DeviantArt provides a platform for sharing alternative, avant-garde, and imaginative artwork. It is still relevant and widely used today, but there may come a time when users decide to delete their accounts. Whether it’s because they want to remove their digital footprint or use different websites, deactivating or deleting a DeviantArt account is surprisingly simple and can help prevent identity theft and organize information.
But what does deactivating your DeviantArt account really mean, and how can you do it? Here’s everything you need to know about deleting your DeviantArt account.
Quick Answer
Deleting or deactivating a DeviantArt account is a simple process. Deactivating hides information for 21 days, while deletion is irreversible, including data and points. Accounts can be reactivated within 21 days, and inheritance options are available.
Deactivating vs. Deleting
Before we dive into the instructions, it’s important to understand the difference between deactivating and deleting your account. Deactivating an account hides all on-site information, including journals and deviations, from other users. After 21 days of deactivation, the information is scheduled to be deleted permanently.
Deactivating the account wipes clean the user profile, portfolio, and everything associated with the account. On the other hand, deleting your account permanently deletes all the user data, and you will lose your username and any remaining points. Keep in mind that deactivating your account will put a 21-day hold on the email address used to sign up for the account.
Steps to Deactivate Your Account
To deactivate your DeviantArt account, simply follow these steps:
- First, go to “Account Settings” located in the top right corner of the website.
- Scroll down to the “Personal” section, where you will find the “Deactivation” option.
- Click on “Deactivate account,” and input your password.
- Accounts with social login will not be prompted for a password.
- Click “Yes, deactivate my account” to confirm and finalize the process.
- Deactivating your account will wipe clean your Profile, pull deviations and journals from public view, and delete your portfolio. Previous comments will show your username greyed out with a line through it.
- Once your account is deactivated, you can only log in to view the previous shop purchase activity.
Reactivating Your Account
It is possible to reactivate your DeviantArt account if you change your mind or need to access your account again. Deactivated accounts may be reactivated after 48 hours have passed since deactivation, up until 21 days after the original deactivation.
To reactivate your account, follow these steps:
- Go to “Account Settings” and click “Reactivation” under the “Personal” section.
- Input your password and confirm to reactivate your account.
- Reactivating your account will restart the 21-day clock for deletion.
- Keep in mind that deactivated accounts beyond the 21-day self-reactivation window cannot be reactivated by the account owner or DeviantArt staff due to technical limitations.
Permanently Deleting a Deceased Loved One’s Account
If you need to delete the account of a deceased loved one, you can submit a help request through the DeviantArt site and provide evidence of their passing away. DeviantArt does not promise access to or the ability to delete the accounts of deceased relatives.
Consider the Consequences
Before deactivating or deleting your account, you should consider the consequences. Deactivating the account is simple and can help protect your information and your digital legacy. However, once your account is deleted, you will lose all of your data, username, and points balance permanently.
Conclusion
Deactivating or deleting your DeviantArt account is a simple process that anyone can do. If you decide to deactivate your account, keep in mind that you’ll need to wait 21 days before reusing the same email address. Additionally, remember that accounts beyond the 21-day self-reactivation window cannot be reactivated by the user or DeviantArt staff due to technical limitations.
Overall, it’s important to understand the implications of deactivating or deleting your account and to follow the proper steps to ensure that your information is secure. DeviantArt’s email, [email protected], can be used to communicate with their support team to complain about account issues or for further assistance if needed.