What you can actually remove from the internet
You cannot delete your name from the entire internet — search engines and websites operate independently, and no single action removes information everywhere at once. What you can do is remove your personal information from the most visible places: people-search websites, social media profiles you control, old business listings, and public records databases that let you request removal.
The realistic goal is to reduce how easily someone can find your address, phone number, email, or financial details by searching your name. This takes work across multiple sites, but it shrinks your digital footprint significantly. Some information — like court records or property ownership — lives in government databases you cannot delete, though some states let you request privacy protections.
Start by understanding what information about you is actually public. Search your own name on Google, Bing, and DuckDuckGo. Look at the first few pages of results. Write down which websites are showing your address, phone number, email, or other details you want hidden. This list tells you where to focus your effort.
Key Takeaways
- People-search websites like Spokeo, BeenVerified, and Whitepages hold most of the personal information that appears when someone searches your name, and most let you request removal directly from their sites.
- Removing yourself from Google search results requires contacting the website hosting the information first; Google will not delete information that still exists elsewhere on the internet.
- Social media profiles, old business listings, and outdated directory entries are often the quickest wins because you control them or can contact the site owner directly.
- Government records like property deeds, court documents, and voter registration cannot be deleted, though some states offer privacy protections or allow you to request non-publication.
Remove yourself from people-search websites
People-search sites compile your address, phone number, and sometimes email or family members' names from public records and sell access to this information. The major ones are Spokeo, BeenVerified, Whitepages, TruthFinder, and Intelius. Each has its own removal process, but most offer an opt-out link on their site.
Go to each site, search for your name, and look for a link that says "Remove my information," "Privacy," or "Opt out." Click it and follow the steps — usually you will need to confirm your identity by entering your email or phone number. Some sites ask you to verify through email; check your inbox and spam folder for a confirmation link. Keep records of which sites you have contacted and when, because some require you to re-verify every few years.
If a site does not have a visible opt-out option, look for a "Contact Us" page and send an email requesting removal. Include your full name, the URL where your information appears, and ask them to delete it. Response times vary from days to weeks. If a site ignores your request, you may be able to file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission, though this does not may provide removal.
Delete or lock down your social media profiles
Social media accounts are often the first result when someone searches your name. If you no longer use a platform, delete the account entirely. On Facebook, go to Settings > Deactivation and Deletion and choose "Delete Account" — Facebook keeps your data for 90 days before permanent deletion, so if you change your mind you can reactivate. On Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and LinkedIn, the process is similar: find the account deletion option in settings.
If you want to keep an account but make it private, change your privacy settings so only people you approve can see your posts. On Facebook, go to Settings > Privacy and set "Who can see your posts?" to "Friends Only." On Instagram, switch to a private account in Settings > Privacy. On Twitter, enable "Protect your posts" in Settings > Privacy and Safety. This does not remove you from search results, but it prevents strangers from seeing your personal details and photos.
Before deleting an account, download your data if you want to keep photos or messages. Most platforms offer a download option in settings. This takes a few days to process and gives you a file you can save locally.
Request removal from Google search results
Google does not host the information about you — websites do. Google only indexes what is already public. To remove something from Google search results, you first need to remove it from the website where it lives, or ask that website to remove it. Then you can ask Google to stop showing it in search results.
If the information is still on a website but you want it hidden from Google, use Google Search Console. Go to google.com/webmasters/tools/removals, sign in with your Google account, and request removal of the URL. Google will stop showing that page in search results for about six months, but the page itself still exists online. If the website republishes the same information, it will appear in Google again.
If you own the website where your information appears, you can remove the page entirely or use a robots.txt file to tell Google not to index it. If someone else owns the website, contact them and ask them to delete the page or remove your personal information from it. If they refuse and the information violates Google's policies — such as your home address published without consent — you can report it to Google through their support form.
Handle old business listings and directory entries
If you ran a business or were listed in an online directory, your name may still appear on Google Business Profile, Yelp, Yellow Pages, or industry-specific directories. Go to Google Business Profile (google.com/business) and search for your name. If a listing appears, click it and look for a "Manage this business" button. If you own the business, you can claim it and delete it. If you do not own it, click "Does not represent my business" and Google will remove it.
For Yelp, search your name on yelp.com, find your business listing, and look for a "Claim this business" option. Once claimed, you can delete the listing. For Yellow Pages and similar directories, search for your name, find the listing, and look for an "Edit" or "Remove" option. If none exists, contact the site's customer service and request removal.
These sites often republish information from each other, so removing it from one may not remove it from all. Check back in a few weeks to see if your listing reappears, and repeat the removal request if needed.
Understand what you cannot remove
Government records are public by law and cannot be deleted. This includes property deeds, court documents, criminal records, civil judgments, divorce records, and voter registration. These appear in county clerk databases, court websites, and property record sites. You cannot remove them, but some states offer privacy protections.
Some states let you request that your address be hidden from public property records if you are a victim of domestic violence, stalking, or harassment. Contact your county assessor's office or your state's attorney general to ask about privacy protections. A few states also allow you to request that your voter registration address not be published. Check your state's election office website for details.
If false information about you appears online — such as an incorrect criminal record or a fake profile — you have stronger options. Contact the website directly and provide evidence that the information is false. If they do not remove it, you may be able to pursue legal action, though this is expensive and slow. For false information on Google, you can request removal through their support form if it violates their policies.
Monitor your name over time
Removal is not permanent. New websites may publish your information, old sites may republish it, and data brokers may re-collect it from public records. Set a reminder to search your name every few months on Google, Bing, and DuckDuckGo. If new results appear, follow the same removal steps: contact the website, request removal, and ask Google to de-index it if needed.
Some people use paid services like DeleteMe or OneRep that handle removal requests on your behalf. These services contact people-search sites and monitor for new listings, but they cost money and do not remove government records or information you cannot control. They are useful if you want ongoing monitoring without doing the work yourself, but they are not necessary — you can do most of this work for free with patience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove my address from Google Maps?
If it is your home address and you do not want it public, you can request removal through Google's support form. Google will not remove addresses from Maps itself, but you can request removal from Google Search results. For business addresses, you can manage or delete your Google Business Profile listing.
What if a website ignores my removal request?
Send a follow-up email after two weeks. If they still do not respond, file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission at reportfraud.ftc.gov. You can also try contacting their parent company or looking for a legal department email. For persistent violations, you may need to consult a lawyer, though this is expensive.
Will removing my information hurt my credit or job prospects?
No. Removing your information from people-search sites and social media does not affect credit reports, background checks, or employer searches. Employers and lenders use specialized databases, not Google. Removing yourself from public view actually protects your privacy without any downside.
How long does it take to remove my information?
People-search sites usually process removal requests within days to two weeks. Google may take a few days to stop showing a page in search results. Government records cannot be removed, though privacy protections may take weeks to process. The entire process of removing yourself from major sites typically takes one to two months.
Do I need to pay for removal services?
No. All removal requests can be made for free directly to the websites. Paid services like DeleteMe automate the process and monitor for new listings, but they are optional. If you have time, you can do this yourself at no cost.