DeviantArt deactivation hides your profile but keeps your data
When you deactivate a DeviantArt account, the site removes your profile from public view, hides your artwork from search and galleries, and stops your account from appearing in other users' follows or messages. Your username becomes unavailable to others, though DeviantArt keeps your account data on file. You can reactivate the same account later by logging back in with your original email and password—the site will restore your profile, artwork, and follower list exactly as it was.
Deactivation is different from deletion. A deactivated account is dormant but recoverable. A deleted account is permanent: DeviantArt removes all your data, artwork, comments, and messages from their servers within 30 days, and you cannot restore it. Choose deactivation if you might return to the platform later, or if you want to step back without losing your work permanently.
Key Takeaways
- Deactivation hides your profile and artwork from the public but preserves your account data so you can reactivate later by logging in.
- You can deactivate through Account Settings under the Privacy section, and the process takes effect immediately.
- A deactivated account remains inactive indefinitely—there is no time limit before it is automatically deleted.
- If you want permanent removal instead, you must request deletion separately, which takes 30 days and cannot be undone.
Steps to deactivate your account
Log into your DeviantArt account and go to your Account Settings. Click the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top right corner if you are on mobile, or look for your username in the top right on desktop and select Settings from the dropdown.
Once in Settings, find the Privacy section. Look for an option labeled "Deactivate Account" or "Deactivate Your Account." Click it. DeviantArt will ask you to confirm your choice and may ask why you are leaving—this feedback is optional. After you confirm, your account is deactivated immediately.
You will be logged out automatically. Your profile page will no longer be visible to other users, your artwork will disappear from public galleries and search results, and your username will not appear in anyone's follower lists or messages.
What happens to your data when deactivated
Your artwork, comments, messages, and follower list remain stored on DeviantArt's servers. Other users' comments on your work will still exist in their own histories, but they will not be able to click through to your profile. Any private messages you sent will still appear in the recipient's inbox, but they will see your account as deactivated rather than active.
Your username becomes locked and unavailable—no one else can create a new account with that name while yours is deactivated. If you reactivate, you get the same username back automatically.
How to reactivate your account
To bring your account back to life, simply log in to DeviantArt using your original email address and password. The site will detect that your account is deactivated and prompt you to reactivate. Confirm the action, and your profile, artwork, followers, and messages will return to their previous state within minutes.
There is no time limit on reactivation. You can deactivate for a week, a year, or longer, and still restore your account whenever you log back in. DeviantArt does not automatically delete deactivated accounts after a set period.
Deactivation versus deletion: which one to choose
Deactivation is the right choice if you are taking a break, stepping back from the community, or unsure whether you will return. It is reversible, fast, and keeps your work safe. Use it if you want to stop receiving notifications, hide from other users, or simply pause your presence without losing years of artwork and follower relationships.
Deletion is permanent and irreversible. DeviantArt removes all your data, artwork, comments, and account history from their servers within 30 days. You cannot recover a deleted account or any of its contents. Choose deletion only if you are certain you will never want your account back and you want all traces of your presence removed from the platform.
If you want to delete instead of deactivate
To request permanent deletion, go to Account Settings and look for a "Delete Account" or "Permanently Delete" option, usually located near the deactivation option in the Privacy section. Click it and confirm your choice. DeviantArt will send a confirmation email to verify the request.
Click the link in that email to complete the deletion. The process then takes up to 30 days for DeviantArt to fully remove your data from their servers. During this period, your account will be inaccessible, and you cannot cancel the deletion request. After 30 days, your account and all associated data are gone permanently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I deactivate my account on mobile?
Yes. Open the DeviantArt app or mobile website, tap the menu icon (three lines) in the top right, go to Settings, find Privacy, and select Deactivate Account. The process is the same as on desktop.
Will my followers be notified when I deactivate?
No. Your followers will simply see that your profile no longer exists when they try to visit it. DeviantArt does not send notifications about deactivations. They may notice your artwork disappears from their feed or galleries.
What if I forget my password before deactivating?
Use the "Forgot Password" link on the DeviantArt login page to reset it. You will need access to the email address associated with your account. Once you reset your password, log in and proceed to deactivate normally.
Can I deactivate without confirming my email?
No. You must be logged into your account to deactivate it. If you cannot log in, reset your password first using the email address tied to your account.
How long does deactivation take to show up?
Your profile disappears from public view immediately after you confirm deactivation. Search engines and cached pages may take days or weeks to update, but DeviantArt's own site will hide your account right away.