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Account Deletion

Last Updated: February 2, 2026

Learn how to permanently delete your CADENSA account and all associated data.


Overview

CADENSA provides a 7-day grace period for account deletion, giving you time to change your mind before your data is permanently removed.

GDPR Compliance: This implements your Right to Erasure (GDPR Article 17).


Before You Delete

Permanent Action

After 7 days, account deletion is irreversible. All your data will be permanently removed and cannot be recovered.

Consider Alternatives:

  1. Export Your Data First: Download a backup before deletion
  • Navigate to Settings → Privacy → Export Data
  • Choose JSON or CSV format
  • Save file to your computer
  1. Pause Subscription: If you're on a paid plan, consider downgrading to FREE instead
  • Navigate to Settings → Billing → Manage Plan
  • Downgrade to FREE tier
  • Keep your data and account
  1. Restrict Processing: Temporary freeze instead of deletion
  • Navigate to Settings → Privacy → GDPR Rights
  • Request Data Processing Restriction
  • Can be lifted anytime

Deletion Process

Phase 1: Immediate Effect (0-7 days)

When you request account deletion:

  1. Account marked for deletion
  • Scheduled deletion date set (7 days from now)
  • Deletion countdown timer visible in Settings
  1. Email confirmation sent
  • Subject: "Account Deletion Request - 7 Days to Cancel"
  • Contains deletion date and cancellation link
  • Check your inbox (and spam folder)
  1. Limited access
  • You can still log in
  • View-only mode (no creating/editing)
  • Can export data
  • Can cancel deletion
  1. Daily reminders
  • Day 1, 3, 6: Email reminders
  • Each email contains cancellation link

Phase 2: Permanent Deletion (After 7 days)

After the 7-day grace period:

  1. All data permanently deleted:
  • Profile information
  • Time tracking entries
  • Projects and tasks
  • Reports and analytics
  • Invoices and payment history
  • Email preferences
  • Audit logs
  1. Account cannot be recovered
  • Email address released (can be re-registered)
  • No backup exists
  • Cannot undo deletion
  1. Exceptions (Legal Requirements):
  • Time entry data: Retained 8 years (anonymized, Accounting Act)
  • Timestamps and durations only
  • No personal identifiers
  • Billing records: Removed from Cadensa systems. VAT invoices issued via external providers (e.g. Billingo) remain in those systems — their retention obligations apply.
  • Security logs: Retained 90 days
  • IP addresses from failed login attempts
  • Required for fraud prevention

How to Delete Your Account

Step 1: Navigate to Danger Zone

  1. Log in to your CADENSA account
  2. Click your profile picture (top-right)
  3. Select "Settings"
  4. Navigate to "Danger Zone" (bottom of sidebar)

Step 2: Request Deletion

  1. Scroll to "Delete Account" section
  2. Read the warning carefully
  3. Click "Delete Account" button
  4. A confirmation dialog appears

Step 3: Confirm with Password

  1. Enter your current password
  2. Type "DELETE" in the confirmation field (case-sensitive)
  3. Optional: Provide reason for deletion (helps us improve)
  4. Click "Confirm Deletion"

Step 4: Check Email

  1. Check your email inbox
  2. Subject: "Account Deletion Request - 7 Days to Cancel"
  3. Save this email (contains cancellation link)
  4. Email contains:
  • Deletion scheduled date
  • Cancellation link (valid for 7 days)
  • Support contact information

How to Cancel Deletion

If you change your mind within 7 days:

  1. Open the deletion confirmation email
  2. Click "Cancel Deletion" button
  3. Confirm cancellation
  4. Account immediately restored to full functionality

Method 2: Settings Menu

  1. Log in to your account
  2. Navigate to Settings → Danger Zone
  3. Click "Cancel Account Deletion" button
  4. Confirm cancellation
  5. Account immediately restored

Method 3: Contact Support

If the above methods don't work:

  • Email: support@cadensa.io
  • Include: Your email address and "Cancel Deletion" in subject
  • Response time: Within 24 hours

What Gets Deleted

Permanently Deleted

Data TypeDescriptionRecovery
ProfileName, email, phone, avatar No
Time EntriesAll start/stop times, descriptions No
ProjectsProject names, budgets, members No
WorkspacesWorkspace settings, permissions No
ReportsGenerated reports, analytics No
InvoicesInvoice PDFs, payment history No
PreferencesEmail settings, notifications No
Audit LogsUser activity logs No
Data TypeRetention PeriodReasonFormat
Time Entry Data8 yearsAccounting Act (anonymized timestamps)Anonymized
Security Logs90 daysFraud preventionIP addresses only
Stripe Payment IDsPer Stripe policyPayment processor requirementTransaction IDs

Note on billing records: Invoice references are removed from Cadensa systems on account deletion. Actual VAT invoices issued via external billing providers (e.g. Billingo) remain in those systems subject to their own retention obligations — Cadensa does not retain copies.


Timeline Example

Day 0 (Today):

  • You request account deletion
  • Email confirmation sent
  • 7-day countdown starts

Day 1:

  • Reminder email: "6 days left to cancel"
  • Account still accessible (view-only)

Day 3:

  • Reminder email: "4 days left to cancel"
  • Can still cancel via email link

Day 6:

  • Final reminder: "24 hours left to cancel"
  • Last chance to cancel

Day 7 (Deletion Date):

  • Account permanently deleted at 00:00 UTC
  • Email confirmation: "Account Deleted"
  • No recovery possible

FAQ

Can I delete my account immediately without waiting 7 days?

No. The 7-day grace period is mandatory for your protection. This prevents accidental deletions and gives you time to reconsider.

What happens to my paid subscription?

  • Active subscription: Cancelled immediately, no refund for remaining time
  • Trial period: Cancelled, no charges
  • Annual plan: Cancelled, no pro-rated refund

Consider pausing or downgrading instead of deleting.

Can I re-register with the same email after deletion?

Yes, but only after 7 days. After permanent deletion, your email address is released and can be re-registered as a new account (with no connection to old data).

What about data in team workspaces?

  • Your personal data: Deleted
  • Workspace data you created: Transferred to workspace owner
  • Shared projects: Remain accessible to team members
  • Your time entries: Anonymized (changed to "Former User")

Do I get a confirmation when deletion is complete?

Yes. On Day 7, you receive a final email confirming permanent deletion.

Can I export my data after deletion?

No. Once deleted, data cannot be exported. Export before requesting deletion!

What if I forgot to export my data?

You have 7 days to log in, cancel deletion, export your data, and then request deletion again.


Troubleshooting

I didn't receive the deletion confirmation email

  1. Check spam folder (subject: "Account Deletion Request")
  2. Wait 5 minutes (email delivery can be delayed)
  3. Contact support: support@cadensa.io

I can't log in during the grace period

  1. Check password (try password reset)
  2. Verify email address (might have typo)
  3. Contact support: support@cadensa.io with "Cannot access deletion grace period"
  1. Try Settings menu instead (Method 2 above)
  2. Clear browser cache and cookies
  3. Contact support immediately: support@cadensa.io

I cancelled deletion but still see "Account Deletion Scheduled"

  1. Refresh browser (Ctrl+F5 or Cmd+Shift+R)
  2. Log out and log back in
  3. Wait 5 minutes for system update
  4. Still broken? Contact support@cadensa.io

Need Help?

Before Deleting:

After Requesting Deletion:

  • Email: support@cadensa.io
  • Include "Account Deletion" in subject
  • Response time: Within 24 hours

Emergency Cancellation:



Legal Reference: This implements GDPR Article 17 (Right to Erasure). For full legal text, see our Privacy Policy.