Losing access to your Nintendo Switch can feel stressful, but deleting your account is straightforward when you know the exact steps. This guide walks you through everything you need to do on the console and in your Nintendo account settings.
Before you start, remember that deleting your Switch account will remove saved data tied to that profile and sign you out of online services. The steps below help you confirm what to erase and how to keep other data safe.
| Action | On the Console | Nintendo Account Website | What It Affects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Select profile | Highlight user on the Profile screen | Open Users & Profiles | Which local profile you manage |
| Back up saves | Use Nintendo Switch Online cloud backup | Check Manage Subscriptions & Devices | Progress for games and system data |
| Delete account | Format user via Profile & System Settings | Delete User on website | Local profile, linked email, Nintendo ID |
| Sign out devices | Manual sign-out under System | Revoke active sessions | Security for email and payment info |
Back Up Your Save Data First
Your progress is stored either locally or in the cloud, so start by checking your backup settings. If you have a Nintendo Switch Online subscription, your saves are uploaded automatically for many games.
Verify Cloud Backup Status
Go to System Settings, then Data Management, and finally Save Data Cloud. Confirm that automatic saves are enabled for the profile you plan to delete so you do not lose important progress.
Download Saves to a PC (Optional)
If you want a local copy, use the Nintendo Switch Android app or a compatible PC tool to export your cloud saves. This extra step adds a safety net before you remove the account.
Format the User Profile on the Console
Deleting a profile on the device removes the local user without immediately canceling your Nintendo account. You can keep the account for other profiles, email, or later use if you choose.
Navigate to the Right Menu
From the home screen, go to your profile icon, open System Settings, then find Users and Profiles. Select the user that matches the data you want to erase.
Erase All Data for the Profile
Choose Format User, read the warnings carefully, and confirm the action. This removes game saves, system settings, and payment information tied only to that local user.
Sign Out and Manage Your Nintendo Account Online
To fully remove your digital identity, sign out of the console and use the website to delete or deactivate the account. This step affects billing, news, and linked devices.
Sign Out of the Switch Completely
Go to System, scroll to Sign Out, and confirm. Then on the Nintendo account website, open Devices and Sessions to sign out of every browser and app linked to your ID.
Permanently Delete Your Nintendo Account
Visit the account deletion page, enter your email and password, and follow the confirmation steps. Once processed, your Nintendo ID, profile data, and subscriptions are removed and cannot be restored.
Understand the Impact Before You Proceed
Deleting your Nintendo account is a serious action that affects your entire library, friends list, and purchase history. Take time to consider alternatives like removing payment methods instead.
What Stays and What Goes
Local profiles can be erased without touching the main account, but deleting the account removes all associated purchases, digital games, and online IDs. You also lose access to any unfinished online orders or support tickets.
Final Recommendations
- Back up saves to the cloud or a PC before deleting any profile.
- Remove payment methods and subscriptions if you plan to keep the account but change users.
- Sign out of all devices before initiating full account deletion.
- Double-check that you want to erase everything, since account deletion is permanent.
- Re-register with a new email if you plan to keep using the same Nintendo Switch afterward.
FAQ
Reader questions
Will deleting my Switch profile remove my games and DLC?
No, deleting a profile only removes saved data and settings on that user. Your purchased games and DLC remain tied to your Nintendo account and can be redownloaded on the same console or a new one after re-adding your profile.
Can I recover my account after deletion?
No, once the account deletion process is completed, it is permanent and irreversible. There is no way to restore the account, email, friends, or purchase history, so double-check before confirming.
Do I need Nintendo Switch Online to back up saves before deleting?
Not strictly, but a subscription makes it much easier. Without it, you must manually copy saves using the USB storage or the mobile app, or you risk permanent loss of offline progress.
Will deleting my Nintendo account ban my Switch from online services?
Yes, because the account is the key for authentication. After deletion, that Switch can be used offline and for local multiplayer, but it cannot sign into Nintendo eShop, online multiplayer, or cloud saves with a different Nintendo ID on the same hardware.