by The Computing Australia Group | 
How Delete Old Social
Media Accounts
In today’s hyper-connected world, almost every digital tool, app, or website requires a user profile. Over the years, you may have created dozens of accounts-some intentionally, others impulsively-just to access a feature, try out an app, or redeem an offer. Social media accounts are especially easy to accumulate: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (now X), LinkedIn, Snapchat, TikTok, Pinterest, Reddit, YouTube…the list goes on.
While having multiple online profiles may seem harmless, each unused or forgotten account becomes a doorway to your personal data, making you vulnerable to cyberattacks, identity theft, spam, and unexpected data sharing. Deleting accounts you no longer use is one of the simplest and most effective actions you can take to protect your digital privacy.
- Why deleting old accounts matters
- How abandoned accounts put your privacy at risk
- Step-by-step instructions to delete old profiles on major platforms
- What to do if a website doesn’t allow deletion
- How businesses and individuals can improve their overall data hygiene
- Tools, tips, and best practices for safer online behaviour
Let’s dive in.
Why You Should Delete Old Social Media Accounts
Most people don’t realise how much information a social media platform collects until something goes wrong-like a data breach, an account hack, or identity theft. Even if you’re not actively posting, your old accounts may still contain:
- Email addresses
- Date of birth
- Phone numbers
- Saved passwords
- Private messages
- Photos, videos, documents
- Search histories
- Location data
- Payment information
1. Old Accounts Are a Goldmine for Hackers
- Password stuffing
- Credential reuse
- Social engineering
- Account recovery loopholes
2. Your Data May Be Sold, Shared, or Leaked
Companies change ownership regularly. When a platform is bought, merged, or shut down, your data is transferred, shared, or archived-sometimes without your explicit approval.
Deleting your unused accounts:
- Reduces your digital footprint
- Prevents data misuse
- Limits exposure during third-party data breaches
- Blocks unwanted tracking and targeted advertising
3. Outdated Accounts Can Damage Your Personal or Professional Image
Old posts, public profiles, or outdated photos may be accessible online, even if you forgot they existed. Potential employers, clients, and recruiters routinely Google candidates; a decade-old account could present outdated or unprofessional content that no longer reflects who you are.
4. Cleaning Up Accounts Improves Digital Security & Mental Well-Being
Digital clutter can lead to forgotten logins, neglected security settings, and anxiety about privacy. A periodic account clean-up ensures:
- Stronger cybersecurity
- Better control over your online identity
- Reduced digital noise
- Peace of mind
How to Delete Old Social Media Accounts (Step-by-Step)
Deleting a Facebook Account
Facebook stores a massive amount of personal information, making it one of the most important accounts to review.
Steps to permanently delete your Facebook account:
1. Log in and click the downward arrow in the top-right corner.
6. Click Delete Account, enter your password, and confirm.
Before you delete:
- Download your photos and messages if needed
- Check whether you used Facebook Login for other apps
- Remove or transfer Page admin roles
Deleting a Twitter (X) Account
Steps to deactivate your X account:
4. Click Deactivate, enter your password, and confirm.
Tip: Update your email and username before deactivation if you plan to reuse them.
Deleting an Instagram Account
Instagram only allows full deletion through a web browser.
Steps to delete your Instagram account:
6. Choose a reason, enter your password, and confirm Permanently Delete My Account.
You can also go directly to the deletion page if logged in.
Deleting a LinkedIn Account
Steps to close your LinkedIn profile:
5. Enter your password, tick “unsubscribe,” and click Close Account.
Tip: Download your data export before closing the account.
Deleting a Google Account
Steps to delete your Google account:
5. Click Delete your account and follow the prompts.
Make sure to:
- Download your data via Google Takeout
- Transfer ownership of shared documents
- Update recovery emails on other platforms
What If You Can’t Delete an Account?
Some platforms don’t offer a straightforward deletion option or make the process intentionally difficult. In such cases, follow these steps to protect your data:
1. Change Your Personal Information
Replace real details with random or minimal data:
- Fake name
- Secondary email
- Random birthdate
- Blank profile information
2. Remove Connected Apps & Permissions
Revoke all integrations and disconnect third-party logins.
3. Delete All Personal Content
Remove:
- Photos
- Posts
- Messages
- Payment methods
- Saved items
- Contacts
4. Turn Off Notifications & Set Privacy to Maximum
Even if you cannot delete the account, you can minimise exposure.
5. Use a Password Manager to Track Remaining Accounts
This helps prevent future account sprawl.
How to Find Old or Forgotten Accounts
Most people struggle to remember every digital account they’ve ever created. Here’s how to discover old profiles:
Search your email inbox
Look for subject lines like:
- “Welcome”
- “Verify your email"
- “Your account has been created”
- “Password reset”
Check social logins
Review apps logged in via:
- Facebook Login
- Google Sign-In
- Apple ID
Search your username online
Use Google to search:
“yourusername” + “profile”
“yourusername” + “account”
Review your password manager
It may store forgotten credentials.
Check old devices
Look through saved browsers, apps, and caches.
Digital Hygiene Tips: Keep Your Accounts Secure Going Forward
Deleting unused accounts is only the first step. To maintain strong digital hygiene:
1. Use a Password Manager
Avoid reusing passwords and generate strong, random ones.
2. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Use SMS, authenticator apps, or security keys.
3. Review Privacy Settings Annually
Most platforms change privacy controls frequently.
4. Avoid Using Social Accounts for Logging Into Other Apps
Use email + unique passwords instead.
5. Regularly Audit Your Accounts
Set a reminder every 6 months to review active and unused accounts.
6. Be Cautious With Personal Details
Limit what you share publicly—and avoid posting sensitive data.
How to Find Old or Forgotten Accounts
Deleting old accounts can be time-consuming, especially if you have dozens across multiple platforms. Our 24/7 IT HelpDesk can assist with:
- Identifying old accounts
- Performing secure account deletion
- Resetting passwords
- Cleaning up your digital footprint
- Setting up password managers and MFA
Contact us anytime at helpdesk@computingaustralia.group.
Jargon Buster
Deactivate
Temporarily disables your account. Your data may still exist, and you can reactivate it later.
Data Breach
Unauthorised access, theft, or exposure of sensitive information.
FAQ
How do I find old social media accounts I’ve forgotten about?
Start by searching your email inbox for sign-up emails, checking social logins (Facebook/Google/Apple), reviewing your password manager, and Googling old usernames. You can also check old devices and browser-saved passwords to locate forgotten accounts.
Will deleting my old accounts permanently remove my data?
Most platforms delete the majority of your personal data, but some retain anonymised logs or backups for security or legal reasons. Always download your data before deletion and review each platform’s data retention policy.
What’s the difference between deactivating and deleting an account?
Deactivation is temporary-your profile becomes hidden, but your data remains intact. Deletion is permanent and removes your profile, content, and most stored information. Once deleted, you usually can’t recover the account.
What should I do if a platform doesn’t offer an option to delete my account?
Update the account with fake or minimal information, remove personal content, disconnect third-party apps, change the email to a temporary one, set privacy to maximum, and use a strong random password that you won’t remember.
Why is it important to delete accounts I no longer use?
Old accounts expose you to data breaches, identity theft, unauthorised access, and privacy leaks. They may store personal details, old passwords, or sensitive information that hackers can exploit. Deleting unused accounts reduces your digital footprint and strengthens online security.
