How to Delete Your OpenAI Account
- Name
- Lynn Mikami
Published on
So, you've decided to delete your OpenAI account. Whether you're concerned about data privacy or simply want to declutter your digital life, understanding how to properly delete your OpenAI account is crucial. This article aims to be your ultimate guide, covering everything from the basics to the nitty-gritty details.
But before you hit that 'Delete' button, it's essential to know what you're getting into. Deleting an OpenAI account is a permanent action with irreversible consequences. This guide will walk you through the official guidelines, common concerns, and frequently asked questions to ensure you're fully informed.
What Happens to Your Data After Deleting Your OpenAI Account
When you delete your OpenAI account, OpenAI commits to erasing your data within 30 days. However, there are some exceptions:
- Transactional Data: Information related to past transactions may be retained for legal and accounting purposes.
- Aggregated Data: Anonymized data, which cannot be traced back to you, may be kept for analytical purposes.
It's crucial to understand that you can't create a new account using the same email address once you've deleted your account. This is a security measure to prevent fraudulent activities and protect user data.
How to Delete Your OpenAI Account: Step-by-Step Guide
Sometimes, circumstances change, and you may find yourself wanting to delete your OpenAI account. Whether it's for privacy concerns or a fresh start, it's crucial to know the exact steps to follow. In this section, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to delete your OpenAI account.
Before we dive into the process, here are a few important things to keep in mind:
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Permanent Deletion: Deleting your OpenAI account is permanent and cannot be undone. Once you delete it, all associated data and access will be gone for good.
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No Reuse of Email: If you delete your account, you won't be able to create a new one using the same email address. This is a security measure to prevent misuse of the platform.
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Data Deletion: OpenAI commits to deleting your data within 30 days of account deletion, except for a limited set of data that may be retained for legal reasons.
Now, let's get into the details of how to delete your OpenAI account:
Option 1: Use privacy.openai.com
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On the website, you can submit a request to delete your account by selecting the "Delete My Data" option.
Option 2: Self-Serve
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Sign in to your ChatGPT account.
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In the bottom left corner, click on "Settings."
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Depending on your subscription type (Free or Plus), you'll see different options in the Settings modal.
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For Free subscribers, click on "Data Controls."
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For Plus subscribers, select "Subscription."
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Under the respective section, you'll find the "Delete Account" option. Click on it.
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Here's an important note: You can only delete your account if you have logged in within the last 10 minutes. If you haven't, you'll need to refresh your login by signing in again.
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A confirmation modal will appear, prompting you to type your account email and "DELETE" into the input fields to unlock the "Permanently delete my account" button.
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Once you've filled out the required inputs, the "Permanently delete my account" button will become accessible.
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Click on "Permanently delete my account" to initiate the deletion process.
Congratulations, you have successfully deleted your OpenAI account! Remember, this action is irreversible, so be absolutely sure before proceeding.
What Happens After You Deleted OpenAI Account
I Only Wnat to Delete a ChatGPT Conversation
If you want to clear specific chat conversations from your history, you can do so by clicking on the trashcan icon on the conversation you wish to remove. Cleared chats will be deleted from OpenAI's systems within 30 days, unless they have been de-identified and disassociated from your account. Please note that de-identified chats may still be used for training purposes to improve model performance.
What Happened to My OpenAI Chat History?
OpenAI uses the content you provide to improve model performance. If you want to learn more about your choices regarding how your content is used, you can find detailed information here (opens in a new tab).
Can I Reactivate My ChatGPT Account?
No, account reactivation is not possible. However, you can create a new account with a different email address. Here are some key considerations:
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Email Addresses: You'll need to use a new email address for your new account. Each email address is unique per account, so a different email is required. If you don't have an alternative email address, you can try using an email subaddress (e.g., jane+alt@example.com), which is typically treated as a unique email address by OpenAI.
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Phone Numbers: New accounts are subject to a limit of 3 accounts per phone number. Deleted accounts also count toward this limit. Deleting an account does not free up another spot. A phone number can only ever be used up to 3 times for verification.
How to Unlink My Phone Number from ChatGPT?
OpenAI does not support the unlinking of phone numbers from existing accounts. Each phone number can be used to create up to 3 accounts, and once linked, it cannot be removed.
How Many Times Can I Use My Phone Number?
Using a phone number for OpenAI accounts is like a punch card—it's valid for creating only 3 accounts. After that, it cannot be used again. For more information on phone verification, you can refer to the Phone Verification FAQ (opens in a new tab).
Can I Remove My Card from OpenAI?
Yes, you can remove your card from OpenAI before deleting your account. Navigate to the 'Payment Methods' section in your account settings and remove your card details.
Conclusion
In conclusion, deleting your OpenAI account is a significant step with permanent consequences. It's essential to be fully aware of the process, data retention policies, and the inability to reuse your email address. This guide has provided you with clear steps on how to delete your account and addressed common concerns. Remember, account reactivation is not an option, but you can create a new account with a different email. OpenAI is committed to user privacy, and this guide empowers you to make informed decisions regarding your account management.
