If you have a YouTube channel that you no longer use or create content for, you might either be bored or want to switch platforms. Whatever the reason, it’s easy to get rid of your channel whether you’re using YouTube on a desktop or mobile device. In this article, we will show you how to delete YouTube channels quickly and easily.
But first, it’s important to know the difference between deleting a YouTube account and deleting a YouTube channel. Well, deleting a YouTube account is nothing but deleting a Google account, which will remove all the Google services you use like Gmail, Google Drive and more. In contrast, deleting your YouTube channel will only remove your content. With this understanding, let’s start the article.
Note: You only need to delete a YouTube channel using one method/device and it will update automatically on all devices. There is no need to delete the channel from each device separately.
How to delete your YouTube channel on desktop
There are two easy ways to delete your YouTube channel on a desktop. We’ve covered each method in detail with a step-by-step process. Let’s dive in.
Method 1: Using YouTube Account
This is one of the most common ways to delete your YouTube channel. The steps are simple but before we continue with the steps, make sure you have all rights to delete the selected YouTube channel. Follow the steps below.
Step 1: Go to YouTube from your favorite browser on your Windows or Mac computer and sign in to the YouTube channel account that you want to delete.
Step 2: Click on the three horizontal lines icon on the top left.
Note: If the sidebar is already open, ignore this step and go to the next.
Step 3: Scroll down and choose Settings from the sidebar.
You will be redirected to the account settings page.
Step 4: Click Advanced Settings on the sidebar.
Step 5: In the right panel, select Delete channel.
You will be asked to reconfirm your decision as once made this decision cannot be reversed.
Step 6: Enter your Google password and click Next.
Step 7: Under “Remove YouTube Content”, select “I want to permanently delete my content”.
Step 8: From the drop-down menu, check the boxes and click “Delete My Content”.
Note: Read the details before checking the boxes.
That’s it. The YouTube channel will be deleted along with the content it contains. Well this was one way to delete a channel; There is another way, read on.
Method 2: Using Google Account
In this method, we use Google account options that allow you to remove any Google service you want without affecting general account access or other services you use through your Google account. Follow the steps listed below.
Step 1: Go to Google from your favorite browser and log in to your account connected to the YouTube channel you want to delete. Click on the profile icon in the top right corner of the page.
Step 2: Select “Manage your Google Account” from the drop-down menu.
You will be taken to your Google account details.
Step 3: Go to “Data & Privacy” on the left panel.
Step 4: Scroll to the “Download or delete your data” section and select “Delete a Google service”.
If you delete your YouTube account, you need to sign in to your Google account. This ensures that you have the necessary permissions to delete the account.
Step 6: Under “Delete a Google service”, click the trash can next to YouTube.
Note: If you want to save a local backup of your Google Account data, click Download Data.
Step 7: Under “Delete your content from YouTube”, select “I want to permanently delete my content”.
Step 8: From the drop-down menu, tap the checkboxes and select “Delete My Content”.
Note: Read and tick the boxes according to your preferences.
Here we go. You deleted your YouTube channel by removing YouTube services from your Google account. If for some reason you don’t have access to your desktop and want to complete the steps using a mobile device, continue to the next method.
How to delete your YouTube channel on mobile
Deleting a YouTube channel on mobile is no different than on desktop. It’s just that the steps may vary a bit. Follow the steps below.
Step 1: Launch the YouTube app on your Android or iOS device and tap on your profile on the top right.
Note: We use the Google app for better understanding.
Step 2: On the bottom page, under your channel name, select “Manage your Google account”.
Note: If you have multiple channels, switch to the channel you want to delete.
You will be redirected to your Google account from the in-page browser.
Step 3: Go to “Data & Privacy” and below that, scroll down to the “Download or delete your data” section and select “Delete a Google service”.
You will be asked to sign in to your Google account; this is just to re-confirm that you have all rights to delete your YouTube account.
Step 4: Enter your Google password and tap Next.
Step 5: On the Delete a Google Service screen, tap the trash can next to YouTube.
Step 6: Under “Remove YouTube Content”, select “I want to permanently delete my content”. From the drop-down menu, tap the checkboxes and choose Delete My Content.
Note: Read and tick the boxes according to your preferences.
There you have it. The YouTube channel and all associated data will be removed from your Google account. If you’ve changed your mind and don’t want to delete your YouTube channel, but instead want to hide your content or take a break from the platform, see the next method.
Also Read: How to Upload Private & Unlisted Videos to YouTube
How to Hide Your YouTube Channel Temporarily
It’s not always that you want to delete your YouTube channel. Sometimes you want to take a break without permanently deleting your content from the channel. This option can also be useful when renaming your channel and so on. Follow the instructions below.
On the desktop
Step 1: Go to Google from your favorite browser and log in to your account connected to the YouTube channel you want to delete. Click on the profile icon in the top right corner of the page.
Step 2: Click on the profile icon on the top right corner of the page. Select “Manage your Google Account” from the drop-down menu.
You will be taken to your Google account details.
Step 3: Go to “Data & Privacy” on the left panel.
Step 4: Scroll to the “Download or delete your data” section and select “Delete a Google service”.
You will be asked to sign in to your Google account; this is just to re-confirm that you have all rights to delete your YouTube account.
Step 5: Under “Delete a Google service”, click the trash can next to YouTube.
Note: If you want to save a local backup of your Google Account data, click Download Data.
Step 7: Under “Delete your content from YouTube”, select “I want to hide my content”.
Step 8: From the drop-down menu, tap the two checkboxes and select “Hide my channel”.
Note: Read the details and check the boxes according to your preferences.
Here we go. You have successfully made your YouTube channel private without any problems. Read on if you want to do the same on a mobile device.
From cellphone
Step 1: Launch the Google app or Gmail on your Android or iOS device and tap on your profile on the top right.
Note: We use the Google app for better understanding.
Step 2: Select “Manage Google Account” on the bottom page.
Note: If you have multiple channels, switch to the channel you want to delete.
You will be redirected to your Google account from the in-page browser.
Step 3: Go to “Data & Privacy” and below that, scroll down to the “Download or delete your data” section and select “Delete a Google service”.
You will be asked to sign in to your Google account; this is just to re-confirm that you have all rights to delete your YouTube account.
Step 4: Enter your Google password and tap Next.
Step 5: On the Delete a Google Service screen, tap the trash can next to YouTube.
Step 6: Under “Remove YouTube Content”, select “I want to hide my channel”. From the drop-down menu, tap the two checkboxes and select “Hide my channel”.
Note: Read and tick the boxes according to your preferences.
With that, you have hidden your YouTube channel without deleting it. If you have any questions that we didn’t address in the article, check out the FAQ section below.
Frequently asked questions about deleting a YouTube channel 1. Can I still use YouTube if I delete my channel?
Yes, you can still use YouTube even if you delete your channel. Deleting your YouTube channel will only remove your content and related data, such as comments and subscribers. However, if you want to upload videos or interact with other users, you need to create a new YouTube channel.
2. How long does it take to delete a YouTube channel?
Deleting your YouTube channel is an irreversible and permanent action. However, you can restore your channel within 14 days of initiating the deletion process as YouTube offers a grace period.
Get rid of your YouTube channel
After you know how to delete YouTube channels, what are you waiting for? Go ahead, follow the required steps, delete your YouTube channel and have peace of mind that it is no longer publicly available. You may also want to read how to block YouTube channels.
