Deleting Account and Data Export Before Exit

Whether you're taking a break from Whistl, switching to a different solution, or have achieved your recovery goals, you have the right to delete your account and data. This guide walks you through exporting your data before deletion and the complete account closure process. We also include resources if you're considering leaving because you're struggling.

Before Deletion: Export Your Data

Once deleted, your data cannot be recovered. Export first to keep your records.

Step 1: Access Data Export

1. Open the Whistl app
2. Tap Settings (gear icon)
3. Select Data & Privacy
4. Tap Export All Data

Step 2: Choose Export Format

Whistl offers comprehensive export options:

Complete Archive (Recommended)

• All transaction history
• Spending analytics and reports
• Dream Board goals and images
• Milestone achievements
• Account settings and preferences
• Journal entries (if enabled)
• Partner connections (your side)
• Format: ZIP file with CSV + PDF + JSON

Financial Data Only

• Transaction history (CSV)
• Spending reports (PDF)
• Category breakdowns
• Savings progress
• Format: CSV + PDF

Progress Summary

• Clean day streaks
• Money saved totals
• Milestones achieved
• Goal progress
• Format: PDF report

Step 3: Select Export Destination

1. Choose where to save your export:
   • Email: Sent to your registered email
   • Save to Files: Local storage on iPhone
   • Cloud storage: iCloud, Dropbox, Google Drive
   • AirDrop: Transfer to another Apple device
2. Tap Export
3. Wait for export to complete (may take 2-10 minutes for large accounts)
4. Verify export file received and opens correctly

Step 4: Verify Export Contents

Before deleting, confirm your export includes everything:

• ✓ Transaction history is complete
• ✓ Reports are readable
• ✓ Dream Board images are included
• ✓ Milestone history is preserved
• ✓ File is saved securely

Account Deletion Process

Step 1: Access Account Deletion

1. Go to Settings → Data & Privacy
2. Scroll to Account Management
3. Tap Delete Account
4. Read the deletion information carefully

Step 2: Understand What Will Be Deleted

Account deletion permanently removes:

Deleted Immediately

• Login credentials
• Personal profile information
• Account settings and preferences
• DNS blocking profile
• Partner connections (both sides)
• Active subscriptions (cancelled)

Deleted After 30 Days

• Transaction history
• Spending analytics
• Dream Board data
• Journal entries
• Milestone history
• Risk score history

Retained (Legal Requirements)

• Subscription billing records (7 years for tax)
• Anonymised usage statistics
• Support conversation history (if any)

Step 3: Choose Deletion Type

Soft Delete (Account Deactivation)

• Duration: Account disabled for up to 12 months
• Data: Preserved during deactivation period
• Recovery: Can reactivate by logging in
• Best for: Taking a break, unsure about leaving

Hard Delete (Permanent Deletion)

• Duration: Permanent, cannot be undone
• Data: Deleted after 30-day grace period
• Recovery: Not possible after deletion
• Best for: Certain you want to leave Whistl

Step 4: Confirm Deletion

1. Select deletion type (Soft or Hard)
2. Enter your password to confirm
3. Check the confirmation box: "I understand this action cannot be undone"
4. Tap Delete Account
5. Receive confirmation email

Step 5: Post-Deletion

After deletion:

• Immediately: Logged out, app shows "Account Deleted"
• Within 24 hours: Partners notified you're no longer connected
• Within 7 days: Subscription cancelled, no further charges
• After 30 days: All personal data deleted from servers

Cancelling Subscription Before Deletion

If you have Premium, cancel subscription first:

Cancel via iPhone Settings

1. Open iPhone Settings
2. Tap your name at top
3. Select Subscriptions
4. Find Whistl
5. Tap Cancel Subscription
6. Confirm cancellation

Refund Eligibility

• Within 14 days: Full refund available
• After 14 days: Pro-rated refund for unused portion
• Request refund: Contact support or use reportaproblem.apple.com

Alternative to Deletion: Account Pause

Taking a break? Consider pausing instead:

Pause Features

• Duration: 1-6 months
• Data preserved: Everything saved for your return
• No charges: Subscription paused, not billed
• Easy return: Log in to reactivate
• Protection disabled: DNS blocking and alerts paused

How to Pause

1. Go to Settings → Account
2. Tap Pause Account
3. Choose pause duration
4. Confirm pause
5. Account reactivates automatically or manually

Partner Notification

When you delete, your partners are notified:

Notification Message

"[Your name] has deleted their Whistl account. You are no longer connected as accountability partners. Their data is no longer accessible to you."

Custom Message Option

You can add a personal message before deletion:

• Explain why you're leaving (optional)
• Thank them for their support
• Provide alternative contact if desired
• Share your ongoing recovery plans

Data Retention and Privacy

Understanding what happens to your data:

During 30-Day Grace Period

• Data encrypted and inaccessible
• Only accessible for legal compliance
• Can recover account if you change your mind
• Not used for any processing

After 30 Days

• Personal data permanently deleted
• Backups overwritten in normal cycle
• Anonymised data may remain (not linked to you)
• Legal records retained as required

Your Privacy Rights

• GDPR: Right to erasure (EU users)
• APP: Australian Privacy Principles compliance
• CCPA: California Consumer Privacy Act rights
• Data portability: Export your data anytime

Recovering a Deleted Account

Within 30 Days

• Contact support immediately: support@whistl.app
• Provide your account email
• Verify your identity
• Account can be restored with all data

After 30 Days

• Data has been permanently deleted
• Cannot recover transaction history or settings
• Can create new account (fresh start)
• Previous partners would need to reconnect

Reasons for Deletion and Alternatives

If You're Struggling

Consider these options before deleting:

• Adjust settings: Stricter protection, not deletion
• Add support: More accountability partners
• Join group: Group detox for community support
• Professional help: Gambling Help Online 1800 858 858
• Pause instead: Take a break without losing data

If You've Achieved Your Goals

Celebrate your success!

• Export your progress as a victory record
• Consider staying for maintenance mode
• Share your story to help others
• Keep the app as a safety net

If You're Switching Solutions

• Export all data before switching
• Ensure new solution is set up first
• Overlap protection during transition
• Don't leave a gap in protection

Conclusion

Deleting your Whistl account is straightforward, and we respect your right to do so. Export your data first, understand what will be deleted, and consider whether pause might be better than permanent deletion. Most importantly: if you're leaving because you're struggling, please reach out for support. Your recovery matters more than any app.

Related: Data Export Guide | Account Recovery | Crisis Support