The Connection Between OKX KYC Verification and Account Cancellation
An account that has passed KYC verification cannot be directly deleted, but it can be frozen. Once identity verification is completed, your personal information will be permanently retained in the system and cannot be revoked or replaced. The only way to clear this information is to cancel the account entirely, and this action is irreversible.
A leading global cryptocurrency platform,suitable for both beginners and experienced traders.
New user benefit: 20% off trading fees upon registration!！
Step 1: Understand the Relationship Between KYC and Cancellation First
After KYC verification is approved, your identity information (name, ID document number, etc.) is locked into the OKX system. The platform explicitly states: Once verification is successful, the identity information cannot be cancelled or modified.
This means:
You cannot revoke the verification – Once KYC is passed, you cannot return to an unverified state.
You cannot change the verified identity – User A's verification details cannot be switched to User B's.
You only have two options: freezing or cancelling the account.
What counts as completion: Understanding that once KYC information is submitted and approved, it is permanent, and there is no operation to revoke the verification.
Step 2: Don't Want to Use It Anymore? Pick One of Two Paths
Scenario A – Want to temporarily stop using it and might use it later: Choose Freeze Account.
After freezing, the account cannot be logged into, but data is retained.
You can later contact customer support to unfreeze and restore it.
Accounts that have completed identity verification support freezing, but do not support direct closure.
How to do it: In the App, go to [Profile] → [Security Settings] → [Account Management] → [Freeze/Close Account] → select [Freeze Account].
Scenario B – Definitely no longer using it and want to wipe data: Choose Cancel Account (permanent deletion).
After cancellation, the account and all data will be permanently deleted and cannot be recovered.
You need to complete the following preparations first:
Clear all assets – withdraw all cryptocurrencies and fiat balances.
Close all positions – close leverage and contract holdings, redeem any investment products.
Cancel all pending orders.
Delete API keys.
After submitting the cancellation request, there is a 7-day cooling-off period during which it can be withdrawn.
Once cancellation is successful, identity information is removed from the system.
What counts as completion: Based on your needs, you have chosen either freezing or cancellation.
Step 3: Can I Re-register After Cancellation?
Yes. After the account cancellation is successful, the original phone number, email, and identity information can be used to register a new account.
But note the following:
Data after cancellation cannot be recovered; transaction history and everything else are completely erased.
A newly registered account must complete KYC verification again; the previous verification information cannot be reused.
If the old account was cancelled due to rule violations, the new registration may still be restricted.
What counts as completion: Understanding the rules and limitations of re-registering after cancellation.
Common Misconceptions
You can call customer service to cancel KYC verification after it's done: No. Customer service cannot revoke verification on your behalf; only the user can initiate an account freeze or cancellation.
Freezing the account is the same as cancelling it: No. Freezing is a temporary suspension; cancellation is permanent deletion, and the latter is irreversible.
Can the identity information be used after cancellation: Yes. After a successful cancellation, the same ID document can be used to register a new account again.
A leading global cryptocurrency platform,suitable for both beginners and experienced traders.
New user benefit: 20% off trading fees upon registration!！
Risk Reminders
After a verified account is cancelled, although the identity information can be used to re-register, device ID and IP segments may have correlation detection mechanisms. A new account could be flagged if it triggers risk controls.
After submitting a cancellation request, there is a 7-day cooling-off period during which it can be withdrawn; it takes effect automatically after the period expires.
Before cancelling, make absolutely sure all assets have been transferred out – recovery is impossible after cancellation.
Go to [Security Settings] - [Account Management] and first decide whether you need to freeze or cancel. If you're only temporarily stepping away, choose freeze, and you can restore it later. If you've decided to permanently delete, clear all assets and close all positions first, then submit the cancellation request.
