Deleting other user profiles on shared devices or accounts is a common task for many reasons. You may want to remove an ex’s profile after a breakup, delete unused profiles to free up storage space, or restrict access to certain users. While the steps vary across platforms, deleting other profiles typically requires admin or owner privileges.
When You Might Need to Delete Another Profile
Here are some common scenarios for deleting other profiles:
- Removing an ex’s profile from your shared Netflix, Hulu, Spotify, etc. accounts after a breakup
- Deleting a former housemate’s profile from shared gaming consoles, smart TVs, etc. after they move out
- Removing unused profiles created for guests on your computer, tablet, or smartphone
- Restricting access for children or limiting screen time by deleting their profiles on various devices and apps
- Freeing up storage space by deleting unused profiles from systems and devices
Generally speaking, you need admin, owner, or parent privileges over the account or device to be able to delete other user profiles. The steps also depend on the specific platform or app you are using.
Deleting Profiles on Social Media and Entertainment Accounts
Many popular social media, streaming, and gaming services allow multiple user profiles under one account. Here are some tips for removing other profiles from shared accounts on these platforms:
- Go to your Facebook account settings and select “Manage Profiles”
- Find the profile you want to delete and click on the three dots next to the name
- Select “Remove Profile from Account”
- Confirm that you want to remove the profile
Netflix
- Sign in to Netflix and go to your Account page
- Under Profile & Parental Controls, select the profile you want to delete
- Choose Delete Profile
- Confirm by selecting Delete Profile again
Spotify
- Open the Spotify app on your device and log in
- Go to Settings and select Accounts
- Choose Remove User under the profile name
- Confirm that you want to permanently delete this profile
PlayStation and Xbox
- Go to system Settings and select Family Management or Account Management
- Choose the profile you want to delete
- Select Delete or Remove Profile
- Confirm that you want to delete the profile permanently
Nintendo Switch
- Open System Settings on the Switch and go to Users
- Select the profile, tap Delete User, then tap Delete again
Deleting User Profiles on Computer Operating Systems
On shared computers, you may need to remove user profiles for former roommates or restrict access for your kids. Here’s how to delete user profiles on Mac, Windows, and Chromebook devices:
Mac
- Click the Apple menu and choose System Preferences
- Select Users & Groups
- Unlock the preferences pane using your admin password
- Right click on the user profile and choose Delete User
Windows
- Open Settings and go to Accounts
- Select Family & Other Users
- Click on the profile you want to remove and choose Remove
- Confirm that you want to delete the profile permanently
Chromebook
- Click your profile image and select Settings
- In the People section, choose Manage Other People
- Click on the user profile and select Delete Person
- Confirm that you want to delete this user
Removing Profiles from Mobile Devices
If you share mobile devices like smartphones and tablets with family or roommates, you may need to delete user profiles for access or storage reasons.
iPhone and iPad
- Go to Settings and tap [Name]’s Profile or [Name]’s iPad
- Scroll down and tap Delete Profile
- Enter your passcode when prompted
Android Phones and Tablets
- Open Settings and go to Users & Accounts
- Tap the profile name and then Remove User
- Select Delete [username] again to confirm
Amazon Fire Tablets
- Go to Settings and select My Fire Tablet
- Tap on the profile name
- Choose Remove from Device to delete the profile
Deleting Profiles from Email, Cloud Storage, and Other Apps
profiles may also need to be removed from productivity apps, email accounts, cloud storage platforms, and other services. Here are some tips for deleting profiles from these apps and accounts:
| Service | How to Delete a User Profile |
|---|---|
| Gmail |
|
| Outlook |
|
| Google Drive |
|
| Dropbox |
|
| Slack |
|
Conclusion
While the steps vary across platforms, deleting other user profiles typically requires admin or owner access to the account or device. Make sure to confirm any prompts that warn about permanent deletion before removing a profile. Back up any important data from the profile as well. With the proper privileges, you can delete profiles from shared accounts and free up storage space by removing unused profiles from your systems and devices.