Delete your Otter.ai account through the app settings or web dashboard
To delete your Otter.ai account, log in to your account on the web at otter.ai, go to Settings (usually found in the bottom left corner or under your profile menu), scroll to the bottom of the page, and click Delete Account. You will be asked to confirm the deletion. Otter.ai will send you a confirmation email — you must click the link in that email within a set time to complete the deletion. If you use the mobile app instead, the same option appears in Settings, though the web version is often more reliable for account deletion.
Before you delete, download any recordings or transcripts you want to keep. Otter.ai does not restore deleted accounts or data after the deletion is final. The process typically takes a few minutes to complete once you confirm the email link, though it may take up to 24 hours for all your data to be fully removed from their servers.
Key Takeaways
- Log into your Otter.ai account on the web, navigate to Settings, and select Delete Account at the bottom of the page.
- Otter.ai will send a confirmation email with a link you must click within the given timeframe to finalize the deletion.
- Download and save any recordings or transcripts before you delete, because they cannot be recovered afterward.
- Full removal from Otter.ai's servers may take up to 24 hours, though your account access stops immediately after confirmation.
What happens to your data when you delete
Once you confirm the deletion through the email link, your account is deactivated immediately and you can no longer log in. Your recordings, transcripts, and any notes or highlights you created are scheduled for permanent removal. Otter.ai does not keep backups of deleted accounts for recovery purposes, so this action is irreversible.
If you have a paid subscription (Otter.ai Pro or Business), deleting your account also cancels any active billing. You will not be charged again, but you also will not receive a refund for unused time in your current billing cycle. Check your subscription status in Settings before you delete if you want to understand what you are canceling.
Download your recordings and transcripts first
Otter.ai lets you export your data before deletion. Open the app or web dashboard, find each recording or transcript you want to keep, and look for an Export or Download button (usually represented by a down arrow or three-dot menu). Most transcripts can be downloaded as text files or PDFs. Audio recordings can typically be downloaded in their original format.
If you have many recordings, this step may take time. Start the download process well before you plan to delete your account. Some users find it faster to download a few key files rather than everything — decide what you actually need and focus there. Once your account is deleted, there is no way to retrieve anything you did not download.
If you cannot access your account to delete it
If you forgot your password, use the Forgot Password link on the Otter.ai login page to reset it. Enter the email address associated with your account, and Otter.ai will send a password reset link. Click that link, create a new password, and log back in. Then follow the standard deletion steps in Settings.
If you cannot access the email address linked to your account, contact Otter.ai support directly through their website. Go to otter.ai/support or look for a help or contact option in the app. Explain that you need to delete your account but cannot access the associated email. Support can verify your identity through other means and process the deletion for you, though this may take several business days.
The difference between deactivating and deleting
Otter.ai does not offer a separate deactivation option — deletion is the only way to remove your account. When you delete, the account is gone permanently along with all its data. There is no pause or temporary suspension; you cannot reactivate a deleted account later.
If you want to stop using Otter.ai but keep your data, do not delete. Instead, simply stop logging in and let your subscription expire (if you have one). Your account will remain inactive, and you can return to it later if you change your mind. Deletion is only the right choice if you are certain you will not need the account or its contents again.
Canceling your subscription without deleting your account
If you only want to stop paying for Otter.ai but keep your account and free-tier access, cancel your subscription instead of deleting your account. Go to Settings, find Subscription or Billing, and look for a Cancel Subscription button. You will be asked to confirm the cancellation. Your account will downgrade to the free plan, and you will no longer be charged.
Canceling your subscription does not delete your account or your data. You can still log in and access your recordings and transcripts under the free plan, though you may have limits on storage or features. This is a good option if you think you might use Otter.ai again in the future or want to keep your transcripts archived.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get my data back after I delete my account?
No. Otter.ai permanently deletes all data associated with your account once the deletion is confirmed. There is no recovery option. Download everything you want to keep before you delete.
Will I get a refund if I delete my account mid-subscription?
No. Deleting your account cancels your subscription immediately, but Otter.ai does not refund unused time in your current billing cycle. If you want a refund, contact support before you delete to discuss your options.
How long does it take for my account to be completely deleted?
Your account access stops immediately after you confirm the deletion email. Full removal of your data from Otter.ai's servers may take up to 24 hours, but you cannot log in or recover anything once you confirm.
What if I delete my account by mistake?
Contact Otter.ai support as soon as possible. If you reach out before the deletion is fully processed (within a few hours), they may be able to stop it. After 24 hours, recovery is not possible.
Do I need to cancel my subscription before I delete my account?
No. Deleting your account automatically cancels any active subscription. You do not need to cancel separately, though you should check your subscription status first to understand what you are canceling.