Yes, it is possible to request WhatsApp to delete your account. WhatsApp provides the option to delete your account permanently so that all your data is erased from WhatsApp servers. When you delete your WhatsApp account, your messages, groups, media etc. will be permanently deleted.
How to Delete WhatsApp Account?
Here are the steps to delete your WhatsApp account:
- Open WhatsApp on your phone.
- Go to Settings > Account.
- Tap on Delete My Account.
- Enter your phone number in full international format, for example: Country Code- Phone Number.
- Tap on Delete My Account again.
WhatsApp will now deactivate your account and delete all your data after a period of 90 days. During this time, your account will remain deactivated and you won’t be able to access it. The account deletion cannot be reversed once the 90 days period is over.
Important Things to Know Before Deleting WhatsApp Account
Here are some important things you should know before deleting your WhatsApp account:
- When you delete your WhatsApp account, all your messages, media, groups etc. will be permanently erased after 90 days.
- You should backup your important chats and media before deleting your account.
- Deleting the WhatsApp account does not delete your phone number. You can reuse the same number to create a new WhatsApp account.
- If you don’t enter your number correctly while requesting account deletion, your account will remain active.
- You can revoke account deletion within 30 days if you change your mind and don’t want to delete your account.
What Happens When You Delete WhatsApp Account?
Here is what happens when you delete your WhatsApp account:
| Data | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Your Account | Your account will be deactivated immediately and permanently deleted after 90 days. |
| Your Messages | All your individual and group chats will be erased permanently after 90 days. |
| Your Media | Any photos, videos or other media you exchanged will be deleted after 90 days. |
| Your Backups | Your Google Drive or iCloud backups will also be deleted. |
| Your Groups | All the groups you created or were a part of will be deleted. |
| Your Contacts | Your contacts will no longer be able to see your profile or chat with you. |
Can You Recover a Deleted WhatsApp Account?
No, there is no way to recover a deleted WhatsApp account after the 90 days deletion period. The account deletion and all associated data removal cannot be reversed or undone by WhatsApp.
However, here are some options you have:
- If you change your mind within 30 days of requesting deletion, you can revoke the deletion and your account will remain active.
- You can create a new WhatsApp account using the same phone number after it is deleted.
- While your chats cannot be recovered, your contacts can still message or call you directly on your phone number outside of WhatsApp.
- You can use a 3rd party backup tool before account deletion to retain a backup of your WhatsApp data.
Should You Delete Your WhatsApp Account?
Here are some pros and cons to weigh before deciding to delete your WhatsApp account:
Pros of Deleting WhatsApp Account
- You gain more privacy as all your WhatsApp data is erased.
- Helps free up phone storage space.
- You avoid distraction from constant WhatsApp notifications.
- Leaving groups and chats helps reduce social media overload.
Cons of Deleting WhatsApp Account
- You lose access to important chats, media and info in all your WhatsApp groups.
- Harder to stay in touch with contacts who use WhatsApp as primary mode of communication.
- Need to inform all your contacts not to WhatsApp you anymore.
- Lose access to any paid subscription services associated with your WhatsApp account.
So in summary, deleting your WhatsApp account provides more privacy at the cost of losing access to all your historical conversations and groups. You can still message contacts through other channels.
Conclusion
To delete your WhatsApp account permanently:
- Go to WhatsApp Settings > Account > Delete My Account
- Enter your full phone number and tap Delete
- Your account will be deactivated immediately and all associated data erased after 90 days
- Account deletion cannot be reversed after the 90 days period
- Back up important chats and media before deleting your account
Deleting your WhatsApp account erases all your messages, groups, media etc. permanently after 90 days. Consider the pros and cons before taking this irreversible step. While your account itself cannot be recovered, you can still create a new WhatsApp account with the same phone number.