How to Remove Your Data from ChatGPT (OpenAI) in 2026

At a glance
Platform ChatGPT
Company OpenAI
Grace period Deleted chats/screenshots removed from systems within 90 days; account deletion is permanent
Official page help.openai.com
Last verified June 2026 Reviewed quarterly

What you need to know first

Three distinct actions: (1) opt out of training (keeps history), (2) delete conversations/account, (3) request removal of personal data appearing in model outputs. These are separate.

Step-by-step: delete your data from ChatGPT

  1. Step 1: Sign in at chatgpt.com
  2. Step 2: Click your profile icon > Settings
  3. Step 3: Open Data Controls
  4. Step 4: Toggle off 'Improve the model for everyone'
  5. Step 5: To delete account: Settings > Data Controls > Delete account (or via the privacy portal)

On mobile

  1. Open the ChatGPT app > tap profile/menu
  2. Tap Settings > Data Controls
  3. Toggle off 'Improve the model for everyone' (syncs across devices)

Opt out of AI training

Settings > Data Controls > turn off 'Improve the model for everyone'; OR privacy.openai.com > 'do not train on my content'. Temporary Chat is never used for training. Business/Enterprise/Edu and API are not trained on by default.

Separate data request

Privacy portal at privacy.openai.com > Make a Privacy Request > 'Remove my personal data from ChatGPT responses' (right-to-be-forgotten) or 'Do not train on my content'; DSAR email dsar@openai.com

Key gotchas

What this doesn't cover

Personal data ChatGPT surfaces may originate from web data OpenAI ingested; removing it from outputs doesn't necessarily remove it from training data already ingested, and brokers are a separate source entirely.

AI removal requests address what the model knows or outputs; they don't touch the data-broker listings that feed your name, address, and phone into the wider web.

See what personal data is exposed about you beyond ChatGPT.

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Frequently asked questions

Does ChatGPT delete my data immediately?
Deleted chats/screenshots removed from systems within 90 days; account deletion is permanent
Can I opt out of ChatGPT using my data for training?
Settings > Data Controls > turn off 'Improve the model for everyone'; OR privacy.openai.com > 'do not train on my content'. Temporary Chat is never used for training. Business/Enterprise/Edu and API are not trained on by default.
Does deleting my ChatGPT account remove my data from the internet?
Personal data ChatGPT surfaces may originate from web data OpenAI ingested; removing it from outputs doesn't necessarily remove it from training data already ingested, and brokers are a separate source entirely.
What are common mistakes when deleting ChatGPT data?
Opt-out is not retroactive — turn it off ASAP. Thumbs-up/down feedback may still send that conversation for training even if opted out.

Sources

Steps and URLs reflect the platform documentation as of the date above. Platforms may change their settings layout at any time. This guide is informational and not affiliated with OpenAI.

Protect your personal information everywhere

AI removal requests address what the model knows or outputs; they don't touch the data-broker listings that feed your name, address, and phone into the wider web.

Run a free scan