You can remove a course by going to your profile settings and selecting the course deletion option
Duolingo lets you delete any course you've started, whether you want to focus on a different language or clean up your profile. The process takes about 30 seconds and works the same way on the app and the website. When you delete a course, your progress in that language disappears — Duolingo does not save it, so you'll start from the beginning if you add it back later.
You don't lose your account or your progress in other languages. Only the specific course you choose to remove is affected.
Key Takeaways
- Deleting a course removes all progress in that language permanently, so make sure you want to start over before you confirm.
- On the app, go to your profile, tap the course you want to remove, and select the delete or remove option from the menu.
- On the website, click your profile icon, find the course in your list, and use the settings menu to delete it.
- You can add the course back anytime, but your old progress will not return — you'll begin at lesson one.
How to remove a course on the Duolingo mobile app
Open the Duolingo app and tap your profile icon at the bottom of the screen. You'll see a list of all the courses you're currently learning. Find the course you want to remove and tap on it.
Once you've opened the course, look for a settings icon — usually three dots or a gear symbol — at the top or bottom of the screen. Tap it and select the option that says "Remove Course" or "Delete Course." Duolingo will ask you to confirm. Tap yes, and the course is gone from your profile when ready.
How to remove a course on the Duolingo website
Log into Duolingo on your computer or mobile browser. Click your profile icon in the top right corner and select "Profile" or "Settings." You'll see a section showing all your active courses.
Hover over or tap the course you want to remove. A menu should appear with options. Click the three-dot menu icon or settings button next to that course. Select "Remove Course" or "Delete Course," confirm your choice, and the course will be deleted from your account.
What happens to your progress when you delete a course
When you remove a course, Duolingo permanently deletes your progress in that language. Your streak, your completed lessons, your vocabulary, and your level all disappear. The app does not archive or back up this data, so there is no way to recover it after deletion.
Your account itself remains active, and your progress in all other languages stays exactly as it was. If you later decide to learn that language again, you'll start at lesson one with no memory of what you've already done.
How to add a course back after removing it
If you delete a course and change your mind, you can add it back anytime. Go to your profile and look for a button that says "Add a New Course" or "Start a New Course." Search for the language you want to learn and select it. Duolingo will treat it as a brand-new course, starting you at the beginning.
There is no time limit on how long you can wait before adding a course back. You can remove a course today and add it again in six months with no penalty.
Reasons to remove a course and when to pause instead
Remove a course if you're certain you don't want to learn that language anymore or if you want to focus all your energy on one or two languages. Deletion is permanent and irreversible, so only choose this option if you're ready to let go of your progress.
If you're just taking a break or feeling overwhelmed, consider pausing the course instead. Duolingo lets you pause notifications and freeze your streak without deleting anything. This way, your progress stays safe, and you can come back to exactly where you left off. To pause, go to your settings and look for a "Pause Course" or "Freeze Streak" option — the exact name varies by app version.
Troubleshooting: The delete option isn't showing up
If you can't find the delete or remove option, make sure you're looking in the right place. On the app, the menu is usually accessed by tapping the three dots or gear icon on the course page itself, not on the main profile screen. On the website, you may need to hover directly over the course tile to see the menu appear.
If the option still doesn't show up, try updating your Duolingo app to the latest version. Older versions sometimes have different menu layouts. If you're using the website and still can't find it, try switching to the app or a different browser — occasionally a browser cache issue can hide the menu.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I undo a course deletion?
No. Once you delete a course, Duolingo does not save your progress or offer an undo option. You can add the course back, but you'll start from the beginning. If you're unsure, pause the course instead of deleting it.
Will deleting a course affect my streak?
Deleting a course does not affect your overall account streak or your progress in other languages. Only that specific course is removed. Your streak and other courses continue as normal.
Can I delete a course on the desktop website but not the app?
No. Duolingo syncs across all devices, so deleting a course on the website removes it from the app as well, and vice versa. The deletion happens on your account, not on a single device.
What if I accidentally deleted a course?
Duolingo does not have a recovery option for deleted courses. However, you can add the course back when ready by going to "Add a New Course" and selecting the language again. You'll start over, but at least you can resume learning right away.
Do I lose my Duolingo Plus subscription if I delete a course?
No. Deleting a course does not affect your subscription or any premium features. Your Duolingo Plus membership continues to work across all your remaining courses.