitoring before erasure.

Deleting removes your account; it does not get you a refund for the current billing period. If you are leaving because of the price, there is a cheaper way to keep the same capability.

Leaving because of the price?

If ChatGPT was costing you a standalone subscription, Krater gives you 500+ AI models in one workspace for a single $20/month Pro plan. One subscription replaces several single-model subs. Compare plans on our ChatGPT pricing breakdown or see every model we support.

More guides: how to cancel ChatGPT · ChatGPT pricing · ChatGPT alternatives

FAQ

Can I recover my ChatGPT account after deleting it?

No. Deletion is permanent on ChatGPT. A few products (X, Microsoft) hold the account in a deactivated state for about 30 days first, but once the window closes it cannot be restored.

Do I get a refund when I delete my account?

Deleting the account does not trigger a refund. Cancel the subscription first and check ChatGPT's refund policy — most AI products do not refund unused time.

Is deleting the same as cancelling?

No. Cancelling stops future billing but keeps your account and history. Deleting removes the account entirely. Most people should cancel first, keep using the free tier until the period ends, then delete.

Last verified October 2026. Official source: help.openai.com/en/articles/6378407.