Delete Shein Account UK: The GDPR Data Request Method That Actually Works (2026)

Meta Description: Shein doesn’t have a visible delete account button. The fastest way for UK users is a GDPR erasure request. Here’s the exact process, email templates, and what happens to your order history.

Try finding a “Delete Account” button on Shein. Go on. Open the app right now and look.

I spent twenty minutes going through every single menu, every settings page, every option buried in their app. There’s no delete button. Not hidden at the bottom. Not tucked away in a submenu. It simply doesn’t exist in the way you’d expect.

Shein lets you change your password. Update your address. Switch notification preferences. But permanently delete your account through a visible, clear button? They’d apparently rather you didn’t.

This is where being a UK resident works in your favour.

Under UK GDPR, you have an absolute legal right to demand any company erase your personal data. Shein can’t refuse. They can’t ignore it. They have 30 days to comply or face enforcement action from the ICO. And unlike politely asking through customer service chat (which I tried first and got nowhere), a formal GDPR request triggers a legal obligation they take seriously.

Here’s the exact method I used to get my account and all associated data permanently deleted.

What you need to know:

⏱️ Time to send request: 5 minutes
📧 Method: Email (GDPR erasure request)
⏳ Processing time: Up to 30 days (mine took 11 days)
💳 Important: Remove payment details first
📦 Pending orders: Complete these before requesting
📅 Updated: February 2026

Why People Are Deleting Shein

I’m not here to lecture anyone about fast fashion. You’ve made your decision. But for context, here’s why deletion requests for Shein have spiked massively among UK users since 2024:

Data concerns: Shein collects extensive personal data. Their privacy policy lists everything from your device information and location to your browsing patterns and purchase history. In 2023, their app was found to be collecting clipboard data on some devices — copying whatever you’d last copied to your phone’s clipboard, including potentially sensitive information.

Security incidents: Shein’s parent company disclosed a data breach affecting millions of accounts. While they claimed UK user data wasn’t compromised, many people decided they’d rather not take the chance.

Simply done shopping there: Quality wasn’t what photos suggested. Sizing was inconsistent. Returns were complicated. Whatever the reason — you want out.

All valid reasons. Let’s get it done.

Before You Delete: Complete These Steps First

Deleting your Shein account is permanent. Do these things first or you’ll regret it.

Step 1: Check for pending orders

If you have orders in transit or items you might want to return, wait.

Once your account is deleted:

You lose access to order tracking
Return requests become nearly impossible
Refund claims can’t be processed against a deleted account

Check: Open the Shein app → “My Orders” → make sure everything shows “Delivered” and you’re happy with all items.

Step 2: Process any returns first

Shein’s return window is typically 35 days from delivery for UK orders. If you received something last week that you might want to send back, do it now.

Don’t delete your account while a return is being processed. Wait until the refund hits your account.

Step 3: Use any remaining Shein points or credits

Your Shein points, bonus points, and wallet credits disappear permanently upon deletion. Check your balance:

Open Shein app → “Me” → “My Assets”
Note any points or credit balance
Use them on a small purchase if you have enough

Shein points have no cash value, so you can’t withdraw them. But if you’ve got 500 points sitting there, might as well use them before they vanish.

Step 4: Save your order history

If you need records of what you’ve purchased (for returns, warranty claims, or personal tracking):

Go to “My Orders”
Screenshot each order you want to keep
Pay special attention to order numbers and dates

Once your account is deleted, this information is gone from your end. Shein retains transaction records internally for legal compliance, but you won’t be able to access them.

Step 5: Remove your payment details

Do this before sending the deletion request. Even though GDPR erasure should cover payment data, removing it manually first gives you extra peace of mind.

In the Shein app:

Open Shein → “Me” → “My Wallet” or “Payment Methods”
Tap on each saved card
Delete or remove each one
If you have PayPal linked, disconnect that too

Why do this first?

Some users have reported that account deletion doesn’t always immediately purge payment information from Shein’s payment processor. The processor is technically a separate system. Manually removing your card ensures it’s gone from at least one layer before the full deletion happens.

Similar to what we recommend in our guide on deleting your Temu account — always remove payment details as a separate step.

The App Method: Does Shein Have a Delete Button?

As of February 2026, Shein has added a basic account deletion option in some versions of their app. But it’s inconsistent.

Where to look:

Open Shein app
Tap “Me” (bottom right)
Tap the settings gear icon
Look for “Account & Security” or “Account Settings”
Scroll to the very bottom
Look for “Delete Account” or “Close Account”

The problem:

Some users see this option. Others don’t. It seems to depend on your app version, your region, and possibly how long you’ve had the account.
When the option does appear, it sometimes loops you through customer service chat instead of actually processing the deletion.
The process requires email verification and a waiting period that isn’t clearly communicated.

My experience:

I found the option once, tapped it, got redirected to a chat where the agent tried to talk me out of it for fifteen minutes, then offered me a 20% discount code. When I persisted, they said they’d “submit my request” but couldn’t give me a timeframe.

Two weeks later, my account was still active. Messages still coming. Promotional emails still arriving.

That’s when I switched to the GDPR method. Worked in 11 days with written confirmation.

This is the method I recommend for every UK user. It’s legally enforceable, creates a paper trail, and Shein’s privacy team takes it seriously because they have to.

Customer Service	GDPR Request
Optional for Shein to action	Legally required to action
No set timeframe	30-day legal deadline
Agent may try to retain you	Privacy team must comply
No consequences if ignored	ICO enforcement if ignored
Verbal confirmation only	Written confirmation required

Step 1: Find the right email address

Send to: service@shein.com
CC: privacy@shein.com (if this address exists — it varies)

Some users have had success emailing dpo@shein.com (Data Protection Officer), but service@shein.com is the most consistently monitored address for UK requests.

Step 2: Send this email

textSubject: UK GDPR Article 17 - Right to Erasure Request

Dear Shein Privacy Team,

I am a UK resident and I am exercising my right 
to erasure under UK GDPR Article 17.

I request the permanent deletion of my Shein 
account and ALL personal data associated with it, 
including but not limited to:

- Account profile information
- Order history and transaction details
- Saved addresses and delivery information
- Payment method details
- Browsing and search history
- Wishlist and saved items
- Device and location data
- Marketing preferences and communication history
- Any data shared with third-party partners

Account details for identification:
- Registered email: [your Shein email]
- Full name: [your name as registered]
- Account phone number: [if applicable]

Please confirm in writing:
1. That you have received this request
2. The date by which full erasure will be completed
3. Any data you intend to retain and the legal 
   basis for retention

I understand you are legally required to action 
this request within 30 calendar days under UK GDPR.

Failure to comply may result in a complaint to 
the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).

Thank you,
[Your full name]
[Today's date]

Step 3: What happens next

Within 48 hours (usually):
You should receive an acknowledgement email. Something like “We’ve received your request and are processing it.”

If you don’t receive any acknowledgement within 5 working days, send a follow-up email referencing your original request and restating the 30-day deadline.

Within 11-30 days (typical):
Shein’s privacy team processes the erasure. You’ll receive a confirmation email stating:

Your account has been deleted
What data has been erased
Any data retained for legal compliance (usually transaction records for tax purposes)

My timeline:

Day 1: Sent GDPR request
Day 2: Received acknowledgement email
Day 7: Received follow-up asking to confirm my identity (replied same day with a screenshot of my account profile)
Day 11: Received confirmation that account and data had been erased
Day 12: Tried to log in — account not found. Done.

It happens rarely, but some people don’t get a response within 30 days.

Day 30 with no response:

Send a final email:

textSubject: URGENT: Overdue UK GDPR Article 17 Request 
- 30 Days Exceeded

Dear Shein Privacy Team,

I sent a data erasure request under UK GDPR 
Article 17 on [original date]. 30 calendar days 
have now passed without completion.

This is a breach of UK GDPR. I will be filing a 
complaint with the Information Commissioner's 
Office (ICO) if this request is not actioned 
within 7 days.

Original request attached below.

[Your name]

Day 37 with still no response:

File a complaint with the ICO:

Go to ico.org.uk
Navigate to “Make a Complaint”
Select “An organisation hasn’t responded to my data protection request”
Fill in the details
Attach copies of your original email and follow-up

The ICO investigates and can issue enforcement notices. Shein, like most large companies, responds quickly once the ICO gets involved because the fines for non-compliance are substantial.

I’ve never had to go this far personally. Shein’s privacy team processed my request well within 30 days. But knowing the ICO escalation path exists gives you confidence.

Download Your Data Before Deletion (Optional)

Under UK GDPR Article 15, you have the right to see everything Shein holds on you before they delete it.

Why you might want this:

Curiosity about what they’ve collected
Records of your purchases for personal accounting
Evidence if you need it for any future disputes

How to request:

Add this to your deletion email, or send separately:

textSubject: UK GDPR Article 15 - Subject Access Request

Dear Shein Privacy Team,

Before processing my erasure request, I am also 
making a Subject Access Request under UK GDPR 
Article 15.

Please provide a complete copy of all personal 
data you hold about me in a commonly used 
electronic format.

Account email: [your email]
Full name: [your name]

I understand you have 30 days to respond to this 
request.

[Your name]

What they’ll send:

Usually a downloadable file containing:

Account registration data
Full order history with prices and dates
Saved addresses
Search and browsing history within Shein
Device information and login history
Marketing preferences
Any data shared with advertising partners

The volume of data can be eye-opening. When I got mine, the browsing history file alone was several megabytes. Every product I’d ever looked at, how long I looked at it, what I zoomed in on. Quite unsettling, honestly.

After Deletion: Clean Up Everything Else

Once Shein confirms deletion, do a complete cleanup.

Uninstall the app:

iPhone:

Press and hold Shein app icon
“Remove App” → “Delete App”

Android:

Press and hold Shein icon
Drag to “Uninstall” or tap X

Remove Shein from connected accounts:

If you signed up using Google, Facebook, or Apple:

Google: Check your connected apps. Follow our Google permissions cleanup guide.
Facebook: Check your connected apps. Follow our guide on stopping Facebook tracking.
Apple: Settings → Apple ID → Password & Security → Sign in with Apple → Shein → Stop Using Apple ID

Clear browser data:

If you’ve browsed Shein on your phone or computer browser:

Clear cookies and site data for shein.co.uk and shein.com
Remove any saved Shein passwords from your browser
Remove Shein from browser autofill suggestions

Unsubscribe from emails:

Even after account deletion, marketing emails might continue for a short period. Unsubscribe using the link at the bottom of any Shein email. If they continue beyond 30 days after confirmed deletion, report it to the ICO as a GDPR violation.

Check for Shein browser notifications:

If you ever clicked “Allow” on a Shein notification popup in your browser:

Chrome: Settings → Privacy and Security → Site Settings → Notifications → Find Shein → Block or Remove

Firefox: Settings → Privacy & Security → Notifications → Remove Shein

Safari: Preferences → Websites → Notifications → Remove Shein

These browser notifications are separate from app notifications and survive app deletion.

Can You Create a New Account After Deleting?

Yes, but with caveats.

What works:

Sign up with a completely different email address
You’ll be treated as a new customer
You might get new user promotions and discounts

What might not work:

Using the same email address (may take time before the system allows re-registration)
Using the same phone number immediately
Getting first-time buyer discounts if Shein detects your device

Starting over means:

No order history
No saved addresses
No Shein points
No size preferences or favourites
No purchase protection history

If you think you might want to shop on Shein again someday, consider just removing your payment details and uninstalling the app instead of full deletion. Your account sits dormant and you lose nothing.

But if you’re done for good — or if data privacy is your reason for leaving — full GDPR deletion is the right choice.

Shein vs Other Shopping Apps: Deletion Comparison

Since you’re cleaning up shopping apps, here’s how Shein compares to others we’ve covered:

Platform	Has Delete Button?	GDPR Email Needed?	Processing Time
Shein	Inconsistent	Yes (recommended)	11-30 days
Temu	Yes (buried)	Optional but stronger	Up to 30 days
Vinted	Yes (buried)	Optional but stronger	7-30 days
ASOS	Yes (in settings)	Not usually needed	Near instant
Boohoo	No	Yes	Up to 30 days

Shein and Boohoo are the worst for making deletion easy. Temu at least has a functional button if you can find it. Vinted falls somewhere in between.

For step-by-step deletion guides on these platforms:

Data Shein Collects (What You’re Actually Deleting)

For anyone wondering what they’re getting rid of, here’s what Shein’s privacy policy says they collect on UK users:

Data you provide:

Name, email, phone number
Delivery addresses
Payment card details
Size and fit preferences
Wishlist and favourites
Reviews and photos you’ve uploaded
Customer service conversations

Data they collect automatically:

Device type, operating system, screen resolution
IP address and approximate location
Browser type and version
Pages viewed, products browsed, time spent
Search queries within the app
Items added to cart (even if not purchased)
Referring websites (how you found Shein)
App usage patterns and frequency

Data from third parties:

Social media profile data (if you used social login)
Advertising identifiers from ad networks
Analytics data from tracking partners

That’s a comprehensive profile. Everything from your shopping habits to your device specifications to your physical location. All of it goes when you submit a GDPR erasure request.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Shein take to delete my account?

Under UK GDPR, they have 30 calendar days from receiving your request. In practice, most UK users report completion within 10-20 days. My personal experience was 11 days from initial request to confirmed deletion.

Sometimes. The app occasionally shows a delete option in Account Settings, but it’s unreliable and often redirects to customer service chat. The GDPR email method is more reliable and creates a legal paper trail.

Will Shein delete my order history completely?

They erase your accessible order history, but they’re legally required to retain financial transaction records for tax compliance (typically 6-7 years). These retained records are held internally for legal purposes only and aren’t accessible to marketing teams or third parties.

What if I have a Shein gift card with balance?

Use it before deleting. Gift card balances aren’t refundable and disappear upon account deletion. Shein’s terms are clear that stored value is forfeited when you close your account.

Can I delete just the app instead of the account?

Deleting the app removes it from your phone but your account and all associated data remain on Shein’s servers. They continue to hold your personal information, payment details, and browsing history. App deletion and account deletion are completely different things.

Yes, according to their privacy policy. They share data with advertising partners, analytics providers, payment processors, and logistics companies. A GDPR erasure request should trigger deletion across their systems, but data already shared with third parties may require separate requests to those companies.

Is my Shein data stored in the UK?

Not necessarily. Shein’s parent company is based in Singapore with operations in China. Your data may be stored on servers outside the UK. Under UK GDPR, this doesn’t reduce your rights — the law applies regardless of where the data is physically stored, as long as the service targets UK consumers.

What happens to reviews I’ve left on products?

Reviews you’ve posted on Shein products may remain visible after account deletion, but they’ll be anonymised (shown as from a deleted user or similar). The text of your review stays but it’s no longer linked to your identity.

Summary

To delete your Shein account (UK):

Complete all pending orders and returns first
Use any remaining Shein points or credits
Remove all saved payment cards manually
Save order history screenshots if needed
Send GDPR Article 17 erasure email to service@shein.com
Wait for acknowledgement (within 48 hours usually)
Confirm identity if requested
Wait for deletion confirmation (11-30 days)
Uninstall app and clean up connected accounts

The GDPR email is your strongest tool because:

It’s legally enforceable
30-day deadline is mandatory
Creates a written paper trail
ICO complaint available if ignored
Works even when the app delete button doesn’t

After deletion:

Uninstall the Shein app
Remove from Google/Facebook/Apple connected apps
Clear browser cookies and saved passwords
Unsubscribe from any remaining marketing emails

Removing yourself from other shopping platforms?

Protecting your privacy further?

Also cancelling UK subscriptions?

Know your refund rights?

Last Updated: February 2026
Tested on: Shein app v9.8.2 (iOS and Android) and current UK website

Shein changed their process? Contact us and we’ll update this guide.