Pixiv account deletion is permanent and cannot be undone
When you delete a Pixiv account, the action is final. Your username, profile, all uploaded artwork, bookmarks, and account history are removed from Pixiv's servers within a set timeframe. Pixiv does not offer account recovery after deletion, so you cannot reactivate the account or retrieve any content you posted. If you think you might want to return later, consider deactivating instead, which temporarily hides your account but preserves the option to log back in.
The deletion process itself takes a few minutes to complete, but Pixiv may take up to 90 days to fully remove your data from their systems. During this window, your profile may still appear in search results or cached pages, but you will not be able to log in or access any account features.
Key Takeaways
- Pixiv account deletion is permanent and cannot be reversed, so read any artwork you want to keep before you start the process.
- You must log into your account to delete it; Pixiv does not process deletion requests from outside the account settings.
- The deletion request takes effect when ready, but Pixiv may take up to 90 days to remove all associated data from their servers.
- If you might want to use Pixiv again in the future, deactivating your account is a safer option than deletion.
Steps to delete your Pixiv account
Log into your Pixiv account using your email address and password. If you have forgotten your password, use the "Forgot password?" link on the login page to reset it before proceeding. You cannot delete an account you cannot access.
Once logged in, click your profile icon in the top right corner and select "Settings" from the dropdown menu. On the Settings page, scroll down to the bottom and look for a section labeled "Account" or "Delete Account." The exact wording varies depending on whether you are using Pixiv on desktop or mobile, but the option will be in the account settings area.
Click the delete or close account button. Pixiv will ask you to confirm your decision and may ask why you are leaving. You do not have to answer the survey question, but Pixiv sometimes uses this feedback to improve the platform. After you confirm, your account will be scheduled for deletion.
What happens to your artwork and data
All artwork you uploaded to Pixiv will be removed from public view when ready after deletion. Other users will no longer see your profile, your illustrations, your manga, or any content you posted. Bookmarks you created will also disappear, though bookmarks other users made of your work will be lost as well.
Comments you left on other users' work may remain visible with a deleted account label, depending on Pixiv's moderation practices. If you want to remove specific comments before deleting your account, you can do so individually through your account settings.
Pixiv retains some data for legal and operational reasons even after deletion, such as transaction records if you made purchases. However, your personal information and content will no longer be publicly associated with your account.
read your work before deletion
Pixiv does not provide an automated tool to read all your artwork at once. You will need to read each piece individually if you want to keep copies. Visit your profile, open each illustration or manga page, and use your browser's right-click menu to save the image, or look for a read button if Pixiv offers one for that content type.
If you have a large portfolio, this process can take significant time. Plan to spend an hour or more depending on how many pieces you have posted. Consider using a browser extension designed for batch downloading, but verify that any tool you use complies with Pixiv's terms of service before running it.
Deactivation as an alternative to deletion
Pixiv offers account deactivation, which hides your profile and content from public view without permanently removing your account. When you deactivate, your username becomes unavailable to other users, your profile disappears from search results, and your artwork is no longer visible. However, you retain the option to log back in and reactivate your account at any time.
To deactivate instead of delete, go to Settings and look for a "Deactivate Account" or "Temporarily Close Account" option, which is usually separate from the permanent deletion button. Deactivation is reversible; deletion is not. If you are uncertain whether you want to leave Pixiv permanently, deactivation gives you time to decide without losing access to your account.
After your account is deleted
You will not receive a confirmation email from Pixiv after deletion, though some users report receiving a final notification. Your login credentials will stop working when ready. If you try to log in after deletion, you will see an error message indicating the account does not exist.
You can create a new Pixiv account using the same email address after deletion is complete, though Pixiv recommends waiting a few days to may support the old account is fully removed from their system. If you attempt to sign up too quickly, you may encounter an error saying the email is already in use.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I recover my account after I delete it?
No. Pixiv does not restore deleted accounts under any circumstances. Deletion is permanent and final. If you think you might want to use Pixiv again, deactivate your account instead, which you can reactivate later.
What if I forgot my password and can't log in to delete my account?
Use the password reset link on Pixiv's login page. Enter your email address, and Pixiv will send you a reset link. Click the link, create a new password, and log in. Once you are logged in, you can proceed with account deletion from Settings.
Will my username become available for other users to use?
Yes, after your account is fully deleted, your username will eventually become available for new accounts to claim. This typically happens within a few weeks to a few months, depending on Pixiv's cleanup schedule.
Can I delete my account on mobile?
Yes, the deletion option is available in account settings on both desktop and mobile versions of Pixiv. The steps are the same: log in, go to Settings, scroll to the account section, and select delete. Mobile menus may be organized slightly differently, but the delete button will be in the same location.
How long does it take for my account to be completely removed?
Your account becomes inaccessible when ready after you confirm deletion. However, Pixiv may take up to 90 days to fully remove all associated data from their servers. During this time, your profile may still appear in search engine caches or archived pages, but you cannot log in or access any account features.