Duolingo has revolutionized language learning, making it accessible and engaging for millions worldwide. But sometimes, circumstances change. Perhaps you’ve reached fluency in your target language, are exploring other learning methods, or simply need to declutter your digital life. Whatever your reason, understanding how to delete your Duolingo account is crucial. This comprehensive guide provides a step-by-step walkthrough of the process on your laptop, ensuring a smooth and permanent account deletion.
Understanding Duolingo Account Deletion
Before we dive into the deletion process, it’s essential to grasp what account deletion entails. Deleting your Duolingo account is permanent. It means:
- You’ll lose all your progress, including completed lessons, earned streaks, and accumulated XP.
- Your username will be freed up for others to use.
- You’ll no longer receive emails or notifications from Duolingo.
- Any paid subscriptions associated with your account will not be automatically cancelled. You must cancel these separately through the platform where you subscribed (e.g., Google Play Store, Apple App Store, Duolingo website).
It’s crucial to carefully consider these implications before proceeding. If you’re unsure, you might consider other options like pausing your learning or resetting your progress. These alternatives allow you to retain your account data and potentially resume learning later.
Alternatives to Account Deletion
Perhaps you’re feeling burnt out or overwhelmed. Before permanently deleting your account, consider these alternatives:
- Taking a Break: Simply stop using the app for a while. Your progress will be saved, and you can return whenever you’re ready.
- Resetting Your Progress: If you want to start fresh without losing your account, you can reset your progress for a specific language course. This will erase your current progress in that course, allowing you to begin anew.
- Changing Your Notification Settings: If you’re receiving too many notifications, you can adjust your settings to reduce their frequency or turn them off completely.
- Unfollowing Other Users: If you’re feeling pressured by competition, unfollowing other users can help you focus on your own learning journey.
However, if you’ve made up your mind and are ready to permanently delete your Duolingo account, continue reading.
Step-by-Step Guide to Deleting Your Duolingo Account on a Laptop
The process of deleting your Duolingo account must be done through the Duolingo website on a computer. It cannot be done through the mobile app. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the steps:
Step 1: Access the Duolingo Website
Open your preferred web browser (e.g., Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge) on your laptop. In the address bar, type www.duolingo.com and press Enter. This will take you to the Duolingo homepage.
Step 2: Log In to Your Account
If you’re not already logged in, click the “Sign In” button located in the upper right-hand corner of the page. Enter your username or email address and password. If you signed up using Google or Facebook, click the corresponding button to log in with those credentials.
Step 3: Navigate to Your Settings
Once you’re logged in, you’ll be directed to your Duolingo learning dashboard. Look for your profile picture in the upper right-hand corner of the screen. Click on your profile picture to reveal a dropdown menu. From the dropdown menu, select “Settings”. This will take you to your account settings page.
Step 4: Access the “Delete My Account” Option
Within the Settings page, look for a menu on the left-hand side of the screen. You might need to scroll down to find it. Click on “Delete My Account”. This option is typically located at the very bottom of the settings menu.
Step 5: Confirm Your Account Deletion
After clicking “Delete My Account”, you’ll be taken to a confirmation page. This page will reiterate the consequences of deleting your account, reminding you that all your progress will be lost.
Read the information carefully. If you’re sure you want to proceed, you’ll need to enter your username or email address in the provided field. This is a security measure to ensure that you are the rightful owner of the account and that you understand the implications of deletion.
Step 6: Permanently Delete Your Account
Once you’ve entered your username or email address, click the “Delete My Account” button (or a button with similar wording, such as “Permanently Delete”). This will initiate the account deletion process.
Step 7: Account Deletion Confirmation
After clicking the “Delete My Account” button, you should receive a confirmation message indicating that your account has been successfully deleted. You may be automatically logged out of the Duolingo website.
Important Considerations After Deleting Your Account
Even after deleting your Duolingo account, there are a few crucial steps to take to ensure a clean break:
Cancel Any Active Subscriptions
As mentioned earlier, deleting your Duolingo account does not automatically cancel any active subscriptions you may have. If you have a Duolingo Plus subscription (or a similar paid tier), you’ll need to cancel it separately through the platform where you subscribed.
- If you subscribed through the Duolingo website: Log in to your account (if possible, or contact Duolingo support), navigate to your settings, and look for the subscription management section. Follow the instructions to cancel your subscription.
- If you subscribed through the Google Play Store (Android): Open the Google Play Store app, tap your profile icon in the top right corner, select “Payments & subscriptions,” then “Subscriptions.” Find Duolingo in the list and tap “Cancel subscription.” Follow the prompts to confirm the cancellation.
- If you subscribed through the Apple App Store (iOS): Open the Settings app on your iPhone or iPad, tap your name at the top, select “Subscriptions.” Find Duolingo in the list and tap “Cancel Subscription.” Follow the prompts to confirm the cancellation.
Failing to cancel your subscription will result in continued charges, even after your account has been deleted.
Remove Duolingo App from Your Devices
To completely remove Duolingo from your life, uninstall the app from your smartphone, tablet, or any other device where it’s installed.
- On Android: Long-press the Duolingo app icon, then drag it to the “Uninstall” option (or tap “Uninstall” from the context menu).
- On iOS: Touch and hold the Duolingo app icon until it jiggles, then tap the “X” in the corner to delete it.
Clear Browser Cache and Cookies (Optional)
To ensure that no residual Duolingo data remains on your computer, you can clear your browser’s cache and cookies. This step is optional but can be helpful for privacy. The process varies slightly depending on your browser:
- Chrome: Click the three dots in the upper right corner, select “More tools,” then “Clear browsing data.” Choose a time range (e.g., “All time”) and check the boxes for “Cookies and other site data” and “Cached images and files.” Click “Clear data.”
- Firefox: Click the three lines in the upper right corner, select “Settings,” then “Privacy & Security.” In the “Cookies and Site Data” section, click “Clear Data.” Check the boxes for “Cookies and Site Data” and “Cached Web Content.” Click “Clear.”
- Safari: Click “Safari” in the menu bar, then “Preferences.” Go to the “Privacy” tab and click “Manage Website Data.” Search for “Duolingo” and remove any related data. Alternatively, you can click “Remove All” to clear all website data.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
While the account deletion process is generally straightforward, you might encounter some issues. Here’s how to address common problems:
“Delete My Account” Option is Missing
If you can’t find the “Delete My Account” option in your settings, make sure you are accessing the Duolingo website on a computer (not the mobile app). The option is only available on the web version. If you are on the website, try clearing your browser’s cache and cookies, as described above.
Unable to Log In to Delete Account
If you’ve forgotten your password, use the “Forgot Password” link on the login page to reset it. If you signed up with Google or Facebook, try logging in with those credentials. If you’re still unable to log in, contact Duolingo support for assistance.
Account Still Active After Deletion
It can take some time for Duolingo’s systems to fully process your account deletion request. However, if your account is still active after several days, contact Duolingo support to inquire about the status of your deletion.
Receiving Emails After Account Deletion
If you continue to receive emails from Duolingo after deleting your account, it’s possible that you’re subscribed to a separate email list or that there’s a delay in the email system. Unsubscribe from any promotional emails you receive. If the emails persist, contact Duolingo support.
Contacting Duolingo Support
If you encounter any difficulties during the account deletion process or have any questions, you can contact Duolingo support for assistance. Here’s how:
- Visit the Duolingo Help Center: Go to
support.duolingo.com. - Search for Relevant Articles: Use the search bar to find articles related to account deletion or other issues you’re experiencing.
- Submit a Support Request: If you can’t find the answer to your question, click on the “Contact Us” or “Submit a Request” button (the wording may vary).
- Fill Out the Form: Provide details about your issue, including your username, email address, and a clear description of the problem.
- Submit Your Request: Once you’ve filled out the form, submit it to Duolingo support. They will typically respond within a few days.
Final Thoughts
Deleting your Duolingo account is a significant decision. Ensure you’ve explored all alternatives and are certain about your choice. By following this detailed guide and taking the necessary precautions, you can successfully and permanently delete your account, leaving no loose ends. Remember to cancel any subscriptions and remove the app from your devices for a complete removal. Good luck!
What happens when I permanently delete my Duolingo account?
When you permanently delete your Duolingo account, all your learning progress, including your streaks, skill levels, acquired lingots/gems, and forum posts will be irrevocably lost. This action is irreversible; once your account is deleted, you cannot recover any of your data. Consider downloading a copy of your data first, if possible, if you wish to retain any record of your Duolingo activity.
Furthermore, the email address associated with the deleted account will be freed up for use in creating a new Duolingo account. However, the old account itself cannot be restored, and any subscriptions linked to the account will be cancelled (you may need to contact Duolingo support or your payment provider to confirm cancellation and any potential refunds). Be absolutely certain before proceeding with permanent deletion as there is no going back.
Can I temporarily deactivate my Duolingo account instead of permanently deleting it?
Currently, Duolingo does not offer a temporary deactivation option for user accounts. The platform provides two primary options: continuing to use the account as is or permanently deleting it. If you wish to take a break from learning without losing your progress, consider simply logging out of your account and avoiding the app or website until you’re ready to resume.
While inactive, your account will remain as it is, preserving your learning streak (if you have a Streak Freeze equipped), lessons, and accumulated points. Keep in mind that if you’ve subscribed to Duolingo Plus or Super Duolingo, your subscription will continue unless you manually cancel it through your platform’s subscription management settings (e.g., Google Play Store or Apple App Store).
Where do I find the “Delete Account” option on the Duolingo website on my laptop?
Finding the account deletion option on Duolingo requires navigating to the privacy settings page. The process typically involves first logging into your Duolingo account on a web browser on your laptop. Afterwards, you’ll need to access the settings menu, often found by clicking on your profile picture or username in the upper-right corner of the screen.
Within the settings menu, look for a “Privacy” tab or a similar section related to account management. On this privacy page, you should find a section dedicated to data deletion or account closure, which includes the option to permanently delete your account. This option is usually clearly labeled, but may require you to scroll to the bottom of the page. Be cautious, as confirming the deletion often requires multiple steps to ensure you understand the permanence of the action.
What information will I need to provide to permanently delete my Duolingo account?
Duolingo typically requires you to provide your password to confirm your identity before allowing you to permanently delete your account. This is a security measure to ensure that only the account owner can initiate the deletion process. In some cases, you might also need to verify your email address or answer a security question associated with your account.
Beyond your password, Duolingo may ask you to provide a reason for deleting your account, although this is usually optional. This feedback helps them understand why users are leaving the platform. After providing the required information, you’ll likely need to click a confirmation button or check a box to acknowledge that you understand the consequences of permanently deleting your account and that you accept the irreversible nature of the action.
How long does it take for Duolingo to permanently delete my account after I submit the request?
The time it takes for Duolingo to permanently delete your account after you submit the request can vary. Duolingo’s help documentation suggests that the deletion process typically takes up to 30 days to complete. This timeframe allows for a grace period in case you change your mind or accidentally initiated the deletion process.
However, it is important to note that some aspects of your data might be removed more quickly than others. While your profile and course progress will likely disappear relatively soon after submitting the request, some data, such as aggregated and anonymized usage statistics, might be retained for a longer period for analytical purposes. You should receive a confirmation email once the deletion process is complete.
Can I create a new Duolingo account with the same email address after deleting my old one?
Yes, after you have permanently deleted your Duolingo account, you are free to create a new account using the same email address. The permanent deletion process releases the email address from being associated with the old account, making it available for reuse. This allows you to start fresh with a new learning profile.
However, remember that the new account will be completely separate from the old one. None of your previous progress, achievements, or data will be transferred to the new account. You will essentially be starting from scratch as a new user on the platform.
What if I change my mind after requesting account deletion, but before the 30-day period is over?
During the 30-day grace period after initiating the account deletion process, you usually have the opportunity to cancel the deletion request. This can typically be done by logging back into your Duolingo account within that timeframe. Upon logging in, you should receive a prompt or notification asking if you want to continue with the deletion or cancel it.
If you choose to cancel the deletion, your account will be reactivated, and all your data will remain intact as if you had never initiated the deletion process. Make sure to log in before the 30-day period expires, as once the deletion is fully processed, the action is irreversible, and your data will be permanently lost.