How to Delete an OurTime Profile: Your Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to move on from OurTime? Whether you’ve found love, want to take a break from online dating, or simply prefer a different platform, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about deleting your profile safely and completely.
Life changes, and so do our dating needs. Maybe you’ve found that special someone, decided to focus on other priorities, or discovered that OurTime isn’t quite the right fit for your dating journey. Whatever your reason for wanting to delete your OurTime profile, you’re not alone, and you’re certainly not stuck with an account you no longer want.
The good news is that deleting your OurTime profile is completely manageable once you know the right steps. However, like many dating platforms, OurTime doesn’t make it immediately obvious how to permanently remove your account. That’s where this comprehensive guide comes in handy.
Many users feel overwhelmed when trying to delete dating profiles because companies often bury these options deep in their settings. The key is being methodical and understanding the difference between deactivating and permanently deleting your account.
In this detailed walkthrough, we’ll cover everything from the initial decision-making process to the final confirmation of your account deletion. We’ll also explore alternatives you might want to consider, important data privacy considerations, and what happens to your information after you delete your profile.
Understanding Your Options: Delete vs. Deactivate
Before we dive into the deletion process, it’s crucial to understand that OurTime, like most dating platforms, offers two primary options for managing your account when you want to step away: deactivation and deletion. Each serves different purposes and has distinct consequences.
Account Deactivation
Deactivating your OurTime account is like putting it on pause. Your profile becomes invisible to other users, you won’t receive matches or messages, and you won’t appear in search results. However, all your information, photos, conversation history, and account details remain stored on OurTime’s servers.
This option works well if you’re taking a temporary break from dating, dealing with a busy period in your life, or simply want to step back without losing everything you’ve built on the platform. You can reactivate your account at any time by simply logging back in, and everything will be exactly as you left it.
Deactivation is perfect for users who might want to return to online dating in the future. It’s like putting your profile in storage rather than throwing it away completely. This flexibility can be valuable, especially for people who aren’t entirely sure about their decision to leave the platform.
Permanent Account Deletion
Deleting your OurTime account, on the other hand, is permanent and irreversible. This action removes your profile, photos, messages, match history, and all associated data from the platform. Once deleted, you cannot recover any of this information, and if you decide to return to OurTime later, you’ll need to start completely from scratch.
Choose permanent deletion if you’re certain you won’t return to OurTime, have privacy concerns about your data remaining on the platform, or want to make a clean break from online dating entirely.
Before You Delete: Important Considerations
Deleting your dating profile is a significant decision that deserves thoughtful consideration. Before proceeding with the deletion process, take a moment to reflect on several important factors that might influence your choice.
Timing and Emotional State
Are you considering deletion because of a recent disappointing experience, a string of bad dates, or frustration with the platform? Sometimes our impulse to delete comes from temporary feelings rather than a genuine desire to leave online dating behind.
Consider waiting 24-48 hours before making the final decision, especially if you’re feeling frustrated or upset. This cooling-off period can help ensure you’re making a choice based on clear thinking rather than emotional reactions.
I often recommend the ’48-hour rule’ to my clients. If you’re still certain about deleting your profile after two days of reflection, then you’re probably making the right decision for your current situation. But if you’re wavering, deactivation might be the better temporary solution.
Financial Considerations
If you have an active paid subscription with OurTime, deleting your account doesn’t automatically cancel your subscription or provide a refund for unused time. You’ll need to cancel your subscription separately through your account settings or by contacting customer service.
Review your subscription status and consider the timing of your deletion. If you’ve recently renewed your subscription, you might want to use the remaining time or wait until closer to your renewal date.
Data Backup
Once you delete your OurTime account, you’ll lose access to all your conversations, photos, and connection history. If there are meaningful conversations you want to preserve or photos you don’t have saved elsewhere, make sure to back them up before proceeding with deletion.
Consider screenshotting important conversations, downloading your photos, or saving any contact information for connections you’d like to maintain outside the platform.
Step-by-Step Deletion Process
Now that you’ve considered your options and decided that permanent deletion is the right choice, let’s walk through the process step by step. The exact steps may vary slightly depending on whether you’re using the OurTime website or mobile app, but the general process remains consistent.
Method 1: Deleting Through the Website
Step 1: Log Into Your Account
Open your web browser and navigate to the OurTime website. Enter your login credentials (email and password) to access your account. Make sure you’re logged into the correct account if you have multiple profiles.
Step 2: Access Account Settings
Once logged in, look for your profile picture or username in the top right corner of the page. Click on it to open a dropdown menu, then select “Account Settings” or “My Account” from the options.
Step 3: Navigate to Subscription and Account Management
In your account settings, look for sections related to “Subscription,” “Billing,” or “Account Management.” The exact wording may vary, but you’re looking for options that control your account status.
Step 4: Find the Cancellation or Deletion Option
Look for links or buttons labeled “Cancel Subscription,” “Delete Account,” “Remove Profile,” or similar language. This option is often placed at the bottom of the page or in a less prominent location.
Step 5: Follow the Cancellation Process
OurTime will likely present you with several options, including pausing your account or downgrading to a free membership. Look specifically for the permanent deletion option, which may be labeled as “Delete Account Permanently” or similar language.
Step 6: Confirm Your Decision
You’ll typically be asked to confirm your decision multiple times and may be presented with offers to keep your account active. Stay focused on your goal and continue through the confirmation process until you receive final confirmation of deletion.
Method 2: Deleting Through the Mobile App
If you primarily use the OurTime mobile app, the deletion process is similar but adapted for mobile navigation.
Step 1: Open the OurTime App
Launch the OurTime app on your smartphone and log in with your credentials if you’re not already signed in.
Step 2: Access Your Profile Menu
Look for your profile icon, usually located in the bottom navigation bar or top corner of the screen. Tap on it to access your profile options.
Step 3: Find Settings or Account Options
Look for a settings gear icon, three-dot menu, or “Settings” option within your profile area. Tap on it to access your account management options.
Step 4: Navigate to Account Status
Scroll through the settings menu to find options related to your account status, subscription, or profile management.
Step 5: Select Deletion Option
Look for “Delete Account,” “Remove Profile,” or similar options. Tap on it to begin the deletion process.
Step 6: Complete the Deletion Process
Follow the prompts to confirm your decision, potentially including providing a reason for leaving and confirming that you understand the permanence of the action.
The key to successfully deleting any dating profile is persistence and patience. Companies design these processes to retain users, so you might encounter multiple pages asking you to reconsider. Stay committed to your decision and read each page carefully to ensure you’re selecting the permanent deletion option.
What Happens After Deletion
Understanding what occurs after you delete your OurTime profile can help set proper expectations and ensure you’ve successfully completed the process.
Immediate Effects
Once you confirm the deletion of your OurTime account, several immediate changes take place. Your profile becomes invisible to other users, meaning it won’t appear in search results, match suggestions, or browsing lists. Any ongoing conversations you had with other users will also disappear from their message history.
You’ll lose access to your account immediately, and any attempts to log in will result in an error message or notification that your account no longer exists. This immediate effect serves as confirmation that the deletion process was successful.
Data Processing Period
While your profile becomes invisible immediately, OurTime may retain some of your data for a processing period, typically 30-90 days. This retention period allows them to comply with legal requirements, process any outstanding financial transactions, and handle potential disputes.
During this period, your data is not accessible to other users or used for matching purposes, but it exists in their systems for administrative purposes. After this period expires, your data should be permanently removed from their servers.
Communication Cutoff
After deleting your account, you’ll stop receiving all communications from OurTime, including match notifications, promotional emails, and marketing messages. If you want to continue receiving certain communications, you’ll need to manage your email preferences separately before deleting your account.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Sometimes the deletion process doesn’t go as smoothly as expected. Here are some common issues users encounter and how to resolve them.
Can’t Find the Delete Option
If you’re having trouble locating the account deletion option, try these approaches:
- Use the search function within your account settings to look for terms like “delete,” “cancel,” or “remove”
- Check the help or FAQ section of the website for specific deletion instructions
- Try accessing your account through both the website and mobile app, as the options may be in different locations
- Look for “Contact Us” or customer service options if you still can’t find the deletion settings
Subscription Cancellation Issues
If you’re having trouble canceling your paid subscription as part of the deletion process:
- Check if your subscription was purchased through a third party (like Apple App Store or Google Play) and may need to be canceled through that platform
- Review your payment method and recent charges to understand your current subscription status
- Contact customer service directly if automatic cancellation isn’t working
- Document your cancellation attempts in case you need to dispute future charges
Many users forget that their subscription might be managed through their phone’s app store rather than directly through the dating platform. Always check your Apple ID or Google Play subscriptions if you’re having trouble canceling through the website.
Deletion Confirmation Problems
If you’re not receiving confirmation that your account has been deleted:
- Check your email (including spam folder) for deletion confirmation messages
- Try logging in after 24 hours to see if your account still exists
- Contact customer service for confirmation of your account status
- Keep screenshots of your deletion request for your records
Protecting Your Privacy During and After Deletion
Deleting your OurTime profile is an important step in protecting your privacy, but there are additional measures you can take to ensure your personal information remains secure.
Before Deletion
Before initiating the deletion process, take these privacy-protective steps:
- Remove or replace all personal photos with generic images
- Edit your profile to remove specific identifying information like your workplace, hometown, or unique details
- Clear your browsing history and cache if you accessed OurTime through a shared computer
- Change your profile name to something generic if possible
After Deletion
Even after deleting your account, consider these additional privacy measures:
- Monitor your email for any continued communications from OurTime
- Check your bank or credit card statements to ensure no unexpected charges
- Be cautious about any suspicious emails claiming to be from OurTime after deletion
- Consider changing passwords for any accounts that used the same credentials as your OurTime account
Privacy protection doesn’t end with account deletion. Users should think of deletion as the first step in a broader privacy strategy, especially if they’re leaving online dating due to security concerns.
Alternatives to Consider
Before committing to permanent deletion, consider whether one of these alternatives might better serve your needs.
Account Deactivation
As mentioned earlier, deactivation provides a middle ground between staying active and permanent deletion. This option works well if you’re unsure about your decision or might want to return to online dating in the future.
Profile Adjustment
Sometimes the issue isn’t with the platform itself but with how you’re using it. Consider these adjustments instead of deletion:
- Updating your profile to better reflect your current interests and goals
- Adjusting your search criteria or preferences
- Taking a more selective approach to swiping or messaging
- Setting specific times for using the app rather than constant availability
Platform Migration
If OurTime isn’t meeting your needs, you might consider trying a different dating platform that better aligns with your preferences and goals. Research other options before deleting your current profile to ensure you’re making an informed decision about your online dating strategy.
Moving Forward After Deletion
Deleting your OurTime profile marks the end of one chapter in your dating journey, but it doesn’t have to be the end of your story. Here’s how to move forward positively, regardless of why you chose to delete your account.
If You Found Love
Congratulations! Deleting your dating profile because you’ve found a meaningful relationship is one of the best possible outcomes. Use this transition as an opportunity to fully invest in your new relationship and explore offline activities together.
If You’re Taking a Dating Break
Sometimes stepping away from online dating is exactly what we need to refocus on personal growth, career goals, or other life priorities. Use this time to engage in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment outside of romantic pursuits.
Taking breaks from online dating can actually improve your future dating success. It allows you to develop a stronger sense of self, pursue personal interests, and return to dating with renewed energy and clarity about what you want in a partner.
If You’re Switching Platforms
If you’re leaving OurTime for a different dating platform, take the lessons you’ve learned with you. Consider what worked well and what didn’t, and use this insight to create a more effective profile and strategy on your new platform.
Final Thoughts
Deleting your OurTime profile is a personal decision that deserves careful consideration and proper execution. Whether you’re moving on to a new relationship, taking a break from dating, or simply choosing a different platform, the most important thing is that you’re making a choice that aligns with your current needs and goals.
Remember that online dating is just one tool in the broader landscape of meeting people and building relationships. Your worth isn’t determined by your success on any single platform, and there’s no shame in deciding that a particular app or website isn’t right for you at this time.
If you do choose to return to online dating in the future, you’ll do so with the experience and wisdom gained from your previous efforts. Every interaction, conversation, and connection teaches us something about ourselves and what we’re looking for in relationships.
Take your time with the deletion process, follow the steps carefully, and move forward with confidence in your decision. Your dating journey is uniquely yours, and you have the power to shape it in whatever way serves you best.
The most successful daters are those who approach online dating with intentionality and self-awareness. Whether you’re beginning, pausing, or ending your online dating journey, doing so with purpose and clarity will serve you well in all your future relationships.
Remember, deleting a dating profile isn’t a failure or giving up—it’s taking control of your digital life and making intentional choices about how you want to pursue relationships. Whatever your next steps may be, approach them with the same thoughtfulness and care you’ve brought to this decision.
