How do I reset MyFitnessPal to start over?

According to MyFitnessPal's official support, there is no single 'reset' button to wipe all your account data, but there are effective workarounds. This guide will show you how do I reset MyFitnessPal to start over using either a soft reset by updating your profile or a full data wipe via account deletion.

Quick Summary

This article details the two main methods for starting fresh on MyFitnessPal: performing a soft reset by adjusting your goals and starting weight, or a complete data deletion by removing your account and creating a new one. Both processes are broken down step-by-step for the web and mobile apps, with a focus on preserving recipes versus achieving a clean slate.

Key Points

• No Single 'Reset' Button: MyFitnessPal does not have a one-click button to reset all data, so users must choose between updating goals or deleting the account for a fresh start.

• Soft Reset Keeps Data: Updating your starting weight and goals is the best way to get a fresh start without losing saved recipes, custom foods, and friend lists.

• Hard Reset is Permanent: Deleting your account permanently erases all associated data, requiring you to create a new profile with a new username.

• Updating Goals is Easy: Both the mobile app and website allow users to easily update starting weight, goals, and calories under the 'Goals' or 'Settings' sections.

• Delete Old Entries Manually: To clear up progress graphs, users must manually swipe left on individual weight or food entries in the app to delete them.

• Create a New Account After Deletion: After deleting your account for a hard reset, you will need to sign up again from scratch, but can often reuse your email address.

• Fixing the Counter: If your daily login streak counter is incorrect, it can be fixed using a specific tool on the MyFitnessPal website.

For many, the need for a fresh start on MyFitnessPal is a common occurrence. Whether you're coming back after a long break or your fitness goals have changed significantly, old data can clutter your progress. Since the app lacks a single 'reset' button, users must choose between two primary paths: a 'soft reset' that keeps your account and custom recipes, or a complete account deletion for a true clean slate.

Method 1: The Soft Reset (Update Your Goals)

This is the recommended method for most users who simply want to set new goals without losing valuable logged recipes and custom foods. It involves updating your starting weight, targets, and calorie budget. Your past data remains visible but won't interfere with future progress tracking.

For the Mobile App (iOS & Android)

1. Navigate to the Goals section: Tap the 'More' menu in the bottom-right corner (or the menu icon on Android). Then, select 'Goals'.
2. Adjust your starting weight and date: At the top of the 'Goals' screen, tap 'Starting Weight'. You can then input a new weight and starting date to reflect your current journey.
3. Update your current and goal weight: Within the 'Goals' menu, change your current weight to today's weight and adjust your goal weight as needed.
4. Modify your calorie and macronutrient goals: Tap on 'Calorie, Carbs, Protein, and Fat Goals' to set your new targets. The app will calculate a new daily calorie budget based on this information and your new starting weight.
5. Remove past weight entries (Optional): On the Progress screen, find and swipe left on individual old weight entries to delete them, clearing up your progress graph.

For the Website Version

1. Log in to your account: Visit the MyFitnessPal website at www.myfitnesspal.com and log in with your credentials.
2. Go to Settings: Click 'My Home' in the top menu, then 'Settings', and finally 'Update diet/fitness profile'.
3. Set your new starting weight and goals: Enter your new starting weight, goal weight, and weekly weight change target. Click 'Update Profile' to save the changes.
4. Edit previous weight entries (Optional): Go to 'My Home' -> 'Check In' -> 'Edit Previous Entries' to delete old weigh-ins that might clutter your data.

Method 2: The Hard Reset (Delete Your Account)

This method is for users who want a completely fresh slate, with all historical data, recipes, and friends wiped clean. This is a permanent action and cannot be undone.

For the Mobile App (iOS & Android)

1. Navigate to Help: Tap the 'More' menu, then 'Help'. In the Help menu, find and select 'Delete Account'.
2. Confirm deletion: You will be prompted with a warning that this is permanent. Confirm your decision to proceed.
3. Create a new account: After deletion is complete, you can sign up again with a new username (your old email can be used after a short period) and set up your profile from scratch.

For the Website Version

1. Log in and find settings: Log into the MyFitnessPal website and go to 'My Home' -> 'Settings' -> 'Delete Account'.
2. Follow the prompts: Confirm the deletion and complete any required steps. You may need to verify your password.
3. Sign up again: Once the deletion is processed, create a new account to begin your fresh start.

Comparison: Soft Reset vs. Hard Reset

Feature	Soft Reset (Update Goals)	Hard Reset (Delete Account)
Past Data	Retained but overwritten by new goals	Permanently deleted
Saved Foods/Recipes	Preserved	Lost forever
Account Username	Remains the same	Must create a new one
Friends List	Preserved	Lost; must add friends again
Effort Required	Minimal; just change a few settings	Moderate; requires full account deletion and recreation
Outcome	New goals based on a new starting point	Completely clean slate

Conclusion: Choosing Your Best Path

Deciding how do I reset MyFitnessPal to start over ultimately depends on your priority. If you value the convenience of keeping your saved food database and friends, the soft reset is the best option. It’s quick, efficient, and lets you wipe the slate clean in terms of your goals without losing your data history. However, if you want a complete, irreversible data wipe and a fresh account from the ground up, deleting your account is the definitive route. For most returning users, adjusting your goals and potentially clearing a few old weigh-ins is the most practical solution for a fresh start.

Final steps for a successful fresh start

Once you've performed your chosen reset method, be sure to update your diary with a fresh food and exercise plan. Re-evaluate your calorie goals, macronutrient breakdown, and activity level to ensure they align with your current fitness objectives. Consistency is key, and starting over with a clear, updated plan will set you on the right path.

What if my daily counter is incorrect?

If your 'days-in-a-row' counter is off after a restart, you can use MyFitnessPal's dedicated counter reset tool on their website. Log in online and find the link to request a counter reset to get it fixed immediately. To prevent future issues, ensure you log at least one entry daily while connected to the internet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I simply press a 'reset' button in MyFitnessPal to start over?

No, MyFitnessPal does not have a single 'reset' button. Your options are to either perform a 'soft reset' by manually updating your goals and starting weight, or to permanently delete your account and create a new one for a complete data wipe.

What is the easiest way to get a fresh start without losing my recipes?

The easiest method is to perform a 'soft reset' by updating your goals. Go to 'More' -> 'Goals' in the app or 'My Home' -> 'Settings' on the website to change your starting weight and targets. This preserves your recipes and food database.

If I delete my MyFitnessPal account, is it permanent?

Yes, deleting your account is a permanent action. All your historical data, saved recipes, and friends will be irrevocably deleted.

Can I use the same email for a new account after deleting my old one?

Yes, after permanently deleting your account, you will be able to sign up for a new account using the same email address.

How do I clear old weight entries from my progress graph?

On the mobile app, go to the Progress screen and swipe left on the individual weight entries you wish to delete. On the website, go to 'My Home' -> 'Check In' -> 'Edit Previous Entries'.

What happens to my friends list if I delete my account?

If you delete your account, your friends list will be permanently erased. You will need to add your friends again after creating a new account.

How do I fix my login streak if it reset incorrectly?

If your counter is incorrect, use the dedicated counter reset tool available on the MyFitnessPal website. To prevent future issues, ensure you log an entry online or in the app daily.