Pixiv is a popular online community for artists and illustrators to share their work, connect with fans, and explore a wide range of artistic creations. While it’s a fantastic platform for creatives, there may come a time when you want to part ways with your Pixiv account. Whether it’s due to inactivity, privacy concerns, or simply wanting a fresh start, deleting your Pixiv account permanently is a straightforward process—provided you know the right steps.
TL;DR: Permanently deleting your Pixiv account involves logging in, navigating to the “Leave Pixiv” section, and confirming your decision. Make sure to back up any important data, because once your account is deleted, there’s no recovery option. Also, keep in mind that all your artwork, bookmarks, and followers will be erased forever.
Why People Choose to Delete Their Pixiv Account
There are many reasons someone might want to delete their Pixiv account:
- Privacy concerns: Users may become uncomfortable sharing their artwork publicly or are worried about personal information exposure.
- Inactive usage: Some people sign up and then rarely use it, deciding later it’s best to close the account.
- Rebranding: Artists may wish to start over with a new identity or focus.
- Time management: Social media and networking sites, including art platforms, can become a time sink.
Important Things to Consider Before Deleting
Before you go ahead and delete your Pixiv account, it’s a good idea to reflect on a few key points:
- Permanent Erasure: Once you hit delete, there’s no going back. Your uploads, bookmarks, favorites, and messages will all be gone forever.
- No Recovery Options: Pixiv does not offer a grace period or temporary deactivation—it’s a one-way street.
- Linked Services: If you’ve logged into Pixiv using external services such as Twitter or Google, unlinking should be considered beforehand.
If you’re sure about deleting your account, here are the steps to follow.
Step-by-Step Guide to Deleting Your Pixiv Account Permanently
Step 1: Log In to Your Pixiv Account
Visit Pixiv.net and log in using your credentials. Make sure you’re logged into the correct account that you want to delete.
Step 2: Navigate to Account Settings
Once logged in:
- Click on your profile picture in the top-right corner to open the drop-down menu.
- Select Settings (usually labeled as アカウント設定 in Japanese if language settings are default).
Step 3: Locate the “Leave Pixiv” Option
Scroll down to the bottom of the account settings page. You should find an option labeled “Leave Pixiv” or “退会”. This is the portal to permanently delete your account.
Step 4: Confirm Your Reason (Optional)
Pixiv might ask why you’re leaving. This feedback is optional, but you can choose a reason or write your own explanation if you wish. It’s used for internal improvements and does not affect the deletion process.
Step 5: Final Confirmation
After selecting your reason (or skipping it), you’ll be brought to a final confirmation page. It will include a summary of what will be lost:
- All illustrations and manga uploads
- User bookmarks and follows
- Message history and chat threads
- Follower data and fan feedback
Click the red or clearly marked delete button. You may need to enter your password one last time to verify your identity.
Step 6: Verify Deletion
After pressing delete, you’ll be logged out and redirected to the homepage or a confirmation message indicating that your account has been permanently deleted. At this point, your Pixiv journey has officially ended.
Backing Up Your Data
Before deleting your account, it’s wise to back up your work and data:
- Download all artwork uploads directly from your profile page.
- Save important messages or contact information manually.
- Take screenshots of your profile stats or fan comments, if you value them.
Unfortunately, Pixiv doesn’t offer a native data export tool like some social media platforms, so manual backups are your best bet.
Consider Alternatives to Deletion
If you’re unsure about a full delete, here are a few alternatives:
- Make your profile private: You can limit access to your content through privacy settings.
- Delete your uploads only: Remove your works without deleting the entire account.
- Log out and take a break: Sometimes, a break from social platforms can help you decide later with a fresh mindset.
What Happens After You Delete?
Once your account is deleted:
- Your username becomes available again, but it may take time before it’s fully cleared from Pixiv’s servers.
- All your interactions (likes, comments, messages) are scrubbed from other users’ sides.
- Your name may still appear in conversations or mentions, depending on the context, but without clickable links.
Tips for Managing Multiple Art Accounts
If you’re an artist who used Pixiv alongside other platforms like DeviantArt, ArtStation, or Twitter, it might be wise to establish a unified online presence before deleting. Migration can be complex, so announcing your new platform to your followers is courteous and helps maintain your following.
Consider creating a Linktree or dedicated personal site so your fans can continue to support your work elsewhere. Transparency goes a long way in maintaining that connection.
Common Questions Answered
Can I reactivate my Pixiv account later?
No. Once your account is deleted, there is no option to recover it. You would have to create a new account from scratch.
Will my content still be visible in search engines?
In most cases, deleted accounts and content will eventually stop appearing in search results, but this can take weeks or months, depending on how search engines update their cache.
Does deletion include my Pixiv FANBOX or other services?
Yes. If your Pixiv account is linked to other Pixiv-affiliated services like FANBOX or BOOTH, deleting your account will also impact these. Make sure to settle any outstanding issues or inform your supporters before proceeding.
Conclusion
Deleting your Pixiv account permanently is a significant decision, especially if you’ve invested time in building a community and sharing your work. However, if you’ve weighed your options and feel confident it’s the right move, following the above steps will ensure a clean and final deletion process. Just remember to back up everything you value and say your digital goodbyes before hitting that final button.
Whether you’re starting an artistic chapter elsewhere or simply stepping back from online platforms, doing so consciously and securely is what matters most.