Navigating data deletion within MyFitnessPal can involve multiple steps, depending on what information you wish to remove. This comprehensive guide covers everything from single-entry edits to a full account wipe, offering specific instructions for both the mobile apps and the web version of the service.
How to Delete a Food Diary Entry
Whether you made a mistake or want to remove a logged meal, deleting individual food entries is a straightforward process across all platforms.
Deleting on the Mobile App (iOS & Android)
- On the Diary page, locate the specific food entry you want to remove.
- For iOS, swipe your finger horizontally from right to left across the item. A red "Delete" button will appear.
- For Android, press and hold on the item for a few seconds until an option to delete appears.
- Alternatively, you can tap the 'Edit' (pencil icon) at the top of the Diary page, select the items you wish to delete, and then tap the trash can icon.
Deleting on the Website
- Go to the 'Food' tab to view your diary.
- Click the circular red button located to the far right of the food entry you want to remove.
How to Remove Exercise Entries
Similar to food logs, exercises can be removed individually from your daily diary. This is useful for correcting errors or adjusting your workout history.
Deleting on the Mobile App
- Navigate to your Diary and scroll to the Exercise section.
- On iOS, swipe the specific exercise entry from right to left and tap the red "Delete" button.
- On Android, press and hold the exercise entry until the deletion option becomes available.
- Alternatively, tap the 'Edit' (pencil icon), select the exercise, and tap the trash can icon.
Deleting on the Website
- Click the 'Exercise' tab to view your exercise diary.
- Click the red circular button next to the exercise you want to delete.
How to Erase Weight Entries
To correct an inaccurate weigh-in or remove old data, you can edit your weight history. For more extensive changes, the web version is recommended.
Deleting on the Mobile App
- Go to the 'More' menu, then select 'Goals'.
- Find and tap 'Starting Weight' to update your initial value if needed.
- To delete a specific entry, swipe the entry from right to left in the weight list and tap 'Delete'.
Deleting on the Website
- Log in and go to 'My Home' > 'Check-in'.
- Click 'Edit Previous Entries' to view your weight history.
- Click the 'Delete' button next to the specific entry you want to remove.
Comparison: Deleting vs. Resetting Data
Understanding the difference between selective deletion and a full data reset is key to managing your account effectively. MyFitnessPal does not offer a simple "reset data" feature.
| Feature | Selective Deletion | Profile Reset (Workaround) |
|---|---|---|
| Data Removed | Specific food, exercise, or weight entries. | All progress data, not including saved recipes or account settings. |
| Method | Swiping on the mobile app or clicking a delete button on the website. | Updating your starting weight and goals to your current figures via the website. |
| Outcome | Cleans up inaccurate data points without affecting your overall history. | Effectively creates a new slate for your tracking without losing saved custom items. |
| Permanence | Data is removed but your account and other history remain intact. | Progress history is reset; custom foods and recipes may be retained. |
How to Delete User-Created Foods, Recipes, and Meals
If you have added custom items to the database, you can manage and remove them separately from your daily logs.
Deleting on the Mobile App
- Go to the 'More' menu > 'My Meals, Recipes & Foods'.
- Select the category you want to edit (e.g., 'Foods', 'Meals').
- For iOS, swipe the item to the left and tap 'Delete'.
- For Android, tap the three dots or edit icon, select the items, and tap the trash can.
Deleting on the Website
- Click the 'Food' tab > 'My Foods', 'My Meals', or 'My Recipes'.
- Search for the item and click on it in the results.
- Choose the 'Delete' option to remove it from your personal database.
How to Permanently Delete Your MyFitnessPal Account
For those who want a complete removal of their personal data from the service, deleting the entire account is the final step. This action is irreversible.
Deleting on the Website
- Log in to your account at myfitnesspal.com.
- Go to 'My Home' > 'Settings'.
- Click 'Delete Account' at the bottom of the settings page.
Deleting on the Mobile App
- On iOS, go to 'More' > 'Help' > 'Delete Account'.
- On Android, go to the 'More' menu > 'Help' > 'Delete Account'.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm the deletion. You will need to enter your password for verification.
Conclusion
Whether you need to correct a single entry or wipe your entire data history, MyFitnessPal provides the necessary tools. For minor corrections, selective deletion is easy and quick. For a full data reset, a profile reset via the website is the best option. For those concerned about privacy, a full account deletion is possible but irreversible. Always consider which approach best suits your needs before proceeding with any action. For further assistance with account management, it is often best to consult the official MyFitnessPal Help Center.
