How to properly delete a WhatsApp account?

How to properly delete a WhatsApp account - briefly?

To permanently delete your WhatsApp account, follow these steps: Open the app, go to Settings > Account > Delete my account. Enter your phone number and tap Delete my account. This action is irreversible; make sure you have backed up any important data before proceeding.

How to properly delete a WhatsApp account - in detail?

To properly delete your WhatsApp account, you need to follow several detailed steps. Here’s a comprehensive guide to ensure that the process is handled correctly and securely:

Backup Your Data

Before deleting your WhatsApp account, it's crucial to backup all your data. This includes messages, photos, videos, and other media files you may want to keep. You can do this by going to Settings > Chats > Chat Backup. Choose the Google Drive account where you want to save your backup.

Understand What Deleting Means

Deleting your WhatsApp account means that all of your messages, media files, and other data associated with your account will be permanently deleted. Your phone number will also be disassociated from your WhatsApp account, but it won't be deleted from WhatsApp’s systems immediately.

Delete Your Account on the App

To delete your account directly through the app:

1. Open WhatsApp.
2. Go to Settings (the gear icon).
3. Tap on Account.
4. Select Delete my account.
5. Enter your phone number in international format (e.g., +1 2345678901).
6. Confirm by tapping DELETE MY ACCOUNT.

Delete Your Account via Email

Alternatively, you can delete your account by sending an email to WhatsApp:

1. Open your email client.
2. Compose a new message with the subject line REQUEST TO DELETE MY ACCOUNT.
3. In the body of the email, provide your phone number in international format and explain that you want to delete your account.
4. Send the email to [email protected].

Confirmation and Final Steps

After initiating the deletion process via the app or email, WhatsApp will send a confirmation message to your registered phone number. Follow these steps:

1. Open WhatsApp on your device.
2. Go to Settings > Help.
3. Tap on Contact Us.
4. Select Account Support and then Delete my account.
5. Enter your phone number in international format when prompted.
6. Tap DELETE MY ACCOUNT.

Important Considerations

• Data Recovery: Once you delete your account, it is impossible to recover any data associated with it. Make sure to backup everything important before proceeding.
• Group Chats: Deleting your account means leaving all group chats. Other participants will see a message indicating that you have left the group.
• Backup Expiration: WhatsApp backups on Google Drive expire after 12 months if not updated. Ensure your backup is recent and up-to-date before deletion.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your WhatsApp account is properly deleted while preserving any important data you may want to keep.