So you’ve been using Patreon, supporting a few creators—or maybe even running your own page—but now you’re ready to move on. Maybe you’re decluttering your digital life, or maybe Patreon just isn’t your jam anymore. Whatever the reason, you want out. Completely. Gone.
TL;DR (Too Long, Didn’t Read):
You can delete your Patreon account permanently, but it’s a bit more involved than just clicking a button. First, you need to cancel any memberships or creator pages. Then, request data deletion through Patreon’s Privacy Request Form. It takes a few days, but once it’s done—poof! Your account is gone forever.
Why Delete Your Patreon Account?
There are lots of reasons you might want to say goodbye:
- You’re not really using it anymore.
- You want to cut back on subscriptions.
- Privacy concerns.
- Cleaning up your internet footprint.
Whatever your reason, the process isn’t super obvious. But don’t worry—we’ll walk you through it, step by step.
Step 1: Cancel All Active Subscriptions
Before you can delete your account, you need to cancel your active memberships (that’s the stuff you’re paying for).
- Log in to your Patreon account.
- Click on your profile picture in the top-right corner.
- Select Manage Memberships from the dropdown menu.
- For each creator you’re supporting, click Edit and then Cancel Membership.
Repeat this until you’ve cancelled all memberships. If you don’t, Patreon won’t let you delete your account completely.
Step 2: If You’re a Creator, End Your Page
If you’ve been using Patreon as a creator, you’ll need to un-launch your creator page.
- Click your profile picture, go to My Page.
- Click Page Settings.
- Scroll down until you find the option to unlaunch your page.
Once you’ve done this, all of your content and supporters will no longer be able to access your page. Your creator profile will enter “retired mode.” It’s like a vacation… forever.
Step 3: Download Your Data (Optional but Smart!)
Not required, but highly recommended before pulling the plug. Patreon gives you an option to download all your account data.
To do this:
- Visit your Privacy Center – you can find it in the Account Settings.
- Click on Download a copy of your data.
- Wait for an email with the download link (it might take a few minutes).
This step is especially helpful if you’ve been a creator and want a copy of your earnings, messages, or posts.
Step 4: Request Permanent Account Deletion
Now here’s the big move. Patreon doesn’t just give you a big red “Delete Account” button. That would be too easy, right?
Instead, you have to fill out a form:
- Go to the Patreon Privacy Center.
- Scroll down to find the Data Deletion Request section.
- Click “Make a request.”
- Choose: Delete My Account and Data.
You’ll be asked to verify your identity (usually via email), and then you’re done. Just set it and forget it! Deletion typically takes a few days. Once it’s complete, you’ll get an email confirmation.
Wait… Are You Sure?
Before you go through with it, ask yourself:
- Will I want access to any content or creators later?
- Have I taken screenshots or downloaded data I might want?
- Do I use Patreon to log in to other apps? (Not super common, but possible.)
Because once it’s gone… it’s really gone. This isn’t a “see you later” delete—this is a “we’re done here” delete.
Bonus Tip: Need a Break Instead?
If you’re not totally sure you want to leave forever, you can just edit your subscriptions instead of deleting your account. Here’s how:
- Go to Manage Memberships.
- Cancel or pause individual creator support.
- Keep your account and jump back in whenever you’re ready.
This way, you don’t lose your profile, messages, or preferences—but you’re also not spending money or browsing the site.
FAQs
Q: Can I reopen my account after deleting it?
A: Nope. Once it’s deleted, it’s permanent. You’ll need to start a new account from scratch if you change your mind.
Q: How long does it take for Patreon to delete my data?
A: It usually takes a few business days. If it’s been more than a week, you can reach out to their support.
Q: Can I just email support to delete my account?
A: Not directly. You need to use their Privacy Center and go through the form. Emailing support will just redirect you back to that process.
Q: What happens to my pledged funds or pending payments?
A: If you’re deleting mid-month, you might see a final charge during the billing cycle. Cancel all pledges first to avoid surprises.
Done and Dusted!
And that’s it! You’ve just Marie Kondo’d your Patreon life. Whether you’re doing digital spring cleaning or just ready for a new chapter, deleting your Patreon account isn’t complicated—it just takes a few clicks, a little patience, and a commitment to clean exits.
You’re free, friend. Now go spend that extra time and money on something that sparks joy!
