How do I remove an email from MyFitnessPal?

Over 200 million people have used MyFitnessPal, but many encounter a common challenge when their primary email changes. This guide explains the correct process for how to remove an email from MyFitnessPal, which involves updating it through the website rather than deleting it directly.

Quick Summary

This guide details the procedure for updating your MyFitnessPal email address using the web platform. It outlines the specific steps to access your account settings and change the email, a function not available in the mobile app, and also covers how to manage email preferences and delete the account entirely.

Key Points

• Use the Website: The primary way to change your email is by logging in to the MyFitnessPal website, not the mobile app.

• Replacement, Not Removal: Your MyFitnessPal account is permanently linked to an email, so you must replace the old one with a new one instead of simply removing it.

• Manage Notifications in App: The mobile app is only for managing email notification preferences, not for changing your primary login email.

• Permanent Deletion is Irreversible: If you want to permanently remove all association, you must delete the entire account, which is irreversible and erases all data.

• Cancel Premium Separately: Changing your email or deleting your account does not automatically cancel a premium subscription; you must do this separately.

• Check for Verification: After changing your email, be sure to verify the new address via the confirmation email sent to you.

Why you can't simply 'remove' an email

Unlike many social media platforms, MyFitnessPal's account structure does not permit simply "removing" an email without replacing it with another. Your account is permanently tied to a single, unique email address for identification, security, and communication purposes. This design prevents data loss and unauthorized access. For example, if you forgot your password, the system needs a confirmed email address to send a recovery link. Therefore, the process isn't about removal but about replacement. To update or essentially "remove" the old email, you must first log in on the official MyFitnessPal website and navigate to the settings.

Step-by-step guide to changing your email on MyFitnessPal

1. Log in via the website. It's crucial to understand that this cannot be done through the mobile app. You must use a web browser to access your account settings. Go to www.myfitnesspal.com and log in with your current email and password.
2. Navigate to account settings. Once logged in, click on "My Home" in the top navigation bar. From the dropdown menu, select "Settings" to access your account's core configurations.
3. Access the email change section. On the Settings page, look for and click on "Change email address/preferences".
4. Enter your new email address. In the designated field, type your new email address. It is important to confirm that the new email is not already associated with another MyFitnessPal account.
5. Save your changes. After entering the new email, scroll to the bottom of the page and click the green "Save Changes" button. MyFitnessPal will send a verification email to your new address to confirm the change.
6. Verify the new email. Check your new email inbox and click the verification link sent by MyFitnessPal to finalize the process. This confirms you have access to the new email and authorizes the update.

Managing email notification preferences

If your goal isn't to change your login email but just to stop receiving promotional or community emails, you can manage your preferences directly. This can be done both on the website and within the mobile app.

On the Website:

• Log into your account at www.myfitnesspal.com.
• Click "My Home" > "Settings" > "Change email address/preferences".
• Uncheck the boxes for any notifications you no longer wish to receive.
• Click "Save Changes" at the bottom of the page.

In the Mobile App (iOS & Android):

• Navigate to the main menu (often labeled "More").
• Tap "Settings" > "Sharing & Privacy" > "Email Settings".
• Toggle off the options for unwanted emails.
• Save your settings.

Comparison: Changing email via website vs. App

Feature	Website Method	Mobile App Method	Verdict
Functionality	Full access to change the primary login email address.	Only allows management of notification settings.	The Website is mandatory for a primary email change.
Convenience	Requires a separate device or a browser on your phone.	Highly convenient for controlling notifications on the go.	Both are useful, but for different purposes.
Security	Direct, secure process with email verification.	No login email change capability, reducing risk of accidental changes.	Website is where critical changes are made.
Account Management	Comprehensive control over all account details.	Limited to specific settings like notifications.	The Website is the definitive hub for all account changes.

Deleting your MyFitnessPal account completely

For those who wish to sever ties entirely and thus "remove" all associated emails, deleting the entire account is the only option. This is an irreversible process, so proceed with caution. Be aware that deleting your account will erase all your logged food, exercise data, and progress. If you have a premium subscription, you must cancel it separately before deleting your account to avoid future charges.

Steps to delete your MyFitnessPal account

• Via the Website: Log in, then go to "My Home" > "Settings" > "Delete Account".
• Via the Mobile App (iOS/Android): Go to the "More" menu, then find and tap "Help" or "Settings," followed by "Delete Account". You will need to confirm your password and accept the terms of permanent deletion.

Conclusion

To effectively remove an email from MyFitnessPal, you must use the website to replace your current email with a new one. The mobile app can only manage notification preferences. For permanent removal of all email-related data, deleting your entire account is the final and irreversible option. Always ensure you have access to both your old and new email during the process to ensure a smooth transition and maintain account security.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I don't have access to my old email address to change it? Contact MyFitnessPal's customer support directly. They will be able to assist with account verification and changing the email.

Can I just unlink my email without replacing it? No, you cannot. Your MyFitnessPal account is uniquely tied to one email address for security reasons.

Why can't I change my email on the MyFitnessPal app? MyFitnessPal requires this critical account change to be performed on their official website for security purposes, as it provides a more robust and secure environment for such actions.

Is it possible to merge two MyFitnessPal accounts with different emails? No, it is not possible to merge two separate MyFitnessPal accounts. You can either use both separately or choose one to continue with.

What happens to my data if I change my email? All your historical data, such as food logs and exercise entries, remains intact and linked to your account when you change the email address.

Do I need to verify the new email address? Yes, after entering a new email on the website, MyFitnessPal will send a verification email that you must click to confirm the change.

Will changing my email cancel my premium subscription? No, changing your email address will not automatically cancel your premium subscription. You will need to manage your subscription status separately.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I forget my MyFitnessPal password and can't access my old email to reset it?

If you cannot access your old email, you must contact MyFitnessPal's customer support directly at [email protected] for assistance with account verification and recovery.

Can I have multiple MyFitnessPal accounts with the same email address?

No, for security purposes, MyFitnessPal's system does not allow more than one account per email address. Each account must have a unique email.

Can I manage email notification settings from the mobile app?

Yes, you can manage your email preferences and opt-out of various notifications within the MyFitnessPal mobile app by navigating to the "Settings" menu.

Is it possible to delete my MyFitnessPal account without losing my data?

No, deleting your MyFitnessPal account is permanent and will result in the loss of all your historical data, including your food diary and exercise logs.

I can't see the option to change my email in the app. What am I doing wrong?

You are not doing anything wrong. The option to change your email address is only available on the MyFitnessPal website, not the mobile app.

How long does it take for the email change to go into effect?

The change takes effect immediately after you click the verification link sent to your new email address. You may need to log back in with your new email after confirmation.

What if I created my account using Facebook or Apple login?

If your account was originally created through a third-party service like Facebook or Apple, you may need to first create a direct MyFitnessPal password to manage email settings on the website. Refer to MyFitnessPal's support for specific steps on how to disconnect and set a new password.