How to Delete Taobao Account: Step-by-Step Guide for 2025

Want to permanently delete your Taobao account but don’t know where to start? This comprehensive guide will walk you through the entire process of closing a Taobao account—step by step.

Whether you’re switching platforms, concerned about privacy, or simply decluttering your digital presence, you’ll learn how to safely deactivate or delete your account.

We’ve 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 Alibaba’s 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, it’s 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 (设置) option.

Step 3: Access Account and Security

In the settings menu, tap on the “Account and Security” (账户与安全) tab.

Step 4: Select Account Cancellation

Scroll to find the option “注销账户” (Cancel Account).

If You Don’t See It:

Use the Alipay app (if accounts are linked), or use Taobao’s 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 “Submit Request” 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 “Forgot Password” feature. Make sure your phone number or email is accessible.

Language Barrier

Taobao primarily operates in Chinese. Use browser translation or an agent if you’re confused.

Account Linked to Alipay

You’ll 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 you’re 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)

“It took me 10 days, mostly waiting on Taobao to verify. Using desktop helped. The hardest part was navigating the Chinese menus.”

Sara (Malaysia)

“I used Superbuy customer service chat. They helped guide me through the Alipay unlinking first.”

Akira (Japan)

“I contacted support using Alitalk in Chinese with Google Translate. Processed in 12 days.”

FAQ: Deleting a Taobao Account

Do I Need to Delete Alipay First?

Yes, if the accounts are linked. It’s 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 7–15 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 isn’t a complicated process, but it does require patience and careful attention to conditions. Whether you’re cleaning up your digital presence or addressing privacy concerns, this guide equips you with everything you need to follow through—from understanding the consequences to executing the steps securely.