What Is the App Store Account Deletion Requirement?
Apple's App Store Review Guideline 5.1.1(v) states:
"Apps that allow users to create an account must also allow users to initiate deletion of their account from within the app."
This is not just a "deactivate" or "disable" option — users must be able to fully delete their account and associated data from inside your app.
- Account deletion must be accessible from within the app (not just via email or support)
- Users cannot be redirected to a website-only deletion flow
- Deletion must cover personal data, not just the account shell
- A grace period is acceptable (e.g., 30-day delay), but the request must be initiatable in-app
When Did This Become Required?
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| January 2022 | Apple announced the upcoming requirement |
| June 30, 2023 | Enforcement date — all new and updated apps must comply |
| Ongoing | Apps without account deletion subject to rejection or removal |
If your app was last updated before June 2023 and hasn't added account deletion, you are at risk the next time you submit an update.
What Happens If You Don't Comply?
- New app submissions: Rejected with note citing Guideline 5.1.1(v)
- Existing app updates: Flagged and rejected, requiring a fix before approval
- Edge case: Apps without recent updates may be removed under the App Improvement process
Example rejection message:
"Your app allows users to register for an account but does not have a mechanism for users to initiate deletion of that account. Please revise your app to include an account deletion option."
What Does a Compliant Account Deletion Page Look Like?
A compliant account deletion flow includes:
- In-app entry point — accessible from Settings or Profile (not buried)
- Clear warning — explain what will be deleted and any grace period
- Confirmation step — prevent accidental deletion
- Support link — where users can get help or reverse the request during the grace period
Optional but recommended:
- A dedicated support URL explaining your deletion policy
- Email confirmation after the request is submitted
How to Create an Account Deletion Page in 5 Minutes
The fastest way is to use a generator that creates a hosted account deletion page with a unique URL you can link to from your app.
- Go to Support URL Generator
- Select "Account Deletion Page"
- Enter your app name and developer email
- Copy your unique deletion page URL
- Link to it from your app's Settings → Delete Account
Your page will include instructions for submitting a deletion request, your contact email, data deletion scope, and grace period disclosure. This satisfies Apple's requirement for a reachable account deletion pathway.
Does Google Play Have the Same Requirement?
Yes — Google Play introduced its own account deletion requirement in December 2023.
Google Play Data Deletion Policy (Section 2.3): Apps that allow account creation must provide an in-app account deletion option or a link to a web-based deletion request form. Developers must also declare their data deletion capabilities in the Data Safety section of the Play Console.
Key difference from Apple: Google Play allows a web-only flow as a fallback, but in-app is strongly preferred and required for new apps from May 2024 onward.
Compliance Checklist
- ☐ App has an in-app "Delete Account" option in Settings or Profile
- ☐ Deletion option is visible without needing to contact support
- ☐ Deletion covers personal data, not just account deactivation
- ☐ A confirmation step prevents accidental deletion
- ☐ Support URL or deletion page URL is linked from within the app
- ☐ If using a grace period: length is disclosed to the user
- ☐ Google Play Data Safety section updated to reflect deletion capability
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Mistake 1: Only offering "Deactivate Account"
Deactivation temporarily disables the account but does not delete data. This does not satisfy Apple's requirement.
Mistake 2: "Contact us to delete your account"
Requiring users to send an email or contact support to start deletion is not compliant. The request must be initiatable from within the app.
Mistake 3: Linking to a generic settings page
The account deletion option must be clearly labeled — a generic "Manage Account" page that doesn't explicitly show deletion is not sufficient.
Mistake 4: Not updating the App Privacy section
If you process personal data, your privacy policy and App Store privacy nutrition label must reflect that you support data deletion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: My app doesn't have user accounts. Does this apply to me?
No — if your app does not allow users to create accounts, this requirement does not apply.
Q: Can I use a web page instead of in-app deletion?
For Apple: No — the initiation must happen inside the app. You can use a web page for processing the request, but users must start it in-app. For Google Play: A web-based form is allowed as a fallback.
Q: What if my app uses Sign in with Apple?
Users who sign in with Apple must still be able to delete their account. Apple's Sign in with Apple handles credential revocation separately — you still need to delete the app-level account data.
Q: How long can I take to delete data?
Apple does not specify a maximum grace period, but 30 days is common industry practice. Longer grace periods should be disclosed to users.
Create Your Account Deletion Page — Free
Takes less than 60 seconds. No account required. Works for both App Store and Google Play compliance.
Generate Account Deletion Page →Also read: App Store Support URL Requirements | Privacy Policy Generator for Mobile Apps