> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://doc.anytype.io/anytype-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://doc.anytype.io/anytype-docs/data/data-erasure-and-recovery.md).

# Data Erasure & Recovery

You are the only person who holds the [Keys](/anytype-docs/basics/key.md) to your data and can manage it.

## Delete your Vault / Account

Anytype cannot access your data or verify your identity in any way. To delete your data, you must do so yourself through the app.

1. Go to your [Vault Settings](/anytype-docs/settings/account-and-data.md) by clicking on your profile picture in the Sidebar.
2. Click on **Login Key** in the menu on the side.
3. Click on **Delete vault**.

<div data-with-frame="true"><figure><img src="/files/DuSI9AY5nwUZpem6qiE6" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

## Deletion Process

1. **Export a backup** — [Exporting](/anytype-docs/data/import-export.md) entire Channels is the easiest option.
2. **Cancel deletion** — You have 30 days to cancel the deletion process. After that, your Vault is deleted permanently, and you can no longer sign in.
3. **Delete from other devices** — All data is stored locally on Anytype. If you are logged into multiple devices, you will need to delete your data from those apps by uninstalling them.

{% hint style="danger" %}
**After your Vault/Account has been deleted, it will no longer be able to be recovered.** Ensure you are certain before triggering deletion.
{% endhint %}

## Recovering your Vault / Account

Your [keys](/anytype-docs/basics/key.md) are generated locally on your device, so Anytype never has access to your Vault/Account. And because account creation doesn't involve an email or password, we have no way to verify who the rightful owner of an account is. In short: if you lose your Key, we cannot restore access to your account.

#### What can I do if I can't access my Vault?

If you have signed in to Anytype on multiple devices, your [Key](/anytype-docs/basics/key.md) is available on each device. Open Anytype on another device, then navigate to [Vault Settings](/anytype-docs/settings/account-and-data.md) to obtain your Key. Use it to sign in again.

#### What if I can't delete my Vault?

If you are unable to retrieve your Key to access your Vault, Anytype is unable to delete your account for you because we have no way of identifying it correctly with your identity. Your Vault will remain encrypted on our backup nodes without anybody being able to access it.

{% hint style="danger" %}
**Anytype cannot recover a lost Key.** Save multiple copies of your Key using a secure method.
{% endhint %}


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:

```
GET https://doc.anytype.io/anytype-docs/data/data-erasure-and-recovery.md?ask=<question>&goal=<endgoal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.
