What happens when you delete YouTube
Deleting your YouTube account removes your channel, all your videos, comments, and subscriptions from YouTube's servers. Once deleted, the account cannot be recovered — YouTube does not restore deleted accounts. If you only want to hide your channel without losing the videos, you can make it private or unlisted instead, but deletion is permanent.
Before you delete, understand that your YouTube username may become available for someone else to use after a few months. Any videos you uploaded will no longer be viewable by anyone. Comments you left on other people's videos will also disappear.
If you have a Google Account (used for Gmail, Google Drive, or other Google services), deleting YouTube does not delete your Google Account — only the YouTube part. However, if your YouTube account is the only Google service you use, you have the option to delete your entire Google Account at the same time.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube deletion is permanent and cannot be undone, so download any videos you want to keep before you start.
- You must sign in to your Google Account and visit the YouTube deletion page directly — there is no delete button in the app or settings menu.
- Google will ask you to confirm your choice twice and may require you to re-enter your password before the deletion goes through.
- If you only want to hide your channel, you can make it private instead of deleting it, and you can always reactivate it later.
- Deleting YouTube does not delete your Gmail or other Google services unless you choose to delete your entire Google Account.
How to download your videos before deleting
If you have uploaded videos to YouTube and want to keep copies, download them before you delete your account. Once your account is deleted, the videos are gone and cannot be recovered.
Sign in to YouTube and go to your channel. Click the video you want to download, then click the three-dot menu icon below the title. Select "Download" if that option appears. Not all videos can be downloaded through YouTube — if you do not see a download option, you will need to use a third-party video downloader tool, though this may violate YouTube's terms of service depending on how you use it.
If you have many videos, this process takes time. Plan to download them over several days if needed. Once you have saved the files to your computer or external drive, you can proceed with deleting your account.
Steps to delete your YouTube account
You must delete your YouTube account through a web browser, not the YouTube app. Open a browser on your computer, phone, or tablet and go to myaccount.google.com while signed in to your Google Account.
On the left side of the page, click "Data & privacy." Scroll down and look for a section called "Your data & privacy options" or similar. Click "Delete a service or your account." You may need to sign in again to confirm your identity.
Find YouTube in the list of Google services and click the trash icon next to it. Google will show you a warning that explains what will be deleted. Read it carefully. Click "Delete YouTube" to confirm. Google will ask you to enter your password one more time. Type it in and click "Delete YouTube" again.
Your account will be deleted within a few days. During this time, your channel may still appear in search results or in other people's subscription lists, but it will not be accessible. After a few days, it will be completely removed.
The difference between deleting and hiding your channel
If you are not sure you want to delete permanently, you can hide your channel instead. This removes it from public view but keeps all your data intact. You can reactivate it at any time if you change your mind.
To hide your channel, sign in to YouTube and click your profile icon in the top right corner. Select "Create a channel" or "Manage your channels." Find the channel you want to hide and click "Advanced settings." Look for an option to "Delete channel" or "Hide channel" — YouTube sometimes uses different wording. Select "Hide" instead of "Delete." Your channel will no longer appear publicly, but you can restore it by going back to the same menu and selecting "Restore."
Hiding is useful if you want to take a break from YouTube, remove your channel from search results, or step back from content creation without losing your videos and history. Deletion is the right choice only if you are certain you will never want the account back.
What to do if you cannot find the delete option
If you are using the YouTube app on your phone or tablet, the delete option is not available there. You must use a web browser. Open Chrome, Safari, Firefox, or another browser and go to myaccount.google.com. Make sure you are signed in to the same Google Account that owns your YouTube channel.
If you are on a computer and still cannot find the delete option, clear your browser's cache and cookies, then try again. Sometimes old cached data prevents the page from loading correctly. You can also try a different browser — if it works in Firefox but not Chrome, for example, the problem is likely a browser setting rather than your account.
If you have a YouTube account that is linked to a business or brand account, the deletion process may be different. Business accounts sometimes have additional restrictions. Contact Google Support through the help center if you run into errors or cannot proceed.
What happens to your Google Account after YouTube deletion
Deleting YouTube does not touch your Gmail inbox, Google Drive files, Google Photos, or any other Google service. Your Google Account itself remains active and unchanged. You can still sign in and use all your other Google services normally.
If you want to delete your entire Google Account — including Gmail, Drive, Photos, and everything else — you have that option during the deletion process. Google will ask whether you want to delete only YouTube or your whole account. Choose carefully, because deleting your entire Google Account is also permanent and will log you out of all Google services.
Most people should delete only YouTube and keep their Google Account. This is especially true if you use Gmail for work, school, or important accounts that send you password reset emails. Losing access to your Gmail address can lock you out of other services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my YouTube account back after I delete it?
No. YouTube does not restore deleted accounts. Once the deletion is complete, your channel, videos, and all associated data are gone permanently. If you think you might want your account back, hide your channel instead of deleting it.
Will deleting YouTube delete my Gmail?
No, unless you choose to delete your entire Google Account. Deleting only YouTube leaves your Gmail, Google Drive, and other Google services untouched. During the deletion process, Google will ask you to confirm that you want to delete only YouTube.
How long does it take for YouTube to delete my account?
The deletion usually completes within a few days. Your channel may still appear in search results or other people's subscriptions for a short time, but it will not be accessible. After a few days, it will be completely removed from YouTube's systems.
What happens to videos I uploaded if I delete my account?
All your videos are deleted along with your account. They will no longer be viewable by anyone. If you want to keep any videos, download them to your computer before you delete your account.
Can I delete my YouTube account from the YouTube app?
No. The delete option is only available through a web browser at myaccount.google.com. Open a browser on your phone, tablet, or computer and sign in to your Google Account to access the deletion page.