Delete your Otter.ai account through account settings
To delete your Otter.ai account, log in to your account, go to Settings, select Account, and look for the delete or deactivate option. The exact wording and location depend on whether you use the web app or mobile app, but the delete function is always in account settings, not in a separate menu. Once you click delete, Otter.ai will ask you to confirm—this step is irreversible, so make sure you have downloaded or saved any recordings or transcripts you want to keep before you proceed.
The deletion process is immediate on your end, but Otter.ai may retain some data for a period of time as required by law or for backup purposes. Your account will no longer appear in your login history, and you will not be able to access any transcripts, recordings, or notes stored in that account after deletion.
Key Takeaways
- Log into your Otter.ai account, navigate to Settings > Account, and select the delete option to remove your account permanently.
- Download or export any transcripts, recordings, or notes you want to keep before you delete, because they will not be recoverable afterward.
- Deletion is immediate and cannot be undone, so take time to confirm you have saved everything you need.
- If you are unsure whether you want to delete permanently, you can deactivate your account instead, which hides it temporarily without erasing data.
- Contact Otter.ai support before deletion if you have questions about what data will be removed or how long retention takes.
Download your data before deletion
Otter.ai stores all your transcripts, audio files, and notes in your account. Once you delete the account, these files are gone and cannot be recovered through the app or by contacting support. Before you delete, log in and review what you have stored—check your library, your notebooks, and any shared folders or collaborative projects.
Most users can export transcripts as text files or PDFs directly from the app. Audio files and recordings may require a different export process depending on your subscription level. If you are unsure how to export a specific file type, check Otter.ai's help documentation or contact their support team before you delete your account.
Difference between deactivation and deletion
Deactivation temporarily hides your account and stops billing, but your data remains stored on Otter.ai's servers. You can reactivate a deactivated account later and recover all your transcripts and recordings. Deletion is permanent—your account and all associated data are removed, and reactivation is not possible.
If you are unsure whether you want to leave Otter.ai permanently, deactivation is the safer choice. You can deactivate from the same Settings > Account menu where the delete option appears. Deactivation typically takes effect within a few days, and you will stop being charged for your subscription immediately.
What happens to your subscription after deletion
Deleting your account does not automatically cancel your subscription if you are on a paid plan. Check your billing settings before you delete to see whether you are subscribed to a monthly or annual plan. If you delete your account while an active subscription is running, you may still be charged for the next billing cycle unless you cancel the subscription first.
To avoid unexpected charges, cancel your subscription through your payment method or Otter.ai's billing page before you delete your account. If you have already been charged after deletion, contact Otter.ai support with your receipt or transaction ID to request a refund—most companies honor refund requests within 30 days of the charge.
Contacting Otter.ai support if deletion fails
If the delete button does not appear in your account settings, or if you receive an error message when you try to delete, your account may have a hold or restriction. This sometimes happens if there is an outstanding payment, a dispute, or a security flag on the account. Contact Otter.ai support through their help center or email to ask why deletion is blocked and what you need to do to proceed.
Provide your account email address and a brief explanation of what you are trying to do. Support typically responds within one to two business days. If you have trouble reaching support through the app, visit Otter.ai's website directly and look for a contact form or support email address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I recover my account after I delete it?
No, deletion is permanent and irreversible. Once you delete your account, Otter.ai cannot restore it or your data. If you think you might want to use Otter.ai again in the future, deactivate instead of delete.
Will deleting my account stop my subscription charges?
Deletion does not automatically cancel your subscription. You must cancel your subscription separately through your billing settings or payment method to stop charges. If you are charged after deletion, contact support with your receipt to request a refund.
What if I forgot my password and can't log in to delete my account?
Use the "Forgot Password" link on the Otter.ai login page to reset your password. Once you log back in, you can navigate to Settings and delete your account. If password reset does not work, contact Otter.ai support and provide your account email address.
How long does it take for my account to be fully deleted?
Your account is removed from the app immediately after you confirm deletion. Otter.ai may retain some data on backup servers for a period of time as required by law, but you will have no access to it, and it will not appear in your account.
Can I delete my account if I have shared transcripts with other people?
Yes, you can delete your account even if you have shared files. The people you shared with will lose access to those shared transcripts once your account is deleted. If you want to preserve shared work, download copies or transfer ownership to another account before you delete.