REDnote, also called Xiaohongshu, is becoming very popular in the U.S., especially with TikTok being banned in some places. This app mixes a Pinterest-style layout with TikTok-like short videos, giving users something new and exciting. While many like REDnote, some people may feel it’s not for them or worry about their privacy, leading them to think about deleting their accounts.
Even though REDnote is gaining more users, there are some concerns to keep in mind. The app is owned by a Chinese company, mostly uses Mandarin, and requires a phone number to change your username. But the biggest issue is how hard it can be to delete your account. Once you’ve signed up, the process of removing your account can be frustrating and full of problems.
If you’ve decided to delete your REDnote account, this guide is for you. While the steps to delete it are simple, you might face issues that make it harder. To help you out, there’s a separate section below explaining the most common problems and how to deal with them.
How to Delete a REDnote Account
- Open the REDnote app installed on your device and make sure it is logged in
- Tap on the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top left corner.
- From the menu, scroll down and select Settings at the bottom of the screen.
- In the next screen, tap on Account Security.
- At the bottom of the next screen, you’ll see an option called Account Cancellation. Select it to proceed.
- The new screen will display text in Mandarin. Check the box next to the Terms and Conditions option and tap the red button at the bottom.
- You’ll now be asked to select a reason for deleting your account. This step is also in Mandarin, but you can select any option and click the red button.
- After making your choice, tap the red confirmation popup button to confirm your decision.
Your account should be deleted shortly after completing these steps. Keep in mind, however, that some users encounter issues during this process, which may be due to problems with the app itself and not the language barrier.
Problems When Deleting a REDnote Account
You might face a few issues when trying to delete your REDnote account:
Web Page Not Available
Sometimes, when you tap on the Account Cancellation option, you may see a “Web page not available” error. If this happens, wait for some time and try again later.
Verification Issues in Mandarin
Another problem you might encounter is a screen with two options written in Mandarin:
- Facial Recognition Verification
- National Online Identity Verification
Unfortunately, these options aren’t helpful for deleting your account. The Facial Recognition Verification option may ask for your real name and ID number, which isn’t applicable for non-Chinese users. The second option often doesn’t work at all.
Phone Number Requirement
It didn’t ask us for a phone number or OTP during the deletion process, possibly because we logged in using a Google account. However, if you signed up using a phone number or other methods, the app might require you to verify your phone number and enter an OTP to delete your account.
So, it raises concerns about privacy, as REDnote requires your phone number to process the deletion.
While this might feel suspicious, especially given REDnote’s Chinese ownership, many apps use similar tactics. Unfortunately, there isn’t much you can do about it, aside from following the steps provided to complete the account deletion process.
Uninstalling the App as an Option
If you prefer a simpler solution, you can just uninstall the REDnote app from your phone instead of deleting your REDnote account. This will stop the app from collecting any new data from you. However, we’re not sure if REDnote deletes your account and personal information after you request cancellation through the app.
So, if you are facing issues in deleting your REDnote app account or plan to use the app in the future, uninstalling the app is a good option, as it keeps your account accessible. But if you’re worried about privacy and don’t want to use the app anymore, deleting your account completely is the better choice.
Is REDnote Safe App to Use?
REDnote, a Chinese-made alternative to TikTok, has gained surprising popularity over platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and Elon Musk’s X. While many users moved away from TikTok due to its Chinese ownership and concerns about data sharing or government influence, REDnote raises similar questions. The app’s rapid growth has brought attention to how it handles user data and whether privacy risks are being overlooked.
When signing up for REDnote, you can create an account using your Apple ID (on iOS), Google account (on Android), or your mobile number with an OTP. However, the app collects a significant amount of personal information during this process.
According to reports, REDnote collects large amounts of sensitive data, including users’ locations, browsing habits, and device information like IP addresses. Unlike TikTok, REDnote’s terms and conditions are mostly in Mandarin, making it difficult for non-Chinese users to understand its data practices. This lack of transparency has raised concerns about how user information is handled.
Reports also note that the app shares collected information with third-party providers and government authorities, raising further privacy and security concerns.
While REDnote’s features may appeal to TikTok users, these privacy and transparency issues make it a risky choice. Users are advised to limit shared information and carefully review the app’s privacy settings.
