How to delete a YouTube channel: sign in to YouTube on a computer, open YouTube Studio, go to Settings > Channel > Advanced settings, scroll to the bottom and select Remove YouTube content, then choose I want to permanently delete my content, tick the confirmation boxes and select Delete my content. Deleting a channel permanently removes your videos, comments, messages, playlists and history, but it does not delete your Google Account. YouTube says you currently cannot delete a channel from a mobile device, so use a computer. If you only want a break, you can hide your channel instead and bring it back later. This guide covers every step, the difference between hiding and deleting, what to back up first, and how to fix common problems.
Last updated: October 2026. YouTube changes menu names from time to time. If a label looks different, check the official YouTube Help page on deleting or hiding a channel.
Quick Answer: How Do You Delete a YouTube Channel?
- Open YouTube on a computer and sign in to the account that owns the channel.
- Click your profile picture and open YouTube Studio.
- In the left menu, click Settings, then Channel, then Advanced settings.
- Scroll to the bottom and click Remove YouTube content. You may need to sign in again.
- Select I want to permanently delete my content.
- Tick the boxes to confirm and click Delete my content.
YouTube warns that it can take some time for the channel to be fully deleted. Your Google Account and Gmail are not affected by these steps.
Key Facts at a Glance
- What it removes: videos, comments, messages, playlists and history on that channel.
- Where to do it: YouTube Studio on a computer (Settings > Channel > Advanced settings).
- Mobile: YouTube says channel deletion is not currently available on mobile devices.
- Google Account: not deleted when you delete only the channel.
- Safer option: hide the channel and re-enable it later if you change your mind.
- Is it reversible? Permanent deletion should be treated as final. YouTube says recovery may be harder after you delete.
Hide vs Delete a YouTube Channel: What Is the Difference?
Many people search for how to delete a YouTube channel when they really only want privacy or a break. YouTube gives you both choices on the same page.
| Feature | Hide channel (temporary) | Delete channel (permanent) |
|---|---|---|
| Can the public see your videos? | No, content is made private | No, content is removed |
| Is your content kept? | Yes, you can re-enable it | No, it is permanently deleted |
| Can you undo it? | Yes, you can re-enable the channel | No, do not rely on recovery |
| Is your Google Account affected? | No | No |
| Best for | A break or a privacy pause | Closing the channel for good |
If you are unsure, hide first. You can always delete later.
What Gets Deleted When You Delete a YouTube Channel?
- Your videos: every upload on the channel is removed.
- Comments and messages: comments you posted and your messages are deleted.
- Playlists: playlists you created are removed.
- History: your channel history is deleted along with the content.
- Channel identity: the channel name and URL are no longer visible or searchable in YouTube Analytics.
Deleting the channel does not remove your Gmail, Google Drive or Google Photos. If you want to remove everything, see our guide to how to delete a Google Account. Be careful: if you delete the primary owner account linked to a channel, the channel is deleted too.
What to Do Before You Delete Your YouTube Channel
1. Download your videos and data
Once a channel is deleted, your content is gone. You can download your YouTube data with Google Takeout, or download individual videos from the Content tab in YouTube Studio. Store the files safely. Our guide to what is cloud storage explains good places to keep them.
2. Check you are on the right channel
A Google Account can have more than one channel, including channels on a Brand Account. Click your profile picture and use Switch account to select the correct channel before you start. If the channel belongs to a Brand Account, make sure you are signed in as an owner.
3. Review earnings and links
If you earn money from YouTube, check your AdSense payment status before you delete. Also update any website, social bio or email signature that links to the channel.
4. Save anything you may still need
Copy video descriptions, scripts, thumbnails and analytics reports you want to keep. If you accidentally lose files later, our guide to how to recover deleted files may help for local copies.
5. Consider hiding instead
If there is any chance you will return, hiding keeps your work safe. See the hide steps below.
How to Delete a YouTube Channel on a Computer (Step by Step)
- Go to youtube.com and sign in with the account that owns the channel.
- Click your profile picture in the top-right corner.
- Select YouTube Studio. If you manage several channels, switch to the one you want first.
- In the left sidebar, click Settings.
- Click Channel, then open the Advanced settings tab.
- Scroll to the very bottom and click Remove YouTube content. Verify your identity if asked.
- Select I want to permanently delete my content.
- Read the list of what will be deleted and tick every confirmation box.
- Click Delete my content.
The deletion may take some time to finish. During that time your channel may still appear briefly in search or cached pages.
How to Hide a YouTube Channel Instead
- Open YouTube Studio on a computer.
- Go to Settings > Channel > Advanced settings.
- Click Remove YouTube content at the bottom.
- Select I want to hide my channel (or hide my content, depending on the version you see).
- Tick the boxes to confirm what will be hidden and click Hide my channel.
Hiding makes your channel name, videos, likes, subscriptions and subscribers private. Read the boxes YouTube shows you, because they list exactly what is affected. To bring the channel back, you can re-enable it by uploading, commenting or using playlists, or by following the prompts in YouTube.
How to Delete a YouTube Channel on Phone (Android or iPhone)
YouTube states that you cannot currently delete a channel on mobile devices, and the YouTube app does not offer a delete button. Your options are:
- Use a computer: this is the safest and most reliable method.
- Use a desktop-site view in a mobile browser: some people open YouTube in a phone browser and request the desktop site. This is not officially supported, so the page may not load correctly. If it behaves oddly, switch to a computer.
If you only need to clean up your phone, you can sign out of YouTube or clear the app’s temporary files. Our guide to how to clear cache on Android explains how, and you can also delete your browsing history.
How to Delete a YouTube Channel Without Deleting Your Google Account
Use the steps above. YouTube states that these steps delete only your YouTube channel and not the Google Account you sign in with. You can keep using Gmail, Drive, Photos and other Google services. You can also create a new channel later by signing in to YouTube and following the prompts.
How to Delete a YouTube Account Completely
There is no separate YouTube account. YouTube uses your Google Account. To remove everything, including YouTube data, Gmail and Drive, you must delete the Google Account itself. Read our step-by-step guide to deleting a Google Account before you do this, because it is permanent.
Can You Recover a Deleted YouTube Channel?
Treat deletion as permanent. YouTube warns that if you permanently delete your channel, it may have a harder time recovering your account. Do not count on getting videos, comments or subscribers back. If you want a safe way to step away, choose hide instead, and keep a backup of your videos. If a channel was removed without your action, such as after a hack, contact YouTube through the Help Center right away and secure your account with a strong password. Our guide on how to create a strong password shows how.
What If You Cannot Delete Your YouTube Channel?
You cannot find Remove YouTube content
Make sure you are in YouTube Studio on a computer, then open Settings > Channel > Advanced settings and scroll to the very bottom. Menus can vary slightly by account.
You are on a phone
The mobile app does not support deleting a channel. Use a computer.
You are signed in to the wrong channel
Click your profile picture, choose Switch account, and pick the right channel.
You are not the owner of a Brand Account channel
Ask the owner to delete the channel, or ask to be given owner access.
The channel still shows after deleting
Deletion can take time, and old pages may remain in search results or caches for a while. Check again later.
You think your account was hacked
Do not delete anything yet. Change your password, turn on 2-Step Verification and review recent activity. Learn the warning signs in our guide to how to spot a phishing email.
For other app problems, see our tech troubleshooting guide.
Alternatives to Deleting Your YouTube Channel
- Set videos to Private or Unlisted in YouTube Studio so only you or people with the link can watch.
- Hide the channel so it can be restored later.
- Tighten your settings for likes, subscriptions, history and notifications using our guide to YouTube settings.
- Review your wider privacy with our account privacy settings guide.
- Leave other platforms too if you want a full reset, such as deleting your Instagram account or deleting a TikTok account.
For more step-by-step help, browse our technology tutorials. The FTC Consumer Advice website also has useful tips on protecting your accounts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Deleting a YouTube Channel
How do I delete my YouTube channel?
Sign in on a computer, open YouTube Studio, go to Settings > Channel > Advanced settings, click Remove YouTube content, choose I want to permanently delete my content, tick the boxes and click Delete my content.
How do I delete a YouTube channel permanently?
Use the same steps and choose the permanent delete option, not the hide option. Permanent deletion removes your videos, comments, messages, playlists and history.
Can I delete my YouTube channel on my phone?
YouTube says you cannot currently delete a channel on mobile devices. Use a computer.
Does deleting my YouTube channel delete my Google Account?
No. Deleting only the channel does not delete your Google Account, Gmail or Drive.
What is the difference between hiding and deleting a YouTube channel?
Hiding makes your channel private and can be reversed. Deleting permanently removes your content.
Can I get my YouTube channel back after deleting it?
Do not expect to. YouTube warns that recovery may be harder after permanent deletion, so download your data first.
How long does it take to delete a YouTube channel?
YouTube says it may take some time for the channel to be permanently deleted. Check back later.
What happens to my subscribers if I delete my channel?
The channel is removed, so your subscribers no longer follow it. If you hide the channel instead, you can restore it later.
How do I delete a YouTube account without deleting Gmail?
Delete only the YouTube channel. Your Gmail stays active because your Google Account is not deleted.
How do I delete one channel if I have multiple channels?
Switch to the channel you want to remove using Switch account, then follow the steps in YouTube Studio for that channel.
Can I delete a YouTube channel and make a new one?
Yes. After deleting, you can create a new channel from your Google Account, but the old content will not come back.
How do I download my videos before deleting?
Use Google Takeout to export your YouTube data, or download individual videos from the Content tab in YouTube Studio.
Will my comments on other channels disappear?
YouTube lists comments among the content removed when you delete a channel, so assume your comments will be deleted.
Why can’t I find the delete option in YouTube?
You may be on a phone, on the wrong channel or not scrolled to the bottom of Advanced settings. Use a computer and check again.
Final Thoughts
Knowing how to delete a YouTube channel helps you make the right choice, whether you want a clean break or just a pause. Back up your videos, switch to the correct channel, decide between hiding and deleting, and then follow the YouTube Studio steps on a computer. If you are not sure, hide the channel first. It keeps your work safe and can be reversed, while permanent deletion cannot.
Tip: Download your data with Google Takeout before you click Delete my content. It takes a few minutes and can save years of work.