How to cancel your GoDaddy account
You can cancel a GoDaddy account through your account settings without calling support or waiting on hold. The process takes about five minutes and works whether you have domains, hosting, or both. GoDaddy will ask you to confirm the cancellation and may offer a discount to keep you — you can decline and proceed.
The key step is understanding what you're cancelling: your GoDaddy account itself, not individual services. If you own a domain through GoDaddy, cancelling your account does not automatically delete the domain or stop it from renewing. You'll need to handle domain renewal settings separately before you close the account, or your domain will renew and charge you even after the account is gone.
Key Takeaways
- Log into your GoDaddy account, go to Account Settings, and select the option to close your account — you do not need to call or email.
- Before cancelling, check your domain renewal settings so your domain does not auto-renew and charge you after the account closes.
- If you have active hosting or services with upcoming renewal dates, GoDaddy will show you the charges you'll owe before you confirm the cancellation.
- After you cancel, you have a short window (usually 48 hours) to reopen the account if you change your mind, though this varies by account type.
- Cancelling your account does not transfer your domain to another registrar — you must do that separately if you want to move it.
Log in and find the account closure option
Go to godaddy.com and sign in with your email and password. Once you're logged in, look for your account menu — this is usually a circular icon with your initials or a silhouette in the top right corner of the page. Click it and select "Account Settings" or "My Account".
In Account Settings, scroll down until you see a section labeled "Close Account", "Account Closure", or "Delete Account" — the exact wording changes occasionally, but it's always near the bottom of the page. Click that option. GoDaddy will load a page that shows you what will happen when you close the account and asks you to confirm.
Review what will happen to your services
Before you confirm, GoDaddy shows you a summary of what's attached to the account. This includes any domains you own, any hosting plans, email accounts, SSL certificates, or other products. Read this list carefully — it tells you what will be affected.
If you have domains listed, check whether they are set to auto-renew. If a domain is set to auto-renew and you close the account, the domain will still renew on its current schedule and charge your payment method on file. If you do not want to keep paying for a domain, you must turn off auto-renewal before you close the account. Go back to your domain settings, find the domain, and toggle off the auto-renewal switch. Then return to the account closure page.
Handle any active charges or refunds
GoDaddy will show you whether you have any upcoming charges or refunds due. If you have a hosting plan that renews next month, you'll see that charge listed. If you've prepaid for services that extend beyond the cancellation date, GoDaddy may offer a refund — the policy varies depending on what you've purchased and how long ago you bought it.
Read the refund information carefully. Some services are non-refundable, and GoDaddy will tell you which ones. If you disagree with a refund decision, you can contact GoDaddy support after you cancel, but it's easier to ask before you close the account. If you want to discuss refunds, close this page, contact support through the help section, and ask about your specific situation before proceeding with cancellation.
Confirm the cancellation
Once you've reviewed the summary and turned off any auto-renewals you don't want, click the button to confirm the closure. GoDaddy may ask you why you're leaving — you can skip this or answer it. Then it will ask you to confirm one more time by clicking a final button or entering your password.
After you confirm, GoDaddy sends you a confirmation email to the address on file. Keep this email — it shows the date and time your account was closed and lists what was on the account. If you need to reopen the account or dispute anything later, you'll want this record.
What happens to your domain after cancellation
Closing your GoDaddy account does not delete your domain or transfer it anywhere. The domain remains registered to you, and you can still renew it or manage it — you'll just do that through a different registrar or by creating a new GoDaddy account.
If you want to move your domain to another registrar (like Namecheap, Bluehost, or your web host), you'll need to request an authorization code from GoDaddy before you close the account. This code is what the new registrar needs to accept the transfer. After you close the account, getting this code becomes harder because you no longer have account access. If you plan to move your domain, handle the transfer before you cancel.
Reopen your account if you change your mind
GoDaddy typically allows you to reopen a closed account within 48 hours without losing anything. Log in with your original email and password — if the account reopens, you'll see all your domains and services intact. After 48 hours, the account may be permanently closed, and you would need to contact support to recover it.
If more than 48 hours have passed and you need your account back, contact GoDaddy support through their help page. Explain that you closed the account and want to reopen it. Support can sometimes restore accounts beyond the 48-hour window, but there's no may provide, so don't rely on this if you're uncertain about your decision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will cancelling my GoDaddy account delete my website?
Yes, if your website is hosted on GoDaddy's servers, it will go offline when you close the account. If you want to keep the website, move it to a different host before you cancel. If you only own a domain through GoDaddy but host your site elsewhere, the site stays online — only your GoDaddy account closes.
Can I cancel just my hosting and keep my domain?
Yes. Instead of closing your entire account, go to your services list and cancel only the hosting plan. Your domain will remain active and registered to you. You can then point it to a new host or let it sit inactive until you decide what to do with it.
What if I forgot my GoDaddy password?
Click "Forgot Password" on the GoDaddy login page and follow the reset link sent to your email. Once you've reset your password and logged in, you can proceed with closing the account. If you don't have access to the email address on file, contact GoDaddy support and verify your identity before they'll let you close the account.
Will I get a refund if I cancel mid-year?
Refund policies vary by product. Domains are usually non-refundable once purchased, but hosting plans sometimes offer prorated refunds if you cancel before the renewal date. GoDaddy shows you the refund amount (if any) before you confirm the cancellation, so you'll know what to expect.
How do I transfer my domain to another registrar after closing my GoDaddy account?
You need the authorization code before you close the account. Request it from your domain settings, then provide it to your new registrar. If you've already closed the account, contact GoDaddy support with proof of ownership and ask them to send the code to your email.