Deactivating Your Airbnb Account

To deactivate your Airbnb account, log in to your account on a computer or the mobile app, go to your Account settings, select "Account" from the menu, scroll down to find "Deactivate your account," and click that option. Airbnb will ask you to confirm your choice and may ask why you're leaving. After you confirm, your account will be deactivated within a few minutes.

Deactivating is different from deleting. When you deactivate, Airbnb keeps your information on file for 30 days in case you change your mind and want to reactivate. After 30 days, your data is permanently removed. During those 30 days, you can log back in and restore your account without losing your reviews, booking history, or host information.

Key Takeaways

  • You can deactivate your account through Account settings on the Airbnb website or app in about two minutes.
  • Deactivated accounts can be reactivated within 30 days by logging back in, with all your information intact.
  • If you have an active booking or reservation, you must cancel it before you can deactivate your account.
  • After 30 days, your account and all associated data are permanently deleted and cannot be recovered.
  • Hosts must resolve any open disputes or unpaid fees before deactivating their accounts.

What Happens to Your Bookings and Reservations

If you have an upcoming reservation as a guest, you must cancel it before deactivating. Airbnb will not let you deactivate while a booking is active. The same rule applies if you are a host with upcoming reservations—all bookings must be cancelled or completed first.

When you cancel a reservation before deactivating, the cancellation policy you set (or Airbnb's default policy) still applies. Guests or hosts may receive refunds depending on how close the reservation date is. Make sure you understand the refund terms before you cancel, because deactivating your account does not override cancellation policies.

Reactivating Your Account Within 30 Days

If you deactivate your account and then change your mind, you have 30 days to reactivate it. straightforward log in with your email and password as you normally would. Your profile, reviews, booking history, and host information will all be restored exactly as they were.

Reactivation is when ready—you do not need to contact Airbnb support or fill out any forms. Your account will be live again when ready, and you can start booking or hosting right away. This window gives you time to think through your decision without losing your account history.

What Happens After 30 Days

After 30 days have passed, Airbnb permanently deletes your account and all associated data. This includes your profile, reviews, booking history, payment information, messages, and any host listings. Once this happens, you cannot recover the account or any of that information.

If you want to use Airbnb again after permanent deletion, you will need to create a brand new account from scratch. You will start with no reviews and no history. For this reason, do not deactivate unless you are certain you will not want to use Airbnb in the near future.

Hosts: Resolving Outstanding Issues Before Deactivating

If you are a host, Airbnb may prevent you from deactivating if you have unpaid fees, open disputes with guests, or unresolved issues. You must settle these before you can deactivate. Check your Account settings for any notifications about outstanding balances or disputes.

If you have a host payout account linked to Airbnb, make sure any final earnings have been transferred to your bank account before you deactivate. After deactivation, you will not be able to receive payments, and Airbnb may hold funds if your account has unresolved issues.

Deactivating on Mobile vs. Computer

The steps are nearly identical on the Airbnb app and the website. On the app, tap your profile icon at the bottom right, then tap "Account," then scroll down to "Deactivate your account." On a computer, go to airbnb.com, click your profile icon in the top right, select "Account," and scroll down to the same option.

Some users find the computer version slightly easier to navigate because the screen is larger, but both methods work the same way. If you have trouble finding the deactivate option on mobile, try using a web browser instead of the app—the layout may be clearer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I deactivate my account if I have a pending payout?

You should wait for your payout to complete before deactivating. If you deactivate with a pending payout, Airbnb may hold the funds. Log into your Account settings and check your payout status under "Payments" before you deactivate.

Will deactivating my account affect my credit or payment methods?

No. Deactivating your Airbnb account does not affect your credit score or your payment methods stored elsewhere. Airbnb straightforward stops using the payment information you provided, but it does not report anything to credit agencies or change your financial accounts.

What if I forgot my password and cannot log in to deactivate?

Go to the Airbnb login page and click "Forgot password?" to reset it. You will receive an email with a link to create a new password. Once you log in, follow the deactivation steps in Account settings. If you do not have access to your email, contact Airbnb support for help.

Can someone else deactivate my account?

No. Only you can deactivate your account by logging in with your email and password. Airbnb does not deactivate accounts over the phone or through support requests. If you believe someone else has access to your account, change your password when ready and enable two-factor authentication.

Do I lose my reviews and ratings if I deactivate?

During the 30-day window, your reviews and ratings are saved and will return if you reactivate. After 30 days, when your account is permanently deleted, all reviews and ratings are removed from Airbnb's system and cannot be recovered.