EVE Online account deletion is permanent and cannot be reversed
When you delete your EVE Online account through CCP Games' account management portal, the deletion is final. You cannot recover the account, your characters, your assets, or your skill points after deletion is complete. The account and all associated data are removed from CCP's servers. If you want to stop playing but might return later, you should consider deactivating instead, which suspends your account without destroying it.
Deletion takes effect immediately once you confirm it in the portal. You will lose access to all characters on that account, any PLEX (the in-game currency you may have purchased), ISK (in-game credits), ships, modules, and structures you own. There is no grace period and no way to undo the action after confirmation.
Key Takeaways
- Account deletion through the CCP Games portal is permanent and irreversible, destroying all characters and assets tied to that account.
- You must log into your account on the official EVE Online website and navigate to Account Management to initiate deletion yourself.
- If you might return to EVE Online later, deactivating your account suspends it without destroying characters or assets.
- CCP Games does not delete accounts by email request or through customer support; you must perform the deletion through your own account portal.
Steps to delete your account through the CCP portal
Go to the official EVE Online website and log in with your username and password. Once logged in, navigate to Account Management, which is typically found in the top menu or under your account settings. Look for a section labeled "Account" or "Account Settings."
In Account Management, scroll down to find the option for account deletion or account closure. The exact wording may vary, but it will be clearly labeled as a destructive action. Click on this option. CCP will ask you to confirm your choice and may require you to re-enter your password to verify that you are the account holder. Read the confirmation message carefully—it will state that deletion is permanent and cannot be undone. Check the box or boxes confirming that you understand the consequences, then click the final confirmation button.
After you confirm, your account will be deleted. You will be logged out immediately. Any attempt to log back in with that username will fail. The deletion is complete and cannot be stopped or reversed at any point after confirmation.
The difference between deletion and deactivation
Deactivation suspends your account temporarily. Your characters remain on the server, your assets stay in your hangars and stations, and your skills do not decay. You can reactivate the account at any time by logging back in and paying for game time or PLEX. Deactivation is useful if you want to take a break from EVE Online but think you might return in the future.
Deletion removes everything permanently. There is no reactivation option. If you delete your account and later want to play EVE Online again, you must create a new account from scratch with new characters and no access to your old assets or progress.
If you are unsure whether you want to return, deactivate first. Deactivation costs you nothing and keeps your options open. You can always delete later if you decide you will not play again.
What happens to PLEX and other purchases after deletion
Any PLEX you purchased with real money is tied to your account and will be destroyed when you delete. CCP Games does not issue refunds for PLEX or other in-game purchases after account deletion, even if you delete immediately after buying. If you have unspent PLEX, you should use it or convert it to ISK before deleting, though this does not prevent deletion—it only means the ISK will also be lost.
Subscription time you have paid for but not yet used is also forfeited. If your account has active game time remaining, that time is lost when you delete. There is no prorated refund or credit to another account.
Why CCP does not delete accounts by support request
CCP Games requires you to delete your own account through the portal rather than through customer support. This protects your account from unauthorized deletion if someone gains access to your support ticket or email. By requiring you to log in and confirm deletion yourself, CCP ensures that only the actual account holder can trigger permanent deletion.
If you cannot log into your account because you forgot your password, use the password reset function on the EVE Online login page. If you cannot access the email address associated with your account, contact CCP support to regain access to your account first, then proceed with deletion through the portal yourself.
Preparing your account before deletion
Before you delete, consider whether you want to transfer any assets to another player. You can do this by having another player dock at your station and transferring items or ISK directly. However, once you delete your account, there is no way to retrieve items or ISK you gave away, so make sure you trust the recipient.
If you are part of a corporation, you may want to notify your corporation leadership that you are leaving. Depending on your roles, you may need to step down from leadership positions or transfer assets held by the corporation before deletion. Deletion will remove you from the corporation immediately.
Take screenshots or notes of anything you want to remember about your account—your character names, your achievements, your favorite ships, or your history in the game. After deletion, this information will not be accessible to you.
If you change your mind after deletion
You cannot recover a deleted account under any circumstances. CCP Games has stated clearly that deleted accounts are not restored, even if you request restoration immediately after deletion. If you deleted your account by mistake, you cannot undo it.
If you want to play EVE Online again after deletion, you must create a new account. You will start with new characters, no assets, and no skill points. You will not have access to anything from your old account. This is why it is critical to be certain before you confirm deletion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I delete my account if I have an active subscription?
Yes. You can delete your account at any time, regardless of whether you have active game time or an active subscription. Any remaining subscription time is forfeited and not refunded. If you want to stop paying for your subscription without deleting your account, deactivate instead.
What if I forgot my password and cannot log into the portal?
Use the password reset link on the EVE Online login page. Enter your username or the email address associated with your account, and CCP will send you a password reset email. Once you reset your password and log in, you can proceed with account deletion through the portal.
Can someone else delete my account if they have my password?
Yes, which is why you should keep your password secure. CCP requires you to re-enter your password during the deletion confirmation step, but if someone has your password, they can delete your account. Use a strong, unique password and enable two-factor authentication if CCP offers it.
Will deleting my account remove my character name so someone else can use it?
Character names are typically retired when an account is deleted and are not immediately available for new accounts to use. CCP may recycle old character names after a long period, but this is not may provide and depends on CCP's policies.
Is there a waiting period before deletion takes effect?
No. Deletion is immediate and takes effect as soon as you confirm it in the portal. You will be logged out right away, and the account will no longer be accessible.