How to delete a Whatsapp account

If you are ready to quit WhatsApp following the new privacy policy, we can’t blame you. Maybe you’re just ready for a messaging change, and that’s okay too. Either way, there are plenty of messaging platforms to choose from, but first, you need to ditch WhatsApp for good. Here are the steps you will need to delete a WhatsApp account.

While we walk you through the steps you’ll need, it’s up to you to decide on the next step. Right now Signal and Telegram are among the most popular options, so we suggest you start there. For now, however, let’s say goodbye to WhatsApp once and for all.

How to delete your WhatsApp account:

There is almost only one way to skin this cat, and you will need your phone to do so. You cannot get rid of your WhatsApp account using the web app – we have tried. On the positive side, it should only take a minute and you don’t need to provide too much justification as to why you want to leave. Just follow these steps:

1. Open WhatsApp on your phone.
2. Press the three points icon in the upper right corner. This will open a small menu of options.
3. To choose Settings from the drop-down menu.
4. Enter the Account settings menu section. You will find Account just below your name at the top of the screen. Your first two menu selections will look like this:

5. Locate the Delete my account option at the bottom of the list and tap it.
6. Enter your phone number and press red Delete my account button.
7. Indicate why you are deleting your account in the drop-down menu, then press the red button Delete my account button.
8. Press red Delete my account button one last time. Here’s what your last three menus should look like:

And voila, no more WhatsApp account for you. Like we said, it wasn’t too painful to do. You’ll have to confirm that you really, really want to delete your WhatsApp account a few times, but it might not be a bad thing. It is worth pointing out that you will not recover this account in the future. Once your account is gone and you return to that login page, it’s gone for good.

Now that you’ve learned how to permanently delete a WhatsApp account, you should probably choose your new messaging app. Check out some of our favorite private and encrypted options here.