Contemplating giving up your AWS account? Deactivating an Amazon account may not only be required when changing service providers, reducing expenses, or terminating a project. If you truly intend to leave, knowing how to deactivate your AWS account the correct way is vital. It isn’t as simple as clicking a single button—you have to ensure everything is “cleaned up” properly to avoid additional costs being levied, data being permanently erased, or security risks being exposed.
AWS (Amazon Web Services) offers a wide range of services, from EC2 virtual machines to S3 storage buckets. If any of these are left running when you deactivate, you might still get billed. That’s why this guide is built to walk you through everything you need to know before, during, and after deactivating your AWS account—step by step.
This article is for:
- Beginners unsure where to start
- Developers managing multiple accounts
- Anyone using the AWS Free Tier but worried about hidden costs
Let’s break it all down.
Before You Deactivate Your AWS Account
Before you even touch the “Close Account” button, there are a few critical tasks you must take care of. Skipping these could leave you with charges or worse—lost data.
Understand the Consequences
Deactivating an AWS account means:
- Permanent deletion of all data (after a short grace period)
- Loss of access to services, billing history, and logs
- Inability to use your existing AWS account ID or email again for a new account (in some cases)
Make sure you really want to shut it down, not just pause or scale back services.
Final Billing and Charges
AWS bills monthly, and charges may appear even after deactivation. Why? Because:
- Some services bill after usage (like bandwidth or EC2 hours)
- You may have Marketplace software with delayed charges
- Partial-month usage is billed in full
Make sure your billing dashboard is clean before proceeding:
- Go to AWS Billing Dashboard
- Review last 3 months of charges
- Check for pending Marketplace or Reserved Instance fees
Backup Important Data and Snapshots
Your data will be deleted permanently once the account is closed. That includes:
- EC2 snapshots
- S3 bucket contents
- RDS databases
- Logs from CloudWatch or CloudTrail
Download and archive everything you might need. Use:
- AWS CLI or S3 web interface for file downloads
- Export RDS databases as SQL backups
- Use AWS DataSync or third-party tools if dealing with large volumes
Cancel All AWS Subscriptions and Services
Don’t rely on AWS to do this for you. Manually cancel:
- EC2 instances (stop and terminate them)
- Auto Scaling groups
- Lambda functions and scheduled triggers
- Lightsail services
- Marketplace subscriptions
To be extra safe, go to Billing > Cost Explorer > Service Usage and ensure usage is at zero.
Step-by-Step: How to Deactivate AWS Account
Now that you’ve prepped everything, here’s exactly how to deactivate your AWS account.
Step 1: Log in with Root User Credentials
AWS only allows account deactivation from the root user account, not IAM users. This is the email address you used when first signing up for AWS.
Go to: aws.amazon.com
Click Sign In > Root User
Enter your account email and password.
Make sure you have:
- Access to your registered email
- MFA (Multi-Factor Authentication) device ready, if enabled
Step 2: Verify All Services Are Terminated
Use the AWS Resource Explorer or Billing Dashboard to make sure:
- No EC2, RDS, S3, or Lambda resources are active
- No active Reserved Instances or Support Plans
- No active IAM users with access keys still enabled
This ensures you’re not billed after closure.
Step 3: Navigate to “My Account” Page
Once logged in:
- Hover over your account name in the top-right corner
- Click “My Account”
Scroll down to the “Close Account” section at the bottom.
Step 4: Close Your AWS Account
- Read the on-screen terms and conditions
- Check all acknowledgment boxes
- Click “Close Account”
You’ll see a confirmation notice that your account has been scheduled for closure.
Step 5: Confirm Closure via Email
AWS will send a confirmation email to your root account email. Open it and verify closure to complete the process.
Important: Your account stays open for 90 days for data recovery or billing closure. After that, it’s gone for good.
What Happens After You Deactivate Your AWS Account
Once closed, here’s what to expect.
Data Deletion Timeline
Your data isn’t wiped instantly—but it will be soon:
- Most services delete data within 30–60 days
- Some logs and metadata may remain for up to 90 days for compliance reasons
- Backups and snapshots are deleted if stored within the account
Once the grace period ends, recovery becomes impossible.
Access Restrictions
You won’t be able to:
- Sign in to AWS Console
- Use AWS CLI or SDKs
- Reopen the account without AWS Support assistance
Even the AWS support center may become inaccessible.
Billing Stops Immediately, But Final Charges May Remain
After deactivation, no new charges accumulate. However:
- Any outstanding usage charges still apply
- You may see a final bill a few days later
- Refunds are not guaranteed unless initiated manually
Keep an eye on your linked payment method for 1–2 weeks.
AWS Free Tier and Account Deactivation
How Free Tier Users Are Affected
Even if you’re on the Free Tier, deactivating your account is wise once you’re done. Free tier limits reset monthly—but if you accidentally exceed them:
- You will be billed (yes, even on Free Tier)
- These bills often go unnoticed until they grow
Avoiding Unexpected Charges After Inactivity
Many users assume “not using AWS” means no charges. Wrong. Services like:
- S3 storage
- RDS instances
- Route 53 DNS zones
…can keep incurring costs even if unused. That’s why deactivation is your safety net.
Common Problems When Deactivating an AWS Account
Even though AWS has made closing an account more straightforward over the years, many users still encounter snags. Let’s go over the most frequent issues and how to fix them.
Can’t Find the Closure Option
A common headache—users can’t locate the “Close Account” button. Here’s why that might happen:
- You’re signed in as an IAM user, not the root user. IAM users don’t have permission to close accounts.
- Account is part of an AWS Organization and has dependencies (more on that in the next section).
- Region mismatch: Sometimes, resources in non-default regions remain active and prevent closure.
Fix:
- Sign in with your root user email.
- Navigate directly to: https://console.aws.amazon.com/billing/home?#/account
- Scroll to the bottom for the closure section.
If the button is still missing, contact AWS Support.
Linked Accounts in AWS Organizations
If your account is managed under an AWS Organization (either as a master or member), deactivation involves more steps:
- Member accounts can’t be closed directly. They must first be removed from the organization.
- Master accounts must detach all linked accounts before closure.
Steps to resolve:
- Log into the Organization Management Console.
- Remove member accounts.
- Then proceed to close the master account as described earlier.
Failing to do this may block deactivation altogether.
Active Support Plans or Marketplace Subscriptions
You can’t close your account if:
- You’re subscribed to AWS Support plans (Developer, Business, Enterprise).
- You have ongoing Marketplace subscriptions.
Fix:
- Go to Billing Dashboard > Support Plans → Downgrade to Basic.
- Cancel any Marketplace products by visiting: https://aws.amazon.com/marketplace
Be sure to terminate services like Bitnami, third-party AMIs, or SaaS offerings.
Can You Reactivate a Closed AWS Account?
The short answer is: sometimes, but not always.
Reopening Timeframe (Within 90 Days)
AWS keeps the deactivated account in a “suspended” state for 90 days. During this time, you may be able to reopen it if:
- No data has been permanently deleted yet.
- You contact AWS Support and provide proper authorization.
This isn’t a guaranteed recovery path, though—especially if data deletion has already begun.
To try reactivation:
- Visit https://support.aws.amazon.com/
- Open a case under “Account and Billing Support”
- Request account reactivation with your registered email and root user info
Limitations and What You Lose
Even if AWS agrees to reactivate:
- You may not get your old data back.
- Some services (especially time-sensitive ones like Lambda or EC2 snapshots) might already be deleted.
- Reserved IPs, storage allocations, and Marketplace licenses are often lost permanently.
So unless it’s an emergency, don’t rely on reactivation. Instead, delay closure until you’re 100% sure.
Best Practices for Secure AWS Account Deactivation
Security doesn’t stop at just pressing “Close Account.” You want to ensure your credentials, payment methods, and user permissions don’t fall into the wrong hands.
Revoke Access Keys and IAM Roles
Even if you plan to close the account, it’s smart to disable:
- API access keys
- SSH key pairs
- IAM roles and federated identity providers
Here’s how:
- Navigate to IAM Console
- Select each IAM user → Disable or delete access keys
- Check for lingering programmatic access via CLI or SDKs
Remove Billing Methods
AWS doesn’t allow you to delete your primary payment method, but you can:
- Remove secondary credit cards
- Change billing address or contact info
- Monitor your payment activity for a few weeks post-closure
This protects you in case of account hijacking attempts.
Audit and Delete IAM Users
IAM users may continue accessing services—even if you forget they exist. Before closing the account:
- Go to IAM Console > Users
- Remove all roles, groups, and policies
- Delete the users entirely
Also, check for old access keys or forgotten service-linked roles.
Deactivating vs Deleting Resources Only
Deactivation is permanent, while deleting services just stops the charges temporarily. If you’re not 100% sure about closing the account, this distinction matters.
What If You Just Want to Pause AWS Services?
Here’s what you can do instead:
- Stop EC2 and RDS instances
- Delete unused S3 buckets
- Disable Lambda triggers
- Detach EBS volumes (but store them)
This allows you to preserve your AWS account without getting billed for idle resources.
Difference Between Resource Deletion and Full Closure
| Action | Impact | Can Be Undone? |
|---|---|---|
| Deleting Services | Stops billing for that service | Yes |
| Closing AWS Account | Deletes all data, access, history | No (usually) |
So if you’re just taking a break, deletion is safer.
Deactivation for AWS Organizations (Master and Member Accounts)
Managing AWS accounts under an AWS Organization adds another layer of complexity when it comes to deactivation. Whether you’re the management (formerly master) account or part of a multi-account structure, there are a few critical actions to take.
Extra Steps if Your Account Is Part of an Organization
If your AWS account is part of an Organization:
- Member accounts can’t be closed until they’re removed from the organization.
- The management account can’t be closed if other member accounts still exist.
Steps to Remove a Member Account:
- Log in as the organization’s root user.
- Go to the AWS Organizations dashboard.
- Choose the account to remove.
- Select “Remove from organization.”
Once the account is standalone, you can proceed with the normal closure process.
Removing or Closing Member Accounts
If you’re managing multiple member accounts, repeat the following for each:
- Verify the account is no longer needed.
- Ensure all services and resources are terminated.
- Back up data if necessary.
- Remove the account from the Organization.
- Log in with the root user credentials of the member account and close it individually.
Remember, AWS doesn’t allow bulk account deletion. Each one must be handled separately.
Alternatives to Full Deactivation
Not sure about closing your AWS account permanently? There are safer, reversible alternatives you might consider.
Downgrading to Free Tier
Many users can reduce or eliminate charges by staying within AWS Free Tier limits. Here’s how:
- Use only services that fall under free tier caps (e.g., 750 hours/month of t2.micro EC2 usage).
- Avoid high-cost services like NAT Gateways, Glacier retrievals, or Load Balancers.
- Delete unused resources or move to cheaper regions (e.g., US East 1).
To downgrade:
- Terminate all paid services.
- Monitor usage via the Cost Explorer.
- Stay logged into your account and ensure you don’t exceed limits.
This is a great option if you want to keep the account but stop paying.
Turning Off Services and Monitoring Charges
Instead of closing the account, turn off all services and set up:
- Billing alerts: Get notified if your spending exceeds $1 or any custom threshold.
- Budgets in the Billing Console: Track and control costs easily.
- AWS Cost Anomaly Detection: Spot any unusual billing patterns.
This helps you keep your account alive for occasional use without risking surprise charges.
Final Checklist Before Deactivating
Before you hit the final button, make sure you’ve completed everything below:
✅ Signed in with root user credentials
✅ Backed up all data from S3, RDS, EC2, etc.
✅ Terminated all running services
✅ Cancelled Support Plans and Marketplace subscriptions
✅ Deleted IAM users, roles, and access keys
✅ Removed account from any AWS Organizations
✅ Verified no charges remain in the Billing Console
✅ Received email confirmation of account closure
Use this checklist as a safety net. It ensures a clean, final departure from AWS without headaches later.
Conclusion
As demonstrated in this walkthrough, closing your AWS account does not need to be a cumbersome task. From recourse clean-up to shutting the account down, this guide should help you manage AWS safely without incurring additional data costs, unwanted charges, or other complications.
An efficient exit strategy on AWS, similar to their streamlined onboarding process, becomes critical during cloud migrations, project completions, and scaling down, or right-sizing.
For those reluctant to take the plunge down the account deletion route, AWS offers pausing services or downgrading to free-tier options that are equally compelling. Be certain to understand your goals and the resulting consequences of these decisions beforehand.
FAQs
1. How long does AWS take to deactivate my account?
Typically, your account is immediately marked for closure. However, data deletion and final billing may continue for up to 90 days.
2. Will I still be charged after deactivation?
No new charges occur after closing your account, but you may receive a final bill for previous usage.
3. Can I recover my account after 90 days?
Usually not. AWS purges your data and account access permanently after 90 days.
4. What if I have multiple AWS accounts?
Each AWS account must be closed individually. There’s no bulk closure option, even under AWS Organizations.
5. Is it better to delete services instead of closing the account?
Yes, if you think you might return or want to avoid re-registration issues. Just delete all services and monitor costs instead of full closure.