Sora account deletion is permanent and removes all your library data
When you delete a Sora account, the app removes your reading history, saved books, holds, and checkouts. You cannot undo this action. Before you delete, download or screenshot anything you want to keep — your reading list, for example — because once the account is gone, that data is gone too.
Deletion is different from deactivation. A deleted account cannot be recovered. If you think you might return to Sora later, consider deactivating instead, which suspends your account without erasing your data. But if you are certain you want out, the deletion process takes about five minutes and happens immediately in the app.
Key Takeaways
- Deleting your Sora account erases your reading history, saved books, holds, and checkouts permanently and cannot be reversed.
- You must open the Sora app and go to Settings to start deletion; there is no way to delete through a website.
- Sora will ask you to confirm your library card number and PIN before processing the deletion.
- After deletion, your library card still works with your library system — you can create a new Sora account anytime using the same card.
- If you have active book loans or holds, Sora may ask you to return or cancel them before the deletion completes.
Steps to delete your account in the Sora app
Open Sora on your phone or tablet. Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the bottom right corner, then tap Settings. Scroll down to the bottom of the Settings screen and look for Delete Account or Remove Account — the exact wording depends on whether you are on iOS or Android, but both lead to the same place.
Tap that option. Sora will show a warning that deletion is permanent and will ask you to confirm. Read the warning carefully. You will need to enter your library card number and your library PIN to proceed. Type both correctly — if you enter the wrong PIN, the deletion will not go through and you will have to start over.
After you confirm, Sora will process the deletion. This usually takes a few seconds to a minute. Once it completes, you will be logged out of the app automatically. The app itself may remain on your phone, but it will be empty — you will need to log in again with your library card if you ever want to use Sora in the future.
What happens to your library card and future access
Deleting your Sora account does not delete your library card or cancel your library membership. Your card remains active with your library system. You can walk into the library, use your card to check out physical books, and access other library services without any interruption.
If you change your mind later, you can download Sora again and create a new account using the same library card number and PIN. Your new account will start fresh with no reading history or saved books — it will be as if you are a new user. Your library will not penalize you for deleting and recreating an account.
Active loans and holds before deletion
If you have books currently checked out through Sora, the app may not let you delete until you return them. In Sora, go to your Loans tab and return any active checkouts. This removes the books from your account but does not delete them from your library's system — they simply become available for other readers.
If you have holds on books that have not arrived yet, Sora will ask you to cancel them before deletion. Go to your Holds tab, find each hold, and tap Cancel Hold. Once all loans are returned and all holds are cancelled, you can proceed with account deletion.
If you do not return loans or cancel holds before attempting deletion, Sora will show an error message and will not complete the process. Return to your loans and holds, clear them out, and try deletion again.
Difference between deletion and deactivation
Deletion removes your account and all associated data immediately and permanently. You cannot recover your reading history, saved books, or any other information. Deactivation temporarily suspends your account while keeping your data intact. If you reactivate later, everything is still there.
Choose deletion if you are certain you will not use Sora again. Choose deactivation if you are taking a break or want to pause your account for a while. Deactivation is reversible; deletion is not. Some libraries offer deactivation through their website or by calling the library directly — check your library's Sora help page to see if that option is available to you.
Troubleshooting deletion problems
If the delete button does not appear in Settings, make sure you are using the latest version of Sora. Open your phone's app store (Apple App Store or Google Play Store), search for Sora, and tap Update if an update is available. Then return to Settings and try again.
If you enter your library card number and PIN but get an error message, double-check that both are correct. Your PIN is usually the last four digits of your phone number or a number you set when you created your library account — not your password. If you do not remember your PIN, call your library's main number and ask them to confirm it before you try deletion again.
If deletion starts but does not complete, make sure you have an active internet connection and that the app does not close during the process. Wait at least one minute after tapping confirm before closing the app. If the deletion still fails, try again in a few hours — sometimes library systems experience temporary delays.
After deletion: what to do with the app
After your account is deleted, you can leave the Sora app on your phone or delete it. Leaving it there takes up minimal storage space. If you delete the app from your phone, you can always download it again later for free from the app store if you change your mind and want to create a new account.
If you delete the app, your library card will still work with your library system. You will not lose access to anything — the app is just a tool for borrowing ebooks and audiobooks. Your physical library card, your account with the library, and your ability to visit in person are all unaffected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I recover my Sora account after I delete it?
No. Deletion is permanent. Once you confirm deletion and enter your PIN, the account and all its data are gone forever. You cannot contact Sora or your library to restore it. If you want to use Sora again, you will need to create a new account with your library card.
Will deleting Sora affect my library card or other library services?
No. Your library card remains active and works normally. You can still visit the library, check out physical books, use computers, and access any other service your library offers. Deleting Sora only removes the app account, not your library membership.
What if I have a book checked out and I delete my account?
Return the book in Sora before you delete your account. If you delete with an active loan, Sora will prevent deletion and ask you to return it first. If somehow a book remains checked out after deletion, contact your library directly — they can return it on your behalf using your library card number.
Can I delete my Sora account from a computer or website?
No. Sora deletion only works through the mobile app on iOS or Android. There is no website option. You must use your phone or tablet to delete your account.
How long does it take to delete a Sora account?
Deletion usually completes in seconds to one minute after you confirm and enter your PIN. You will be logged out of the app immediately. If it takes longer than five minutes, your internet connection may be slow — wait a bit and check again.