Blizzard will delete your Battle.net account, but the process takes time and you lose access to all games when ready
You can request a permanent deletion of your Battle.net account through Blizzard's account management portal. Once you submit the request, your account enters a 30-day waiting period. During those 30 days, you can still cancel the deletion. After 30 days pass, Blizzard permanently removes the account, and you lose access to all games, in-game items, and progress tied to that account. This is irreversible.
The deletion process is straightforward but not when ready. You need access to the email address associated with your account, and Blizzard will send confirmation messages to that address at key points. If you share your account with others or have linked it to other services, those connections will break when the account is deleted.
Key Takeaways
- Deletion requests go through a mandatory 30-day waiting period, during which you can cancel if you change your mind.
- You lose access to all Blizzard games, expansions, cosmetics, and in-game currency the moment you submit the deletion request.
- You must have access to the email address on file to confirm the deletion request.
- After 30 days, the deletion is permanent and cannot be reversed under any circumstances.
Step-by-step process to request account deletion
Log into your Battle.net account at account.battle.net. Go to the Account Settings page and look for the "Delete Account" or "Account Closure" option, usually found under Security or Account Management. Click that option and Blizzard will ask you to confirm your password and verify your identity.
After you verify, Blizzard will display a final warning that explains what you are about to lose: all games, in-game items, achievements, and progress. Read this carefully. If you proceed, click the confirmation button. Blizzard will send a confirmation email to the address on file. You must click the link in that email within a set timeframe (usually 24 to 48 hours) to complete the first step of the deletion request.
Once you click the confirmation link, your account enters the 30-day waiting period. Blizzard will send you another email on day 1 and again around day 29 to remind you that deletion is pending. If you do nothing, the account is deleted automatically after 30 days. If you change your mind, you can log back into your account during the waiting period and cancel the deletion request.
What happens to your games and purchases during the waiting period
Your account becomes unplayable when ready after you submit the deletion request. You cannot log into any Blizzard game, access your in-game characters, or use any services tied to that account. This includes World of Warcraft, Diablo, Overwatch, Hearthstone, StarCraft, and any other Blizzard title you own.
In-game currency, cosmetics, battle pass progress, and seasonal rewards are all locked. You cannot transfer these to another account or sell them. If you have active subscriptions (like World of Warcraft monthly fees), Blizzard will not refund the remainder of the billing cycle. Cancel any active subscriptions before you request deletion if you want to avoid being charged.
If you cancel the deletion request during the 30-day window, your account reactivates and you regain access to everything. However, if the 30 days expire, there is no recovery option.
Canceling a deletion request before it becomes permanent
You can cancel a deletion request at any point during the 30-day waiting period. Log into your Battle.net account using your email and password. If the account is still active (which it will be during the waiting period), you will see an option to cancel the deletion. Click it and confirm your choice. Your account will return to normal status when ready, and you will regain access to all your games and progress.
Blizzard does not charge a fee to cancel a deletion request. Once you cancel, the account is treated as if the deletion request never happened. You can play normally again right away.
Difference between account deletion and account deactivation
Deletion and deactivation are not the same thing. Deletion is permanent after 30 days and cannot be undone. Deactivation (sometimes called a suspension or temporary closure) temporarily locks your account but preserves it. Deactivation is useful if you want a break from gaming but might return later.
If you are unsure whether you want to delete permanently, consider deactivating first. You can deactivate your account through the same Account Settings page. A deactivated account can be reactivated at any time by logging back in, with no waiting period. However, if your goal is to completely remove your account from Blizzard's systems, only deletion achieves that.
What to do before you delete your account
Back up any information you want to keep. Take screenshots of achievements, character stats, or cosmetics you care about. Write down any account recovery information (security questions, backup codes) in case you need to reference it later. If you have linked your Battle.net account to other services (Discord, streaming platforms, third-party apps), disconnect those links first to avoid broken integrations.
Check for any active subscriptions or recurring charges. Cancel World of Warcraft subscriptions, Diablo Immortal battle passes, or any other recurring payments. Blizzard will not refund partial months. If you have gift cards or account balance, you cannot transfer it to another account, so spend it or accept that it will be lost.
If you share your account with family members or friends, notify them before you request deletion. Once the account is deleted, they will lose access to any games or progress on that account. If they need to keep playing, they should transfer their progress to their own account or create a new one before you proceed.
If you cannot access the email on your account
If you no longer have access to the email address associated with your Battle.net account, you cannot complete the deletion process on your own. You will need to contact Blizzard Support. Go to support.blizzard.com, select your region, and choose "Account and Login Issues." Explain that you want to delete your account but cannot access the email on file.
Blizzard Support will ask you to verify your identity through other means, such as answering security questions, providing payment information from past purchases, or confirming details about your account. This verification process can take several days. Once Blizzard confirms your identity, they can initiate the deletion process for you, and the same 30-day waiting period applies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my account back after the 30 days are up?
No. After 30 days, Blizzard permanently deletes the account and all associated data. There is no recovery option, no appeal process, and no way to restore it. The deletion is final.
Will I be refunded for games or subscriptions I paid for?
No. Blizzard does not refund game purchases or subscriptions when you delete an account. If you have an active subscription, cancel it before requesting deletion to avoid being charged for the next billing cycle.
What if I want to keep my games but just change my email address?
You do not need to delete your account to change your email. Go to Account Settings, find the email section, and update it there. You will receive a confirmation email at the new address. This keeps your account and all your games intact.
Can I delete my account if I have an active ban or suspension?
Yes. A ban or suspension does not prevent you from requesting account deletion. However, if your account is banned, you should contact Blizzard Support to understand why before you delete it, in case you want to appeal the ban instead.
If I delete my account, can I create a new one with the same email address?
Yes. After your account is fully deleted (after 30 days), you can create a new Battle.net account using the same email address. The new account will be separate and will not have any progress or games from the old account.