Step-by-Step Guide to Deleting Your MyFitnessPal Account
Deleting an old MyFitnessPal account is a straightforward process, but the steps differ slightly depending on the platform you are using. Before you begin, be sure to cancel any active Premium subscriptions to avoid future charges, as deleting your account does not automatically cancel your subscription. All account data, including your food diary, exercise log, and progress, will be permanently removed upon deletion.
Deleting Your Account from the MyFitnessPal Website
This method is accessible from any web browser and is often the most reliable way to ensure all account details are removed.
- Navigate to the MyFitnessPal website and log in to your account with your credentials.
- Click on your username or profile picture in the top right-hand corner of the page.
- From the dropdown menu, select 'Settings'.
- On the Settings page, look for and click the 'Delete Account' link.
- Follow the on-screen instructions, which will require you to re-enter your password to confirm your identity.
- Confirm the permanent deletion. Once you click the final button, the process is irreversible.
Deleting Your Account on the iOS App
The process for iOS users is similar to the website but is located within the app's 'More' menu.
- Open the MyFitnessPal app on your iPhone.
- Tap the 'More' button, which is represented by an icon with three dots (...) at the bottom of the screen.
- Navigate to 'Help' from the menu.
- In the Help section, select 'Delete Account'.
- Enter your password when prompted and confirm the deletion to finalize the process.
Deleting Your Account on the Android App
Android users can also delete their accounts directly through the app interface.
- Launch the MyFitnessPal app on your Android device.
- Tap the menu icon, typically located in the top-left or bottom-right corner.
- Select 'Help' from the menu.
- Tap on 'Delete Account' from the help options.
- Enter your password to verify your request and then tap 'Delete Account' again to confirm.
What Happens After Account Deletion?
It is vital to understand the ramifications of deleting your account before proceeding. The action is not reversible, so once your account is gone, it is gone forever.
Data Loss: All of your personal health data, including your tracked food, exercise routines, weight logs, and custom recipes, will be permanently deleted from MyFitnessPal's servers. If you ever wish to use the service again, you will need to create a brand-new account from scratch.
Linked Accounts: If your MyFitnessPal account is linked to other services, such as Apple Health, Fitbit, or Garmin, your MyFitnessPal data within those third-party platforms will not be automatically deleted. You will need to manually delete the MyFitnessPal data within those specific services if you want to remove it.
Subscription: Deleting your account does not cancel your Premium subscription if you have one. You must cancel the subscription through the platform it was purchased on (iTunes, Google Play, or the MyFitnessPal website) to stop future billing.
Comparison: Deleting vs. Just Uninstalling the App
Many users mistakenly believe that simply uninstalling the MyFitnessPal app from their phone is enough to remove their data. This is incorrect. The following table clarifies the difference.
| Feature | Deleting Your Account | Uninstalling the App |
|---|---|---|
| Data Deletion | Yes, all personal data is permanently wiped from MyFitnessPal servers. | No, your account and all associated data remain on MyFitnessPal's servers. |
| Account Closure | Yes, your account is permanently closed and cannot be recovered. | No, your account remains active and accessible by logging in on another device or the website. |
| Subscription Status | No, does not cancel a Premium subscription. Requires manual cancellation. | No, does not cancel a Premium subscription. Requires manual cancellation. |
| Effect on Privacy | Complete, removes your personal health data from the company's records. | None, your data is still stored and accessible to MyFitnessPal. |
| Future Access | Requires creating a new account from scratch. | Can log back in anytime with existing credentials. |
What if I Can't Access My Old Account?
If you have forgotten your login information and can no longer access your old MyFitnessPal account, you have a few options.
- Use the Password Recovery Feature: On the login page, use the 'Forgot Password?' option to reset your password via your linked email address. This is the simplest solution if you still have access to the email.
- Contact Customer Support: If password recovery fails, you can contact MyFitnessPal's customer support directly to request account deletion. You can email them at
[email protected]. You will likely need to provide information to verify your identity to process the request.
Conclusion
Deleting your old MyFitnessPal account is a permanent action that removes your data from their servers. It requires a few simple steps through either the website, iOS app, or Android app. Remember that deleting your account will not automatically cancel a Premium subscription, which must be handled separately. For those unable to log in, the password recovery tool or contacting customer support are the recommended next steps. Ensure you are certain about this decision, as all your logged information will be lost forever. For more information on your data privacy rights, you can consult the full MyFitnessPal Privacy Policy.
Note: While MyFitnessPal's data retention policies have evolved over time (see Reddit discussions from 2019 about limiting free accounts to two years of data), full account deletion permanently removes all associated data. The company is also subject to data privacy laws like GDPR, which grant users the right to request the deletion of their personal information.
