1. Decide what you want to stop
Taking a break, deactivating and deleting an account can have different outcomes. Read the service’s explanation before confirming; waiting periods and recovery options vary.
Write down why you are leaving: time, audience, privacy or the end of a project. This makes it easier to choose without rushing.
2. Download a useful copy
Look for an access or download tool in account settings. Select the categories and period you need, then keep the archive in a private location.
Open a few files to check that important photos, text and contacts are present. A downloadable archive is not necessarily ready for import into another service.
3. Check connected services and roles
Find out whether this account signs you into other services, manages a page, administers a group or receives customer messages. Transfer essential access before closing it.
Tell people who have no other way to reach you. A short notice with a new contact channel is often enough.
4. Close the account and follow up
Use the official deactivation or deletion route and keep the confirmation. Later, check that the relevant profiles and access have the expected status.
Closing a profile does not automatically remove copies published by others. If material about you remains visible, use the service’s reporting or request options.
Put this guide into practice
Open your archive before deleting the account. Check that it contains the files you need, not only a list of links; an archive does not guarantee import into another service.
How to assess the result
You have a readable, protected copy and a plan for essential content or contacts.
Editorial exercise; adapt it to your situation and keep sensitive details out of your notes.
Checklist
- Download and open a data archive
- Save important content
- Transfer connected roles and sign-ins
- Inform useful contacts
- Keep closure confirmation
Frequently asked questions
Can an archive move everything to another service?
Not necessarily. Formats, categories and import options differ between services.
Can I ask for my data?
The French data protection authority explains data portability and its conditions in its public guide.
Sources & method
Editorial guidance based on the public resources below. Settings and procedures change; check the current instructions of the relevant service.
Related methods
Explore this step further
A question before putting this into practice
What should I check in an export before closing an account?
Open sample files and check dates, essential documents and readable formats. Keep original creative files separately. Record what cannot be imported elsewhere and which other services rely on this account, then announce a new contact point if necessary.