How to Remove Yourself from Intelius in 2026
Removing yourself from Intelius is something many people consider when they realize how much personal data the platform collects. Intelius stores your activity history, personal information, and behavioral data that builds a detailed profile over time. This guide walks you through every step of the removal process, what to expect during the waiting period, and what data Intelius may retain even after you complete the process. We also cover how to download your data before you begin.
Step-by-Step Guide
1Download Your Data First
Before you submit your removal request, download a copy of all your Intelius data. Search for your profile on the site to confirm what information they have about you. Take screenshots of everything listed. This step is important because once deletion is complete, you will not be able to recover any of this information.
2Find Your Profile
Go to Intelius's website and search for your name. You may need to try variations of your name, previous addresses, and phone numbers to find all profiles associated with you. Data brokers often have multiple listings for the same person. Note down the URLs of every profile you find so you can request removal for each one.
3Submit Removal Request
Look for an "Opt Out" or "Remove My Information" link, usually found in the footer or privacy policy page of Intelius. Fill out the removal form with your exact information as it appears on the listing. Some data brokers require email verification before processing your request. Keep records of your submission including confirmation numbers and dates.
4Verify Your Identity
Intelius may ask you to verify your identity before processing the removal. This could involve providing a photo of your ID, answering security questions, or confirming via email. While it feels counterintuitive to provide more personal information, this step prevents unauthorized removal of someone else's data. Only provide the minimum information required for verification.
5Follow Up and Monitor
After submitting your removal request, check back in 2 to 4 weeks to verify your profile has been removed. Data brokers often re-add profiles from their data sources, so you may need to repeat this process periodically. Consider using an automated removal service to handle ongoing monitoring. Set a calendar reminder to check quarterly.
Data Retention Policy
Intelius typically retains some data even after account deletion or removal. Data brokers may re-add your information from public records and other sources within weeks of removal. Review their privacy policy for specific retention timelines.
What they still keep:
- They may re-add your profile from updated public records
- Anonymized or aggregated analytics data
- Legal and regulatory compliance records
- Backup copies may persist for up to 90 days on their servers
DSAR/GDPR email: privacy@intelius.com
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to remove myself from Intelius?
The removal process typically takes 2 to 6 weeks after submission. Some data brokers process requests within 48 hours while others take the full period allowed by law. In California, the CCPA requires removal within 45 days. Check back periodically because data brokers frequently re-add profiles from updated sources.
Can I recover my Intelius account after deletion?
Data broker removal is not permanent in most cases. Your information may reappear within weeks or months as brokers update their databases from public records, marketing lists, and other sources. This is why ongoing monitoring and repeated removal requests are necessary for long-term privacy.
Does Intelius really delete all my data?
No platform deletes 100% of your data immediately. Intelius retains anonymized analytics, legal compliance records, and financial transaction history as required by law. Messages you sent to other users remain in their accounts. Server backups may contain your data for up to 90 days after final deletion. However, the personal profile data and activity history that identifies you should be fully removed.