You’ve decided to close your Vinted account and are looking for the correct way to do it? After completing over 1500 transactions on this platform since 2018, I can confirm that deleting your profile requires a few specific steps. This guide details the complete procedure for permanently deactivating your account, whether through the website or the mobile app. We will also discuss the necessary preparations, possible alternatives, and the consequences of this action.
Why Consider Deleting Your Vinted Account?
There are several reasons that might motivate the closure of an account on this second-hand platform. Concerns about personal data security often top the list of worries. In 2023, Vinted strengthened its protection measures following privacy incidents affecting several thousand European users.
Negative experiences with certain buyers or sellers are also a common reason. Unresolved problematic transactions can create distrust towards customer service. Some users are also concerned about potential identity theft risks, especially after sharing their banking and personal details.
Other users simply want to take a break from the constant flow of notifications or have changed their shopping habits. Understanding your motivations will help you determine if permanent deletion is the best option or if a temporary alternative might suit your situation better.
Essential Preparations Before Deactivating Your Account
Before starting the deletion process, several preliminary steps are necessary to avoid any future issues. Begin by finalizing all your ongoing transactions. Uncompleted sales and purchases could complicate the closure of your account or lead to claims.
Next, remove all your active listings from the platform. Having items still for sale could block the deletion process. Carefully check your Vinted wallet to ensure that no payments are pending.
Transfer all available funds to your personal bank account. Once your profile is deleted, you will no longer be able to recover these amounts. Also, save important information such as transaction history and messages exchanged with other users. This data will be permanently lost after the deactivation period.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Delete Your Account on Computer and Mobile
Deleting via the Website
To close your account from a computer, follow this simple procedure:
- Log in to the official Vinted website.
- Click on your profile picture (top right corner).
- Select “My Settings” from the dropdown menu.
- Navigate to the “Account Settings” section.
- Scroll to the bottom of the page.
- Click the “Delete my account” button.
- Confirm your decision by validating the request.
Deleting via the Mobile App
The process on a smartphone is similar but with a slightly different interface:
Open the app and log in. Access your profile by tapping the corresponding icon. Tap the “Settings” icon, usually represented by a gear. Scroll to the bottom of the menu to find the “Deactivate Account” option. Confirm your choice when prompted by the app.
| Platform | Access Path | Deletion Option | Final Deletion Delay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Website | Profile > Settings > Account Settings | Delete my account | 3 months |
| Mobile App | Profile > Settings | Deactivate account | 3 months |
What to Do If You’ve Lost Access to Your Vinted Account?
Losing access to your account naturally complicates its deletion. In this situation, contact Vinted support directly via their dedicated form on the website. You can also send an explanatory email to customer service clearly stating your request for deletion.
Provide the email address associated with the account and any proof of identity to verify that you are the legitimate owner. This verification is an essential security measure to prevent fraudulent account blocking by malicious individuals.
If you do not receive a satisfactory response within a reasonable time, you can contact the platform’s data protection officer. As a last resort, do not hesitate to exercise your legal right to data deletion by reaching out to the personal data protection authority in your country.
Consequences and Delays of Permanent Deletion
After initiating the closure process, your account first enters a three-month deactivation period. During this phase, your profile becomes invisible to other users but remains technically recoverable. A simple reconnection is enough to reactivate all your data and listings.
- Your account becomes immediately inaccessible to other users.
- Your listings disappear instantly from the catalog.
- You receive an email confirming the start of the deletion process.
Once this reflection period has passed, the deletion becomes irreversible. All your personal information is removed from the servers, except for financial data retained for thirteen months for legal reasons. You will permanently lose access to your transaction history and exchanges on the platform.
Alternatives to Deletion: Vacation Mode and Other Options
Vacation Mode
If you’re hesitant to permanently close your account, Vacation Mode offers a temporary solution. This feature hides your profile and items for a maximum of 90 days. To activate it, go to your settings, select the corresponding option, and save your choice.
Gradual Disengagement Strategies
Other approaches allow you to reduce your presence on the platform without complete deletion. Limit notifications in your settings to decrease solicitations. Disable marketing emails that clutter your inbox. Gradually remove your listed items to reduce your activity on the app.
These alternatives have the advantage of keeping access to your history while lightening your daily involvement on the platform. You can resume your activities later without losing your seller reputation built over time.
Special Situations: Blocked Account or Death of the Account Holder
- For an account blocked by Vinted, contact their data protection officer directly.
- In the event of the account holder’s death, relatives can provide a death certificate to request closure.
When your account is subject to an administrative block, you still retain your rights regarding your personal data. Submit a formal deletion request citing the General Data Protection Regulation. Carefully document each attempt to contact to build a solid case if necessary.
To manage the account of a deceased person, the platform has a specific procedure that respects the sensitivity of the situation. This process is part of the broader management of digital identity after death, a crucial topic in an era where our digital lives extend across multiple online services.
