How to Delete Your Tinder Account Permanently - 2024 Update

Tinder can pose a threat to your privacy, as it’s no secret that it collects a lot more information that you probably expect. Your data can be used to present you with targeted ads, or Tinder can choose to sell it to third parties. While your swipes, matches and messages are encrypted, hackers can still determine the activity of Tinder users, as they all have different amounts of data.

Consider permanently deleting Tinder, as a way of protecting your personal information and reducing your digital footprint. However, if you want to continue using it with enhanced security, you can look into investing into a quality VPN service. VPNs can spoof your location, encrypt your data end-to-end, and some even block third-party trackers.

ExpressVPN does all these things and more, so it’s my go-to recommendation. All you need to do is connect to a server. If you want to try ExpressVPN out risk-free, you can do so for 30 days since it offers a money-back guarantee. If you’re not completely satisfied with it, you can easily get a refund.

Editors' Note: Expressvpn and this site are in the same ownership group.Get Better Privacy On Tinder With ExpressVPN

Deactivating vs Deleting: What You Need to Know

Tinder has options to both temporarily deactivate or permanently delete your account. When you temporarily pause your account, the Discovery function is disabled, which means that your profile card will be hidden from anyone swiping through Tinder. However, while your account is paused, you will still be able to send messages to your existing matches.

If you remove your account, this will also erase all your matches, messages, and any additional data linked to your account. Should you decide to return at a future time, you'll have to set up a new account.

Canceling Tinder Gold or Tinder Plus Subscription

Deleting your account does not automatically cancel your Tinder Plus or Gold subscription. To cancel your subscription you need to go to the iOS App Store or the Google Play Store. If you use iOS, you will need to submit a request for a refund with Apple Support. Android users will need to email the Tinder help team at help@gotinder.com.

Step-By-Step Guide: How to Delete Your Tinder Account

You can delete your Tinder account through the mobile app or via your web browser, by following these simple instructions:

1. Log into your Tinder account on the app or your web browser.
2. Click on the profile icon and select ‘Settings’ (the gear icon).
   
3. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and select ‘Delete Account’.
   
4. You are given the option to pause your account or to delete. Select ‘Delete My Account’.
   
5. You will be asked if you are sure you want to delete your Tinder account and asked to provide a reason for doing so. Select a reason for leaving.
   
6. You will be reminded that this action cannot be undone. Select ‘Delete My Account’.
   
7. You have successfully permanently deleted your Tinder account and can delete the app.

Downloading Your Tinder Data

Tinder retains your data for three months, to potentially be used for advertising purposes or shared with third parties. Therefore, you may want to know what data Tinder has collected from you before deleting your account, as you won’t have the chance once it is gone. To download your data:

1. 1. Go to Tinder’s ‘Download My Data’ tool through a web browser.
   2. Log into your Tinder account.
   3. Provide the email address where you would like a link to your data to be sent.
   4. Tinder is not specific on how long it will take for your link to come through (2-4 days), so check your account regularly as it will expire within 24 hours. Click the link to download your data. You can open your data using a JSON editor or by opening the html file.

Tinder claim that all the data you receive through their ‘Download My Data’ tool is largely already available through the app. However, an article in the Guardian newspaper in 2017 revealed just how much sensitive data Tinder was collecting, which included such things as Facebook ‘likes’, links to Instagram photos, education, and the location of each online conversation with every match.

Other Ways to Keep Your Data Private on Tinder

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to keep your data safe online is by choosing and maintaining secure passwords. It's a bad idea to use the same password for multiple online accounts.

To keep your password secure, use two-factor authentication where possible, change your passwords regularly, and create long passwords as with each character added the harder it will be to crack. If you want to create strong and secure passwords for your online accounts, we have a tool that will help you generate them.

You can go one step further to protect your passwords by using a secure password manager, which will keep track of your passwords in an encrypted database. Your passwords will then be filled in automatically when you need them. Many web browsers have built-in password managers, but they may be more vulnerable to security risks than a third-party program.

The ultimate way to keep your data more private and safe by the means of a VPN, like ExpressVPN. VPNs change your IP address, spoof your location, and some of them can even block third-party trackers. ExpressVPN also has a password manager tool which can help secure your passwords. You can try it out without any risk, as it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Further Reading

If you do want to continue using dating websites and apps, you can further secure any sensitive data by using a VPN. Your data will be encrypted from hackers, even when using public wi-fi networks.

Check out the fastest VPNs so you never have to miss a match.