No Single 'Reset' Button: The MyFitnessPal Approach
Many users find themselves needing a blank slate on MyFitnessPal, whether to re-evaluate their fitness goals or simply start fresh after a long break. The crucial point to understand is that MyFitnessPal does not provide a single button that will wipe all your tracked data at once. Instead, they offer several targeted options, with the two most common being updating your personal profile or permanently deleting your account. The best method for you depends on how much data you want to clear and how permanent you need the change to be.
The Recommended Method: Updating Your Profile
For most users, simply updating the profile information is the most straightforward and least destructive way to begin anew. This method preserves your saved recipes, meals, and friends while allowing you to set new targets. It’s ideal for those who want a fresh start but still value some of their historical data and account settings.
How to Update Your Goals on the Web and App
To update your starting weight and other profile details, follow these steps:
- On the Web: Log into your account at myfitnesspal.com. Click "My Home," then "Settings," and select "Update diet/fitness profile." Here you can enter a new starting weight and set new goals. Click the "Update Profile" button to save.
- On the iOS App: Go to the "More" tab, then "Goals." From there, tap "Starting Weight" to change your initial weight. You can also adjust your overall fitness goals from this section.
- On the Android App: Tap the Menu icon, go to "Goals," and update your profile information from there.
Clearing Specific Historical Data
If you want to clear specific entries without affecting your overall goals or deleting your account, MyFitnessPal offers manual deletion for various tracked items. This is a practical option if only certain logs are outdated or incorrect.
Clearing Diary Entries
To delete a specific food or exercise entry from your diary:
- On Mobile (iOS & Android): Go to the Diary page and swipe left on the entry you wish to remove to reveal the "Delete Entry" button.
- On the Web: Go to your Food or Exercise tab. Click the red circular button next to any entry to remove it.
Deleting Old Weight Entries
You can also manually remove historical weight entries. This is particularly useful if you want a clean progress graph.
- On the Web: Go to "My Home," then "Check-in," and click "Edit Previous Entries." From there, you can delete erroneous or outdated weight check-ins.
Deleting Custom Foods and Recipes
If you have custom items you no longer use, you can remove them from your personal list.
- On Mobile: Navigate to "Recipes, Meals & Foods" in the menu, and then find and delete the specific item. The exact steps vary slightly between iOS and Android versions.
The Most Drastic Option: Deleting Your Account
For a complete and irreversible data wipe, the only solution is to delete your entire MyFitnessPal account. This action is permanent and cannot be undone, so proceed with caution. This will erase all tracked data, including your food diary, exercise logs, and saved items.
Steps to Delete Your Account (A Permanent Action)
- On the Web: Log in, then go to "My Home," "Settings," and then "Delete Account". Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm.
- On the iOS App: Go to the "More" tab, then "Help," and tap "Delete Account".
- On the Android App: Go to the Menu tab, then "Help," and select "Delete Account".
Comparison: Resetting Goals vs. Deleting Account
| Feature | Resetting Goals (Recommended) | Deleting Account (Drastic) |
|---|---|---|
| Effect on Data | Preserves most data; only changes target values. | Permanently deletes all data, including recipes and friends. |
| Reversibility | Easily reversible by re-entering old goals. | Not reversible; you must create a new account to start over. |
| Convenience | Fast and simple, no data re-entry needed. | Requires creating a new account and re-entering recipes/data. |
| Data Scope | Focused on future tracking; history remains intact. | Complete wipe of all past and present user data. |
| Username | Retains your original username. | Requires a new username, as the old one may not be available. |
Technical Troubleshooting: Clearing App Data
Sometimes, a data "reset" may be needed due to technical issues like syncing problems. For mobile app users, this might involve clearing the app's cache or reinstalling it entirely. This is not a substitute for resetting your goals or deleting your account, but it can resolve minor data glitches.
App Troubleshooting Steps
- Clear Cache (Android): Go to your device's app settings, find MyFitnessPal, and select "Clear Cache".
- Reinstall App: Delete and reinstall the MyFitnessPal app. After logging in, your data will re-sync from the cloud, which can resolve display issues.
Conclusion
In summary, while you cannot use a single button to reset all data on MyFitnessPal, several effective methods exist depending on your needs. For most users looking for a fresh start, updating your profile goals is the ideal solution, preserving your recipes and social connections. For a complete and permanent wipe, deleting your entire account is the only option. For clearing up specific logs, manual deletion is the way to go, giving you granular control over your data. Choose the method that aligns best with your goals for your next health and fitness journey.
For more official guidance on managing your data, consider checking the MyFitnessPal Support Center.
