To delete an AOL email account permanently, you must use a web browser and navigate to the official account termination page. This process will ensure your account and all associated data are removed from AOL's servers after a mandatory waiting period.
Before you delete an AOL email account: a checklist
Taking a few preparatory steps before you delete your account prevents data loss and service disruptions. This is your chance to ensure you don't lose anything important or miss critical communications.
- Cancel any active AOL subscriptions and pay outstanding balances. You cannot delete an AOL account that has a paid plan or an unpaid balance. You must first downgrade to a free account.
- Back up important emails, contacts, and other data. Once your account is permanently deleted, all data is lost and cannot be recovered. Export or download anything you want to keep.
- Update your email address on all linked online services. Replace your AOL address with a new one on banking, shopping, social media, and any other accounts you use. This is essential so you don't lose access to those services.
- Notify your contacts about your new email address. Send a final email from your AOL account to let people know how to reach you after the account is closed.
Step 1: Sign in and go to the account termination page
You cannot delete an AOL email account permanently from a mobile app; the process must be completed through a web browser. Open your preferred browser and sign in to your AOL account using your email address and password. Once signed in, navigate directly to the official AOL account termination page. This page is where you will initiate the deletion request.
Be cautious of scam emails claiming AOL will close your account; always navigate directly to the official AOL website to manage your account. Never click links in unsolicited messages about account closure.
Step 2: Verify your identity and confirm deletion
On the account termination page, you will be prompted to verify your identity by entering your password. After you do so, carefully review the terms and conditions for account termination. This is your final chance to understand that the action is irreversible. Once you have reviewed the terms, click the button to confirm your decision, such as "Continue, delete my account" or "Yes, Terminate This Account." Confirm the deletion when prompted to finalize your request.
What happens after you request deletion
After you request to close your AOL account, it is not permanently deleted instantaneously. Your account enters a deactivation or "hold" period. During this waiting period, your account will continue to receive emails, and you can reactivate it by simply signing in. The standard deactivation period before permanent deletion is 30 days. For accounts registered in Australia, India, and New Zealand, the hold period is 90 days. For accounts registered in Brazil, Hong Kong, and Taiwan, the hold period is 180 days. If you do not sign in to the account during this hold period, it will be permanently deleted. Once permanently deleted, your AOL account data will be permanently removed from the AOL server, and you will no longer be able to use that AOL email address.
How to cancel a paid AOL subscription first
If you have a paid AOL account, you must first convert it to a free account and then cancel it before proceeding with deletion. To do this, log in to AOL's Billing page. You may need to answer the account security question. Click "Manage My Account." Under "Service Options," click "Change My AOL Plan." Select the Internet connection type associated with the plan. On the following page, scroll to the bottom and click "Cancel My Billing." On the confirmation page, select the reason for canceling, then click "Cancel My Billing."
To then cancel the free account (as part of the paid account cancellation process), log in to AOL's My Account/billing page. You may need to answer the security question. Click "Manage My Subscriptions" located below the "Service Options" section. Click the orange "cancel" under the "AOL Products" section. Select why you're canceling from a drop-down list, then click the orange "CANCEL AOL" button. Once your account is fully on a free plan, you can proceed with the standard deletion steps above.
