2 Simple Ways to Delete a WordPress Account

Deleting a WordPress account is the final step, and should only be done when you are out of options or want to start over. However, in both cases, there are alternatives, one of which includes a WordPress reset back to default settings. This can also encompass user accounts, so there might be no need for method 2 below. However, for that to happen, you’d have to install an additional plugin and configure things. These methods are faster, easier, and have a better chance of working if you plan to start from scratch. Additionally, there are no alternatives to method 1. With that out of the way, let’s show you how to delete a WordPress account.

Understanding the Reasons for Deleting a WordPress Account

Before proceeding with deleting your WordPress account, it is important to understand why you are making this decision. It could be due to several reasons such as:

• Privacy concerns
• You no longer need the blog or website
• Switching to a different platform
• Creating a new project from scratch

Guide to delete WordPress.com account

Follow these instructions to delete an account on WordPress.com:

1. Head on over to WordPress.com.
2. Click on Log In in the top right corner and sign in.
3. In the top left corner, click on My Site.
4. Export files you want to keep and make sure there are no active websites left. The option below won’t be available otherwise.
   If you have yet to learn how to delete a site in WordPress, we’ll publish a guide shortly.
5. Click on your user icon in the top right corner.
6. Select Account Settings in the menu on the far left.
7. Scroll down and click on the option Close your account permanently in red letters.
8. Click on the Close account button.
9. That’s all! Check our explanation of what happens next below:

Consequences and limitations of erasing a WordPress.com account

Here are things to keep in mind before or after you erase an account on WordPress.com:

• You can’t delete an account if you still have pending or active purchases or domains. You must cancel them beforehand.
• The account is not permanently erased immediately, the data is stored on their servers for up to 30 days. That’s the limit WordPress gives you to contact their Support Team if you change your mind.
• The e-mail address cannot be used to register a new account for 30 days after you initiate the process.
• To prevent impersonation, your username can never be used again. This applies even if you use the same e-mail address again and prove your identity.
• They will delete your history of purchases and added payment methods.
• Since the accounts were tied, you can no longer use this account for websites and services such as WooCommerce.com, IntenseDebate.com, Crowdsignal.com, and Gravatar.com.

Steps to delete account on a WordPress website

You cannot delete the account you use to sign in and follow the instructions. Follow this set of steps to close a user account on your WordPress website:

1. Access the WordPress Admin Section.
2. Tip: If you are having trouble logging in, take a look at our “locked out of WordPress Admin Section“ troubleshooting guide.
3. Expand the menu on the far left.
4. Click on Users and select All Users.
5. Click on the Delete option below the icon of a user of your WordPress website.
6. Tip: If you want to delete multiple users at once, do this:
   1. Put checkmarks in the empty boxes in front of their usernames.
   2. Click on Bulk Actions in the top left corner and select Delete from the drop-down list.
   3. Click the Apply button.
7. Select what to do with data tied to the account – either Delete all content or Attribute all content to: <different WordPress user>
8. Click on the Confirm Deletion button.

Common Issues When Deleting A WordPress Account and Their Solutions

While deleting a WordPress account is fairly straightforward, you may encounter some common issues. Here are a few issues and their possible solutions:

Common Issues	Possible Solutions
Unable to delete due to active purchases or domains	Cancel all active subscriptions first
Username still appears in search results after deletion	Contact WordPress support to request removal
Cannot reuse username after deletion	Consider variations of the original username

Alternatives to Deleting A WordPress Account

Deleting your WordPress account is not the only solution if you wish to start fresh or get rid of an unwanted blog. There are alternatives that you can consider:

• Reset your site: This means erasing all your content and settings, and returning your site to its original state when you first created it.
• Make your site private: This hides your site from public view. You can use this option if you don’t want others to see your site, but you still want to keep it for yourself.
• Transfer ownership: If you no longer want to manage the site but don’t want to delete it, you can transfer the ownership to someone else.