Skip to main content
Twitch Guides

How to Delete Twitch Account: Complete Step-by-Step Guide 2026

VB
ViewerBoss Team
|
February 1, 2026
|
10 min read
How to Delete Twitch Account: Complete Step-by-Step Guide 2026

Want to know how to delete Twitch account permanently? Whether you're taking a break from streaming, concerned about privacy, or simply moving on from the platform, this guide walks you through every step of the Twitch account deletion process in 2026.

Deleting a Twitch account is a significant decision. Once completed, you'll lose access to your followers, subscriptions, channel history, and username. Before we dive into how to delete your Twitch account, let's explore your options and what you should consider first.

Quick Answer: How to Delete Twitch Account

Here's the fastest way to delete your Twitch account:

  1. Log into your Twitch account
  2. Click your profile icon → Settings
  3. Scroll down to Disable Your Account
  4. Click Disable Account
  5. Choose Delete Account for permanent deletion
  6. Enter your password and confirm

That's the summary. Below, we'll cover the complete details, including temporary disabling, data implications, and alternatives worth considering.

Before You Delete: Things to Consider

Your Twitch Data Will Be Gone

When you delete your Twitch account, you permanently lose:

Data Type What Happens
Followers Completely erased
Channel History All VODs, clips, and highlights deleted
Subscriptions Active subs canceled, no refunds
Bits Balance Forfeited entirely
Username Released after 6 months
Emotes Channel emotes removed
Chat History All messages deleted

Consider Disabling Instead

If you're unsure about permanent deletion, Twitch offers a disable account option. This:

  • Hides your channel from public view
  • Preserves your data for future reactivation
  • Keeps your username reserved
  • Allows you to return anytime

Many streamers who think they want to delete their Twitch account actually just need a break. Disabling gives you that flexibility without the permanence.

Download Your Data First

Before deleting, request a copy of your Twitch data:

  1. Go to SettingsPrivacy
  2. Click Download My Data
  3. Wait for Twitch to compile your information (can take days)
  4. Download the archive before deleting

This gives you a record of your streaming history, chat logs, and other account information.

Step-by-Step: How to Delete Twitch Account Permanently

Ready to proceed? Here's exactly how to delete your Twitch account in 2026:

Step 1: Log Into Your Account

Go to twitch.tv and sign in with your credentials. You must be logged into the account you want to delete — you cannot delete an account remotely.

Step 2: Access Settings

Click your profile picture in the top-right corner, then select Settings from the dropdown menu.

Step 3: Navigate to Disable Account

Scroll down the Settings page until you find the Disable Your Account section at the bottom. This is where Twitch handles both temporary disabling and permanent deletion.

Step 4: Click Disable Account

Click the Disable Account button. Twitch will present you with options and information about what happens next.

Step 5: Choose Delete Account

You'll see two options:

  • Disable Account — Temporary, reversible
  • Delete Account — Permanent, irreversible

Select Delete Account for permanent deletion.

Step 6: Confirm Your Identity

Enter your password to verify you own the account. This prevents accidental or unauthorized deletions.

Step 7: Final Confirmation

Twitch will ask you to confirm one last time. Read the warning carefully — this action cannot be undone. Click confirm to complete the deletion.

Step 8: Check Your Email

Twitch sends a confirmation email once your account deletion is processed. Keep this for your records.

How to Disable Twitch Account (Temporary)

If you want to take a break without losing everything, here's how to disable your Twitch account temporarily:

  1. Go to Settings → scroll to Disable Your Account
  2. Click Disable Account
  3. Select the Disable option (not Delete)
  4. Enter your password
  5. Confirm

Your account is now hidden. To reactivate, simply log back in — all your data will be restored.

Disable vs Delete: Key Differences

Feature Disable Delete
Reversible Yes No
Data preserved Yes No
Username held Yes No (released after 6 months)
Can reactivate Anytime Never
Subscription refunds No No

What Happens After You Delete Your Twitch Account

Understanding the full impact helps you make an informed decision about how to delete Twitch account data:

Immediate Effects

  • Your channel page shows an error
  • All VODs, clips, and highlights are inaccessible
  • Your chat messages in other channels are removed
  • Active subscriptions to you are canceled
  • Your subscriptions to others are canceled

Within 90 Days

  • Twitch retains some data for legal/operational purposes
  • Your username remains unavailable
  • Associated email cannot create a new account immediately

After 6 Months

  • Your username becomes available for others to claim
  • All traces of your account are purged from Twitch systems

Common Reasons to Delete a Twitch Account

People delete their Twitch accounts for various reasons:

1. Privacy Concerns

Some users want to remove their digital footprint from streaming platforms. If privacy is your concern, remember to also:

  • Revoke connected app permissions
  • Delete associated Discord servers
  • Remove social media links

2. Moving to Another Platform

The streaming landscape has evolved significantly. Many creators are exploring alternatives or focusing entirely on platforms like Kick which offers different monetization opportunities.

If you're considering Kick, check out our guides on:

3. Taking a Break from Streaming

Burnout is real in the streaming world. Many creators who initially search for how to delete Twitch account actually just need time away. Consider:

  • Disabling instead of deleting
  • Taking a planned hiatus with community updates
  • Scaling back streaming hours

4. Starting Fresh

Sometimes streamers want a clean slate with a new username and brand. In this case, you'd:

  1. Delete your current account
  2. Wait for any restrictions to clear
  3. Create a new account

Remember: Building a new audience from scratch is challenging. Our guide on growing your Twitch audience can help you rebuild faster.

Alternatives to Deleting Your Twitch Account

Before you delete your Twitch account, consider these alternatives:

Option 1: Rebrand Instead

If you're unhappy with your current channel identity, Twitch allows username changes. This preserves your:

  • Follower count
  • Channel statistics
  • Subscription history
  • Affiliate/Partner status

Option 2: Make Your Channel Private

Adjust your privacy settings to:

  • Hide past broadcasts
  • Restrict who can view your content
  • Limit chat participation

Option 3: Boost Your Channel First

Many streamers consider quitting because they're frustrated with low viewership. The reality is that Twitch's algorithm makes it extremely difficult for new streamers to get discovered.

If visibility is your issue, consider using a Twitch viewer bot to overcome the initial discovery barrier. ViewerBoss helps streamers escape the "zero viewer" problem that causes so many to give up.

Why streamers use ViewerBoss before quitting:

  • Provides social proof that attracts organic viewers
  • Helps reach affiliate requirements faster
  • Uses AI-generated chat for natural engagement
  • Risk-free with our no-ban guarantee

Try ViewerBoss Free →

Option 4: Monetize What You've Built

Before deleting, consider whether you can monetize your existing audience:

  • Sell merchandise
  • Offer coaching sessions
  • Create YouTube content from your VODs
  • Build a community Discord

How to Delete Twitch Account on Mobile

The process differs slightly on mobile devices:

iOS / Android App

  1. Open the Twitch app
  2. Tap your profile picture
  3. Select Account Settings
  4. Tap Disable Account
  5. Follow the prompts for deletion

Note: Some users report needing to complete deletion via the desktop website. If you encounter issues on mobile, try the desktop method described above.

How to Delete Twitch Account Without Password

Lost access to your password? Here's how to delete your Twitch account without it:

Option 1: Reset Your Password

  1. Go to Twitch login page
  2. Click Trouble logging in?
  3. Enter your email or username
  4. Follow the password reset email
  5. Set new password, then delete account

Option 2: Contact Twitch Support

If you can't access your email either:

  1. Go to Twitch Support
  2. Submit a ticket for account recovery
  3. Verify your identity with:
    • Government ID
    • Payment information used
    • Account creation details
  4. Request deletion after regaining access

Deleted by Mistake? What to Do

If you accidentally deleted your Twitch account:

Within minutes: Contact Twitch Support immediately. Deletions aren't always instant — support may be able to cancel the process.

Within 90 days: There's a slim chance Twitch can restore your account from their retention data. Contact support with proof of ownership.

After 90 days: Unfortunately, the deletion is permanent. You'll need to create a new account and start fresh.

How to Delete Someone Else's Twitch Account

You cannot delete another person's Twitch account. However, if you're dealing with:

Impersonation

Report the account to Twitch for impersonation. Provide evidence that they're using your identity.

Harassment

Use Twitch's reporting tools to flag harassment. Block the user and document incidents.

Deceased Family Member

Contact Twitch Support with proof of death and your relationship. They have procedures for handling deceased users' accounts.

FAQ: How to Delete Twitch Account

How long does it take to delete a Twitch account?

The deletion process is immediate from your perspective — your account becomes inaccessible right away. However, Twitch retains some data for up to 90 days for legal and operational purposes before complete purging.

Can I get my Twitch account back after deleting it?

No. Once you delete your Twitch account, the action is permanent and irreversible. This is why we recommend disabling your account first if you're uncertain.

Will deleting my Twitch account cancel my subscriptions?

Yes. All your active subscriptions (both to you and from you) are immediately canceled. Subscribers do not receive refunds.

What happens to my bits when I delete my account?

Any bits balance in your account is forfeited when you delete your Twitch account. Consider spending them before deletion or cashing out any eligible revenue.

Can I delete my Twitch account and make a new one with the same email?

You'll need to wait before using the same email for a new account. The restriction typically lifts within a few days to weeks.

Does deleting my Twitch account delete my Amazon Prime connection?

Deleting Twitch removes the link to Amazon Prime Gaming, but your Amazon account remains unaffected. You can link Prime to a new Twitch account later.

How do I delete my Twitch account on PS4/Xbox?

You cannot delete a Twitch account through gaming consoles. You must use the Twitch website or mobile app to delete your Twitch account.

Will my chat messages in other channels be deleted?

Yes. When you delete your Twitch account, all your chat history across all channels is removed.

Before You Go: One Last Consideration

If you're deleting your Twitch account because streaming didn't work out the way you hoped, consider this: most streamers fail not because of their content, but because of Twitch's brutal discovery algorithm.

The harsh reality is that new streamers with 0-5 viewers are virtually invisible. They're buried beneath hundreds of other streams, making organic growth nearly impossible.

ViewerBoss was built to solve this problem.

Our Twitch viewer bot service provides the initial social proof needed to escape the "zero viewer" graveyard. With:

  • AI-generated viewer accounts with real personalities
  • Geographic targeting for authentic appearance
  • Chat engagement that looks natural
  • A 6+ year track record with no ban reports

Thousands of streamers who were ready to quit have used ViewerBoss to finally get discovered and build real communities.

Try ViewerBoss Free — No Credit Card Required →


Considering alternatives to Twitch? Read our comparison of Kick vs Twitch to see if a platform switch makes sense for your streaming goals.

VB

ViewerBoss Team

Expert streaming guides & tips

Share

Ready to grow your stream?

Join thousands of streamers using ViewerBoss to boost their visibility and grow their audience.