How to Cancel Temu in 2026 (Delete Account + Stop the Notifications)

Updated 2026-02-20 · 7 min read

Temu's Real Costs (Hidden)

• No subscription: Temu itself is free to download — the cost is in impulse spending
• Average spend: Users report spending $50-200/month on items they didn't need
• Quality gamble: 30-50% of items are significantly different from product photos
• Return shipping: Free returns to US warehouse, but international returns cost $8-15 per item
• Data collection: Extensive permissions — clipboard, photos, contacts, location, device info
• Environmental cost: Individual packages shipped by air from China → massive carbon footprint

Step 1: Stop the Notifications (Immediate Relief)

iPhone

1. Go to Settings → Notifications → Temu
2. Toggle OFF Allow Notifications
3. This stops ALL push notifications immediately

Android

1. Go to Settings → Apps → Temu → Notifications
2. Toggle OFF all notification categories

Step 2: Cancel Pending Orders

1. Open Temu app → You (profile) → Your Orders
2. Find orders that say "Processing" or "Pending Shipment"
3. Tap the order → Cancel Order
4. Once shipped, you can't cancel — you'll need to return after delivery
5. Refunds go to original payment method in 5-14 business days

Step 3: Delete Your Temu Account

1. Open Temu app → You → Settings (gear icon)
2. Scroll to Account Security
3. Tap Delete Account
4. Temu will show warnings about losing coupons, credits, and order history
5. Confirm deletion — account is deactivated for 90 days then permanently deleted
6. If you can't find the option, email privacy@temu.com
7. Subject: "Account Deletion Request — CCPA/GDPR Right to Erasure"

Privacy Concerns

• Parent company: PDD Holdings (formerly Pinduoduo) — Nasdaq-listed Chinese e-commerce giant
• Pinduoduo history: Google removed Pinduoduo from Play Store in 2023 for containing malware that exploited Android vulnerabilities
• Data requests: Temu requests camera, microphone, contacts, location, and clipboard access
• Clipboard reading: Multiple security researchers flagged Temu reading clipboard contents (passwords, addresses)
• Data storage: User data processed in US but parent company is headquartered in Ireland (formerly Shanghai)
• Arkansas lawsuit (2023): State AG sued Temu alleging it operates as "dangerous malware" that mines user data

Protect Your Payment Info

1. Before deleting: Go to Settings → Payment Methods and remove all cards
2. Check for saved cards: If you used Apple Pay or Google Pay, no card is stored in Temu
3. Monitor your statements: Watch for unauthorized charges for 60 days after deletion
4. Consider a virtual card: If you ever shop on unfamiliar sites, use Privacy.com or your bank's virtual card feature

The Dopamine Shopping Loop

Temu's interface is specifically designed around variable reward schedules — the same psychology behind slot machines:

• Spin-the-wheel: Random discounts create excitement (you "won" 70% off! ...off an inflated price)
• Lightning deals: Countdown timers create false urgency
• Social proof: "1,247 people bought this in the last hour" — often fabricated numbers
• Infinite scroll: No natural stopping point, like TikTok for shopping
• Credit system: Temu credits and coupons that expire, forcing you to "use them before they're gone"
• Referral pressure: "Share with 5 friends to get free item" — turns customers into recruiters

Calculate Your Real Temu Spending