How to Delete Your Airbnb Account
To cancel your Airbnb account, log in to your account on a web browser, go to your account settings, and select the option to delete your account. Airbnb will ask you to confirm the deletion and may ask why you're leaving. Once you confirm, your account and all associated data are permanently removed — you cannot undo this action.
The process takes just a few minutes, but you should know what happens to your reservations, payment information, and reviews before you start. Airbnb does not allow account deletion through the mobile app, so you'll need to use a computer or tablet with a web browser.
Key Takeaways
- Account deletion must be done through the Airbnb website, not the mobile app, and takes effect when ready once you confirm.
- Any active reservations you have as a guest will be cancelled, and the host will be notified; you may lose any money paid depending on the cancellation policy.
- If you are a host with active bookings, you must cancel those reservations or transfer your listings before you can delete your account.
- Your reviews, profile information, and payment details are permanently deleted and cannot be recovered after account deletion.
- Airbnb may ask for feedback about why you're leaving, but providing it is optional.
Step-by-Step: Deleting Your Account on Desktop
Open a web browser and go to airbnb.com. Log in with your email and password. Click your profile icon in the top right corner and select "Account" from the dropdown menu.
Scroll down to find the "Settings" section and click "Login & security." Look for the option labeled "Delete account" or "Deactivate account" — the exact wording may vary slightly. Click it. Airbnb will show you a warning that explains what will happen: your account, profile, and all data will be permanently deleted. Read through this carefully.
Enter your password again to confirm your identity. Airbnb may ask you to select a reason for leaving from a list of options (such as "I don't use Airbnb anymore" or "Privacy concerns"). This step is optional — you can skip it if you prefer. Click the final confirmation button to complete the deletion. Your account is now gone.
What Happens to Your Reservations and Bookings
If you have upcoming reservations as a guest, deleting your account will automatically cancel them. The host will receive a cancellation notice. Depending on the host's cancellation policy and how far away your check-in date is, you may or may not receive a refund. Airbnb's standard refund rules still explore — if the host's policy allows refunds for cancellations made at that time, you'll get your money back. If not, you forfeit the payment.
If you are a host with active bookings, you cannot delete your account until those reservations are either completed or cancelled. You'll need to cancel each upcoming reservation first, which will trigger Airbnb's host cancellation policy (this may result in penalties to your account). Alternatively, you can transfer your listings to another account if you want to keep hosting but use a different profile.
Protecting Your Information Before You Delete
Once your account is deleted, you cannot recover your messages, booking history, or reviews. If you want to keep a record of past trips or conversations, take screenshots or read the information before you delete. Airbnb does not offer an automatic read feature for your data, so manual saving is your only option.
Your payment information (credit cards, bank account details) is automatically removed from Airbnb's servers when your account is deleted. You do not need to manually remove payment methods — this happens as part of the deletion process.
If You Want to Pause Instead of Delete
Deleting your account is permanent and when ready. If you're unsure whether you want to leave Airbnb permanently, consider deactivating your account instead. Deactivation hides your profile and listings temporarily without deleting anything. You can reactivate a deactivated account at any time by logging back in.
To deactivate rather than delete, go to your account settings and look for a "Deactivate account" option separate from "Delete account." Not all accounts have this option visible — it depends on your account status and whether you have active reservations. If you see only the delete option, deletion is your only choice.
Troubleshooting: Why You Might Not Be Able to Delete
If the delete button is greyed out or missing, you likely have active reservations or outstanding issues on your account. As a guest, cancel any upcoming trips first. As a host, cancel or complete all reservations, resolve any open disputes or claims, and may support your account is in good standing (no violations or unpaid fees).
If you've been locked out of your account or cannot log in, use the "Forgot password" link on the Airbnb login page to reset your password. Once you regain access, you can proceed with deletion. If you still cannot access your account after resetting your password, contact Airbnb's support team through the help section of the website — they can help you regain access or delete the account on your behalf.
What Airbnb Does With Your Data After Deletion
Airbnb retains some information after account deletion for legal and financial reasons — specifically, transaction records needed for tax purposes and fraud prevention. However, your personal profile, messages, reviews, and payment information are permanently deleted from their systems. You will not receive marketing emails or communications from Airbnb after deletion.
If you have concerns about how Airbnb handles your data, you can request a copy of your personal information before you delete your account. Go to your account settings, find the "Privacy" or "Data" section, and look for an option to read your data. This gives you a record of what Airbnb has stored about you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reactivate my account after I delete it?
No. Account deletion is permanent and cannot be undone. If you delete your account and then want to use Airbnb again, you must create a brand new account with a new email address. Your old reviews, booking history, and profile are gone forever.
Will I get a refund if I delete my account with an upcoming reservation?
Your refund depends on the host's cancellation policy, not on the fact that you deleted your account. If the policy allows refunds for cancellations made at that time, you'll receive one. If the policy is non-refundable, you won't. Check the specific policy on your reservation before you delete.
Do I need to contact Airbnb support to delete my account?
No. You can delete your account yourself through the website in a few minutes. You only need to contact support if you cannot access your account, have active reservations you cannot cancel, or have other issues preventing deletion.
What happens to my reviews after I delete my account?
Your reviews are deleted along with your account. Hosts will no longer see reviews you left, and guests will no longer see reviews hosts left about you. This information cannot be recovered.
Can I delete my account from the Airbnb mobile app?
No. The delete account option is only available on the Airbnb website. Open airbnb.com in a web browser on your phone, tablet, or computer to delete your account.