Shopping on AliExpress often require identification confirmation - especially when paying with bank cards, processing returns or participating in promotions. However, after verification, many users are faced with the question: how to delete downloaded passport data from their profile? On Android smartphones this process has its own nuances related to the application version, regional settings and platform security policy.
In this article you will find detailed instructions how to delete passport data directly from a mobile device, alternative methods through the browser, as well as protection tips confidential information. We will look at why data may remain in the system even after attempting to delete it, and what to do if the option is not available in your account. Important: the procedure may differ depending on version of the AliExpress application and the country of registration - more about this in the relevant sections.
Why do passport data remain in AliExpress and can they be deleted?
According AliExpress privacy policy, user passport data is stored to confirm identity during financial transactions and comply with international anti-fraud standards. However, after verification, not all data can be instantly deleted. Here are the key reasons:
- ๐ Legal requirements: In some countries (for example, in Russia or the EU), marketplaces are required to store customer documents for a certain period for tax accounting.
- ๐ Active orders or returns: If you have unfinished transactions, data may be blocked until they are closed.
- ๐ก๏ธ Account security: The system can temporarily store copies of documents to protect against unauthorized access.
Is it possible to delete data completely? Yes, but with reservations:
- โ Manual deletion Available for most users through profile settings.
- โ Automatic erasure is not provided - manual action is required.
- โณ Processing delay: After request for deletion, data may remain in the system for up to 30 days.
โ ๏ธ Attention: If you used your passport to verify a payment method (for example, linking a bank card), deleting it may block access to this payment method. Before the procedure, make sure that you have alternative payment options.
Preparing for deletion: what you need to do before starting the procedure
Before you begin deleting passport data, take several critical steps. This will help avoid account blocking or loss of access to functions AliExpress:
- Check active orders: Make sure that you do not have open transactions, returns or disputes. Go to
My orders โ All ordersand complete all transactions. - Save a backup copy: Take a photo or copy important data from your profile (delivery addresses, list of favorite products), as after changes you may need to repeat verification.
- Unlink bank cards (optional): If your passport is linked to a payment method, temporarily unlink the card in
Settings โ Payments and wallets.
Critical: If your account is verified through Passport to participate in the app AliExpress Select or other exclusive promotions, deleting it may prevent you from accessing these features. In this case, consider an alternative hiding data rather than completely deleting it (more on this in the next section).
Step-by-step guide: how to delete passport data through the AliExpress app on Android
The most reliable way is to use the official application AliExpress on Android. Follow these instructions:
- Open the application and log in to your account.
- Go to
Profile โ account settings(gear icon in the upper right corner). - Select item
Data management โ Personal data. - Find section
Documents for verification(orPassport dataโthe name may differ). - Click on
DeleteorEdit, then select the delete option. - Confirm the action via SMS or email (if required).
If the button Delete is inactive or missing, try alternative methods:
- ๐ Through a browser: Open the mobile or desktop version of the site AliExpress and repeat the steps in the section
Account Settings. - ๐ง Contact support: Write to the support service via
Profile โ Help โ Contact uswith a request to delete the data manually.
โ๏ธ Preparing to delete passport data
โ ๏ธ Attention: In some regions (for example, China or Hong Kong), the function of self-deletion of passport data may be limited due to local laws. In this case, the only option is to contact support with an official request for deletion according to GDPR (for users from the EU) or similar local regulations.
What to do if the โDeleteโ button is inactive or missing?
The situation when the option deleting passport data is not available, it occurs quite often. Here are possible reasons and solutions:
| Cause | Solution |
|---|---|
| The account has been verified to participate in promotions | Unsubscribe from the apps in Profile โ My privileges and try again. |
| Recently confirmed identity (less than 30 days ago) | Wait 30 days - the restriction may be temporary. |
| Regional restrictions | Try changing the region in your account settings or contact support. |
| Technical problems with the application | Clear the application cache in the Android settings or reinstall it. |
If none of the methods worked, compose official request for deletion via the feedback form:
- Go to
Profile โ Help โ Contact us. - Select a category
Account and security. - Indicate in the message: โPlease remove my passport data from the system in accordance with the privacy policy. Account number: [your ID]."
- Attach a screenshot of the section with passport data (if possible).
If support responds with template messages, specify in the response that you require deletion on the basis st. 17 GDPR (for users from the EU) or similar local law. This will speed up the processing of the request.
How to check whether the data has really been deleted?
Deleting passport data does not always happen instantly. Here's how to make sure that the information is really erased from the system:
- ๐ Check in profile: Return to the section
Personal dataโif the passport fields are empty or there is no mention of verification, the data is deleted. - ๐ฉ Letter from support: After processing the request, you should receive a confirmation email notification.
- ๐ Test order: Try placing an order with payment by credit card - if the system does not require re-verification, the data is most likely deleted.
If you suspect that the data is still stored in the system (for example, when re-verification they are loaded automatically), do the following actions:
- Contact support and request processing logs your deletion request.
- Check
Settings โ Activity historyfor references to passport data. - Use data leak checking tools (for example, Have I Been Pwned) to make sure that your data is not publicly available.
โ ๏ธ Attention: Even after successful deletion, passport data can remain in archived copies of the system AliExpress up to 90 days. This is standard practice for backups. If this bothers you, consider creating a new account with a different email.
Alternative methods of data protection: what to do if you cannot delete your passport?
If deleting passport data is impossible for technical or legal reasons, use alternative methods of protection:
- ๐ Two-factor authentication (2FA): Enable it in
Settings โ Securityto minimize the risk of data leakage. - ๐ฑ Restricting application access: In Android settings, deny AliExpress access to contacts, photos and files (
Settings โ Applications โ AliExpress โ Permissions). - ๐ก๏ธ Using a virtual card: Use virtual cards for payment (for example, from Revolut or Tinkoff), not linked to the main account.
- ๐ Changing the account region: If your region has strict data storage rules, create a new account linked to a country with more liberal legislation (for example, the USA or Canada).
Also consider the possibility of partially hiding data:
- In the section
Personal datareplace the uploaded passport scans with crossed out or edited versions (for example, with a closed document number). - Delete all additional documents (for example, scans of visas or driver's licenses), leaving only the required ones.
What to do if the data is stolen?
If you suspect a leak of passport data, immediately:
1 Block the document through the portal. State services (for the Russian Federation) or local registry.
2. File a fraud report.
3. Contact the bank to block the linked cards.
4. Change the passwords for all accounts where this document was used.
How to avoid repeated leakage data on AliExpress?
To minimize risks in the future, follow these rules:
- ๐ซ Do not use original documents: For verification, upload scans with a reduced resolution or partially edited (for example, with a closed photo).
- ๐ Regularly update your password: Change it once every 3 months, using password managers (for example, Bitwarden or 1Password).
- ๐ต Limit access to your account: Do not log in AliExpress on public devices or via public Wi-Fi.
- ๐ Monitor activity: Check the section
Activity historyfor suspicious activities (unfamiliar devices, unauthorized logins).
If you often need verification (for example, to participate in promotions), create a separate account specially for such cases. Use for it:
- Separate. email (for example, on ProtonMail).
- Virtual phone number (services like SMS-Activate).
- Edited scans of documents (without critical data).
Even after deleting passport data, the risk of leakage remains if you continue to use weak passwords or log into your account on unsecured devices. A comprehensive approach to security is the only a reliable method of protection.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about deleting passport data from AliExpress
Is it possible to delete passport data if the account is linked to a bank card?
Yes, but after deletion, re-verification may be required for the next payment. Some banks (for example, Sberbank or Tinkoff) require identification confirmation with each new device or IP address. If the card is linked to the passport directly (for example, through the service AliPay), it will have to be unlinked before deleting the data.
How long does it take to process a deletion request?
The standard period is up to 30 days. In some cases (for example, with active disputes or returns), processing may take up to 90 days. You will receive a notification by email after the procedure is completed. If you have not received a response, check your folder. data-i="233">or contact support again. Spam or contact support again.
Will the entire account be deleted if I delete my passport data?
No, deleting passport data does not lead to account deletion. However, if the passport was the only confirmed document, some functions (for example, participation in promotions or payment using certain methods) may become unavailable. In this case, the system may be asked to undergo verification again.
Is it possible to delete data through a computer if it doesnโt work on the phone?
Yes, the functionality of the web version AliExpress is often wider than in the mobile application. Try performing the same steps through a browser. PC:
- Go to the website AliExpress and log in.
- Open
Account Settings โ Personal Data. - Find the section with documents and click
Delete.
If the option is not available here, contact support indicating that the mobile application is not provides deletion options.
What to do if support refuses to delete data?
If support ignores your requests or refuses without explanation, proceed as follows:
- Refer to Article 17 GDPR (for EU users) or similar laws in your country (for example FZ-152 for Russia).
- Write a complaint to Roskomnadzor (for the Russian Federation) or your local data protection regulator.
- Publish a review about the problem on thematic forums (for example, on Reddit or 4PDA), indicating the details. This often speeds up the support response.
As a last resort, create a new account and transfer important ones to it. data (selected products, delivery addresses), and delete the old one.