If you’ve decided it’s time to part ways with your ChatGPT account, whether for privacy reasons or simply because you no longer need the service, it's important to understand that this process is permanent. Once deleted, there’s no turning back.
To start the deletion process, you have two main options: using the Privacy Portal or doing it directly through the ChatGPT interface. Let’s break down both methods so you can choose what works best for you.
Option 1: Using the Privacy Portal
- Visit the Privacy Portal: Go to OpenAI's Privacy Portal and click on 'Make a Privacy Request' in the top right corner.
- Select Your Method: You’ll be prompted to select how you'd like to proceed—either by email address if you still have access or by phone number if you've lost access but can verify your identity via SMS.
- Follow Instructions: If choosing email, enter your email address and follow any verification steps sent to that inbox. For phone verification, ensure you're able to receive an SMS with a one-time code before proceeding.
- Submit Your Request: After verifying your identity through either method, you'll be guided through submitting your request for account deletion.
Option 2: Directly Through ChatGPT
- Log In: Sign into your ChatGPT account on their website or app (you must log in within ten minutes of starting this process).
- Access Settings: Click on your profile icon located at the top right corner and navigate to 'Settings'.
- Delete Account Option: Under 'Account', find ‘Delete account’ and click on it.
- Confirmation Required: A confirmation screen will appear asking for your email along with typing “DELETE” into designated fields as a final step before unlocking the delete button.
- Final Confirmation: Hit “Permanently delete my account” once everything is filled out correctly; this action cannot be undone!
Important Considerations
- Remember that deleting your account means losing all associated data permanently within 30 days after submission unless legally required otherwise; however, some minimal data may still be retained due to legal obligations even post-deletion.
- If you're subscribed via Apple App Store or Google Play Store, note that deleting your OpenAI account does not cancel those subscriptions automatically—you'll need to manage those separately in their respective stores.