Yes, it is acceptable to delete your Evernote account, but it is crucial to understand that this is a permanent and irreversible action that will result in the complete removal of all your data.
What Happens When You Delete Your Evernote Account?
When you choose to close your Evernote account permanently, all associated data is deleted from their service. This comprehensive deletion includes:
- All your notes
- All your notebooks
- All tags you've created
- Other data associated with your account, such as your registered email address and password.
It is paramount to remember that this action is not reversible. Once your account is closed and the data is deleted, it cannot be recovered.
When Is Deleting Evernote "OK" For You?
Deleting your Evernote account is generally "OK" if:
- You have successfully backed up or migrated all essential data to another platform or secure local storage.
- You no longer use Evernote and do not foresee needing any of the content previously stored within it.
- You have privacy or data retention concerns and wish to fully remove your information from the service.
Essential Steps to Take Before Deleting
Before proceeding with the permanent deletion of your Evernote account, it is highly recommended to follow these steps to prevent unintended data loss:
- Export All Your Notes: Utilize Evernote's export functionality to save your notes in a usable format (e.g., ENEX, HTML, or PDF). This is your primary method for creating an external backup.
- Ensure every critical notebook and note is exported.
- Verify Data Migration: If you are transitioning to a different note-taking application, confirm that all your data has been successfully transferred and is accessible within the new service before proceeding with deletion from Evernote.
- Cancel Active Subscriptions: If you are a paid subscriber, cancel your subscription first to avoid future charges. Your account will typically revert to a free tier at the end of your billing cycle, after which you can initiate the deletion process.
- Disconnect Integrations: Remove any connections or authorizations between your Evernote account and other third-party applications or services.
Alternatives to Permanent Deletion
If you are uncertain about permanently deleting your account, consider these less drastic options:
- Downgrade to a Free Account: If you are a paid subscriber but no longer require premium features, you can downgrade your account. This allows you to maintain access to your existing notes (within the limits of the free tier) without incurring subscription costs.
- Simply Stop Using It: For free accounts, you can simply stop logging in and using the service. While your data will remain on their servers, it avoids the permanent deletion process if you might need access in the future.
Final Consideration
The decision to delete your Evernote account should be made with a clear understanding of its absolute finality. Always ensure you have secured all necessary information elsewhere before proceeding, as there is no method to retrieve your data once the account is closed.
