Want to permanently delete your Taobao account but donât know where to start? This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process of closing a Taobao accountâstep by step.
Whether youâre switching platforms, concerned about privacy, or simply decluttering your digital presence, youâll learn how to safely deactivate or delete your account.
Weâve included images, translations, agent alternatives, and solutions to common issues faced by international users.
What is a Taobao Account?
A Taobao account is your gateway to accessing the Taobao e-commerce platform, allowing you to browse, purchase, track orders, and communicate with sellers. Created via a phone number or email, it is linked to your personal data, including addresses and payment details.
Key Components of a Taobao Account
- Username or phone number/email
- Linked Alipay account (optional)
- Order history and saved items
- Communication with vendors
- Shipping and billing addresses
Why You Might Want to Delete Your Taobao Account
1. Privacy and Data Protection
Concerned about data retention? Deleting your Taobao account can remove your personal details from Alibabaâs servers.
2. Inactivity or Switching Platforms
If you no longer shop on Taobao or prefer platforms like JD.com or AliExpress, keeping the account is unnecessary.
3. Security Concerns
If your account was compromised or misused, itâs safer to close it entirely.
4. Account Management
Avoid duplicate accounts, consolidate accounts, or remove access for third parties.
Important Things to Know Before Deleting Your Taobao Account
You Must Fulfill These Conditions:
- No pending orders or refunds
- No outstanding payment or disputes
- You must remember login credentials
- Alipay account should also be deactivated if linked
Irreversibility
Once your account is deleted, it cannot be recovered. All data will be erased.
Timeline for Deletion
The process may take up to 15 days. Your account goes into a deactivation status first before permanent deletion.
How to Delete Your Taobao Account (2025 Step-by-Step Guide)
Step 1: Log in to Your Taobao Account
Use the app or go to world.taobao.com. Enter your username/email/phone number and password.
Step 2: Go to Settings
Once logged in, click on your profile icon. Navigate to the settings (莞罎) option.
Step 3: Access Account and Security
In the settings menu, tap on the âAccount and Securityâ (č´Śćˇä¸ĺŽĺ ¨) tab.
Step 4: Select Account Cancellation
Scroll to find the option â注éč´Śćˇâ (Cancel Account).
If You Donât See It:
Use the Alipay app (if accounts are linked), or use Taobaoâs desktop version for more detailed options.
Step 5: Agree to Terms
You will be shown a list of warnings and conditions. Read and acknowledge all requirements before proceeding.
Step 6: Submit Your Request
Click the âSubmit Requestâ button and confirm via SMS or email verification.
Step 7: Wait for Verification
If all criteria are met, Taobao will review and process your request. This can take up to 15 days.
Step 8: Final Confirmation
After the review period, you will receive a message confirming your account has been deleted.
Common Issues When Trying to Delete a Taobao Account
Forgot Password or Cannot Log In
Use the âForgot Passwordâ feature. Make sure your phone number or email is accessible.
Language Barrier
Taobao primarily operates in Chinese. Use browser translation or an agent if youâre confused.
Account Linked to Alipay
Youâll need to delete your Alipay account first or unlink it from your Taobao account.
Open Orders or Refunds Pending
All transactions must be completed before you can cancel your account.
How to Delete Taobao Account via Mobile App
Android & iOS Steps:
- Open the Taobao app
- Go to Profile > Settings > Account and Security
- Tap Cancel Account
- Follow on-screen instructions for confirmation
Note:
Mobile options are often limited depending on your country and app version. Use desktop for best results.
Deleting Alipay Account Linked to Taobao
Steps:
- Log in to Alipay app or website
- Go to Settings > Account Settings > Cancel Account
- Confirm and verify through SMS/email
Alipay deletion may also take a few days. Once complete, retry Taobao account deletion.
International Users: Extra Challenges & Solutions
Verification Codes Not Arriving
- Make sure your phone can receive international SMS
- Use the email method instead
Language Issues
- Use Google Translate in Chrome
- Hire a local agent if youâre stuck
Customer Service Chat Not Working
- Try during China business hours (GMT+8)
- Use third-party apps like Alitalk or Taobao Live Support
What Happens After You Delete Your Taobao Account?
Data Removal
Your personal information, order history, chat records, and payment records are deleted.
Cannot Reuse the Same Phone Number/Email
Once deleted, you may not be able to register a new Taobao account with the same credentials for a few months.
No Access to Linked Services
Other Alibaba-linked services like Alimama, Fliggy, or Tmall using the same ID may also become inaccessible.
Taobao Alternatives After Deleting Your Account
1. JD.com
Reliable delivery, similar product range.
2. AliExpress
More international-user-friendly.
3. Pinduoduo
Group buying, discount-focused platform.
4. Amazon China (Limited Scope)
Available in select regions.
Can You Reactivate a Deleted Taobao Account?
No. Once deleted and confirmed, the Taobao account cannot be reactivated.
Real User Experiences: Taobao Account Deletion
Kevin (USA)
âIt took me 10 days, mostly waiting on Taobao to verify. Using desktop helped. The hardest part was navigating the Chinese menus.â
Sara (Malaysia)
âI used Superbuy customer service chat. They helped guide me through the Alipay unlinking first.â
Akira (Japan)
âI contacted support using Alitalk in Chinese with Google Translate. Processed in 12 days.â
FAQ: Deleting a Taobao Account
Do I Need to Delete Alipay First?
Yes, if the accounts are linked. Itâs best to unlink and cancel both.
Can I Delete My Account If I Still Have Items in Cart?
Yes, but all orders must be finalized and shipped or canceled.
How Long Does It Take?
Anywhere from 7â15 days depending on verification.
Is There a Customer Service Email?
Not directly. Use the in-app help center or online chat.
Final Thoughts: Take Control of Your Taobao Account
Deleting your Taobao account isnât a complicated process, but it does require patience and careful attention to conditions. Whether youâre cleaning up your digital presence or addressing privacy concerns, this guide equips you with everything you need to follow throughâfrom understanding the consequences to executing the steps securely.
Additional Resources
How to Get Free Shipping Taobao: The Ultimate Guide for 2025
How to Buy from Taobao: A Complete 2025 Guide for International Shoppers
