Upwork is a popular site among freelancers and companies that it comes in handy to meet their needs. But there come times when a section of freelancers or clients is taking a break or wishing to leave the site altogether.
In many cases, people assume they must delete Upwork account when they just need a temporary break. If you’re in that situation, knowing how to deactivate Upwork account without losing your important client data is essential.
This guide will help you go through the process the right way and safely.
Why People Choose to Deactivate Instead of Delete
Deactivating an Upwork account is often a better choice than deleting it completely. When you deactivate, your profile becomes hidden, but your messages, contracts and payment records stay safe.
On the other hand, if you delete upwork account, you can’t get your data back. Many users prefer deactivation when they plan to return later or just want a break.
If you’re wondering how to delete upwork account permanently, you should first understand what you might lose.
Step-by-Step: How to Deactivate Upwork Account the Right Way
Follow these easy steps to properly deactivate your Upwork account:
- Log in to your Upwork account.
- Go to Settings by clicking your profile image.
- Click Close My Account at the Contact Info towards the bottom of the page.
- Choose your reason and confirm.
That’s it now. At last you have mastered the correct method of how to deactivate upwork account. Ensure you don’t have active contracts or pending payments first before doing this.
Always double-check the facts prior to finalizing.
That ensures you don’t deactivate by mistake or leave money behind.
Back Up Your Client Data Before Deactivation
Before you leave the platform, save your important files. You can download:
- Contracts
- Invoices
- Messages
- Work submissions
Backing up helps you avoid losing contact or payment details. It’s a key step in how to deactivate Upwork account safely. Don’t skip it.
If you’re trying to figure out how to delete upwork account, backing up your files becomes even more critical to prevent permanent data loss.
Also, if you’re planning to permanently delete an Upwork account, data backup becomes even more crucial.
What Happens After You Deactivate Your Account?
Once you deactivate:
- Your profile won’t be visible to others
- You can’t send or receive proposals
- You keep access to your login and past messages
So, if you change your mind, you can log in and reactivate. If you want to delete account from Upwork, know that this step is final and can’t be reversed.
Understanding these points helps you better manage your decision.
How to Delete Upwork Account Permanently
Deleting is different from deactivating. If you want to delete account in Upwork, follow these steps:
- Make sure you don’t have any open contracts or pending payments.
- Go to “Settings” and choose “Contact Info.”
- Click on “Close My Account.”
- Choose a reason and confirm.
This action is final. You won’t be able to restore your account or data later. People often confuse how to deactivate Upwork account with deletion, but they are not the same.
Key Mistakes to Avoid When Closing an Account
Avoid these common mistakes:
- Forgetting to download invoices or chat history
- Leaving contracts open
- Not telling regular clients you’re leaving
These errors can cause problems later. For example, a client might try to contact you and assume you’re ignoring them. Whether you plan to delete Upwork account or deactivate it, be prepared.
A user once asked how to delete an Upwork account but ended up losing all their previous job records because they didn’t save anything.
Alternatives to Deactivation
If you’re not sure about leaving completely, Upwork offers options:
- Set your profile to private
- Pause your availability
- Turn off notifications
These let you take a break without fully committing to leave. If your concern is temporary, this may be a better choice. People often ask how to delete account from Upwork, but in many cases, they just need time off.
How to Reactivate Upwork Account (If You Change Your Mind)
If you change your mind later, Upwork lets you reactivate:
- Log in with your old credentials
- Contact Upwork support
- Ask for account restoration
You can get back access to your profile, work history, and saved data. Just remember, if you had fully delete account in Upwork, reactivation is not possible. If you’re still wondering how to delete account in Upwork, make sure you understand this process cannot be undone.
Final Thoughts
Deactivating your account is a simple process, but it requires careful planning. You now know how to deactivate Upwork account without risking your data. If you’re still unsure, review your options before taking action.
Whatever your decision might be, secure your vital information and inform your customers. Taking the proper steps, no matter if you just need a few minutes off or you are closing the door to Upwork forever, will make a dramatic difference to your freelance career.