DeviantArt deletion is permanent and removes your profile, artwork, and comments within 14 days

When you delete your DeviantArt account, the site removes your profile page, all uploaded artwork, comments, and messages. This process cannot be undone — you cannot recover the account, your art, or any data associated with it after deletion completes. DeviantArt gives you 14 days to change your mind after you request deletion; if you log back in during that window, the deletion stops and your account stays active. After 14 days pass, everything is gone permanently.

If you are unsure whether you want to leave permanently, DeviantArt also offers deactivation, which hides your profile temporarily without deleting anything. You can reactivate a deactivated account at any time by logging back in. Deletion is the right choice only if you are certain you will not want your account or artwork again.

Key Takeaways

  • Deletion takes 14 days to complete, and logging in during that time cancels the deletion and restores your account.
  • You must be logged into your account to request deletion through the Settings menu under "Deactivate Account".
  • DeviantArt will send a confirmation email to the address on file; you do not need to click a link or take further action.
  • Deactivation is a reversible alternative that hides your profile without removing your artwork or data.
  • After the 14-day window closes, DeviantArt does not restore deleted accounts under any circumstances.

Steps to delete your account

Log into your DeviantArt account using your username and password. Go to your Settings page by clicking your profile icon in the top right corner and selecting "Settings" from the dropdown menu.

In Settings, look for the section labeled "Deactivate Account" — this is where both deactivation and deletion options live. Click on "Deactivate Account" to open the options. DeviantArt will show you two choices: temporarily deactivate or permanently delete. Select the permanent deletion option.

The site will ask you to confirm your choice and may ask why you are leaving. You can skip the feedback or provide a reason; either way, your deletion request will go through. DeviantArt will send a confirmation email to the address linked to your account. You do not need to click a link or reply to the email — the deletion process begins automatically.

What happens during the 14-day waiting period

For 14 days after you request deletion, your account enters a "pending deletion" state. Your profile is hidden from public view, and your artwork no longer appears in search results or on other users' pages. However, the account still exists in DeviantArt's system, and you can still log in.

If you log in at any point during these 14 days, the deletion request is cancelled when ready. Your account returns to normal, your profile becomes visible again, and your artwork reappears in search results. You will need to request deletion again if you still want to leave.

After 14 days have passed with no login, DeviantArt permanently removes your account and all associated data. At this point, deletion cannot be reversed.

Deactivation as an alternative to deletion

If you want to step away from DeviantArt but are not certain about permanent deletion, deactivation is a safer choice. A deactivated account hides your profile and removes your artwork from public view, but all your data stays on DeviantArt's servers. You can reactivate your account at any time by logging back in — your profile, artwork, and messages will all return exactly as they were.

Deactivation takes effect when ready, with no waiting period. There is no confirmation email or additional steps. You straightforward log in whenever you are ready to return, and your account is active again. Many users choose deactivation when they need a break but want to preserve the option of returning later.

What you cannot recover after deletion

Once the 14-day period ends, DeviantArt does not restore deleted accounts, artwork, or user data under any circumstances. This includes comments you left on other users' work, messages in your inbox, and any followers or watch lists you had. If you had commissioned work from other artists or sold prints through DeviantArt, those transaction records may be retained for legal or tax purposes, but your account itself will be gone.

If you have artwork you want to keep, read it before requesting deletion. DeviantArt does not provide a bulk read tool, so you will need to save files individually. Take screenshots of any comments or messages you want to preserve, since those will be deleted along with your account.

Troubleshooting: account deletion not working

If you cannot find the "Deactivate Account" option in Settings, make sure you are logged in with the correct account. Some older accounts or accounts with special permissions may have different settings layouts. Try logging out completely, clearing your browser cache, and logging back in.

If the deletion button does not respond when you click it, try using a different web browser or disabling browser extensions that might interfere with the page. If the problem persists, contact DeviantArt support through their Help Center. Explain that you are trying to delete your account and describe what happens when you click the deletion button. Support can sometimes process deletions manually if the website tool is not working.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone else delete my account if they have my password?

Yes. Account deletion requires only a login and access to the Settings menu. If someone knows your password, they can request deletion. Protect your password and enable two-factor authentication in your account security settings to prevent unauthorized access. If you suspect someone has deleted your account without permission, contact DeviantArt support when ready during the 14-day window — they may be able to cancel the deletion.

Will deleting my account remove my comments from other people's artwork?

Yes. When your account is deleted, all comments you posted disappear from other users' pages and artwork. Other users will see that a comment was removed, but they will not see your username or the text of the comment. This happens automatically during the deletion process.

What if I request deletion but change my mind after 10 days?

Log into your account at any point during the 14-day window, and the deletion request is cancelled. Your account returns to normal when ready. Your profile becomes visible again, and your artwork reappears in search results. You can then continue using your account normally or request deletion again later if you change your mind.

Does DeviantArt delete my account if I do not log in for a long time?

No. DeviantArt does not automatically delete inactive accounts. Your account will remain active indefinitely unless you request deletion yourself. However, if you have requested deletion and do not log in during the 14-day waiting period, the deletion will complete automatically.

Can I delete my account on mobile?

Yes. Log into DeviantArt on your phone or tablet using a mobile browser, go to Settings, and follow the same steps as on a computer. The mobile version of the site has the same Settings menu and deletion option. You can also use the DeviantArt mobile app, though some users find the Settings menu easier to navigate on the website version.