It's a common worry for many players: will your beloved Clash of Clans village disappear if you stop playing for a while? Maybe you took a break, got busy, or just wanted to try other games. The good news is, Clash of Clans generally does not delete inactive accounts. Your village, with all its defenses, troops, and resources, usually stays right where you left it, waiting for your return. However, there are a few important things to know about why an account might seem "gone" and how to keep yours safe.

Does Clash of Clans Delete Accounts? The Short Answer

No, Clash of Clans typically does not delete accounts due to inactivity. Supercell, the game's developer, wants players to be able to come back whenever they like, keeping the community strong. Your progress is usually safe, even after a long break. That said, there can be situations where an account might seem lost, or you might choose to delete it yourself.

Why You Might Think Your Account is Gone

Even though Supercell generally doesn't delete inactive accounts, sometimes it can feel like your village has vanished. Here's why:

• Playing the Tutorial: If you log in and are suddenly faced with the starting tutorial, it usually means you're not logged into the correct account. This is a common mix-up. Your old village is likely still there, but you're on a new, unlinked game.
• Unlinked Accounts: Back in the day, some players might have played without linking their village to a Supercell ID, Google Play, or Apple Game Center. If you switch devices or lose access to the original device, an unlinked account can be very hard to recover. I remember my cousin, who played Clash of Clans way back, had a cool base, but he never linked it. When he got a new phone, his village was just… gone. He tried everything but couldn't get it back because it wasn't connected to anything. It was a tough lesson learned!
• Very Old, Unused Accounts: While not an official policy for all inactive accounts, some players have reported that extremely old accounts (inactive for many years, sometimes 6-7 years or more) might eventually become inaccessible or seemingly disappear. These are usually accounts that were never properly linked to a Supercell ID.
• You Requested Deletion: Supercell allows players to request the permanent deletion of their personal data and game account. If you or someone with access to your account made such a request, then your account would be permanently closed.

How to Keep Your Clash of Clans Account Safe

To make sure your Clash of Clans village is always there for you, follow these tips:

• Link to Supercell ID: This is the best way to protect your account. A Supercell ID lets you easily move your village between devices and ensures your progress is saved on Supercell's servers. If you haven't done it yet, go to your in-game settings and connect your account to a Supercell ID.
• Connect to Google Play or Apple Game Center: While Supercell ID is the primary method now, linking your account to your Google Play Games (Android) or Apple Game Center (iOS) account provides another layer of security and recovery.
• Keep Records: Write down your player tag (a unique ID), account name, Town Hall level, and any purchase receipts. These details are super helpful if you ever need to contact Supercell support for recovery.

Recovering a Lost Account

If you log in and can't find your village, don't panic! There's a good chance you can get it back.

1. Check Your Supercell ID Login: Make sure you're logging in with the correct Supercell ID email. Sometimes, people have multiple IDs.

2. Verify Google Play/Game Center: On Android, ensure you're signed into the correct Google Play Games account. On iOS, check your Apple Game Center settings.

3. Contact Supercell Support: If the above steps don't work, Supercell's support team can help. You can reach them through the in-game "Help and Support" section. You'll need to provide as much detail as you can about your lost village. One time, my friend actually helped me recover an old side account that I thought was completely gone. I just gave him all the details I could remember - the clan name it was in, its rough Town Hall level, and even some old screenshots I had on my phone. Supercell support asked a few more questions, and within a couple of weeks, they helped me get it back! It was a pleasant surprise.

What Happens When You're Inactive?

While your account might not be deleted, being inactive does have some effects in the game:

• Raids: Your village will still be open to attacks from other players. Don't be surprised if you come back to find your resources looted and defenses needing repairs!
• Clan Kicks: If you're in a clan, long periods of inactivity might lead to you being kicked out, especially if the clan needs active members.
• Village Progression: Obviously, your village won't make any progress on its own. Your builders won't be building, and troops won't be training. Speaking of builders, if you're looking to maximize your village's growth, check out our guide on How to Get 6 Builders in Clash of Clans to speed things up when you return!

In conclusion, rest assured that your Clash of Clans account is generally safe from automatic deletion due to inactivity. Just make sure it's properly linked to a Supercell ID, and you should be able to return to your village whenever you're ready to clash again!

If you're planning to make some in-app purchases when you jump back into Clash of Clans, you can use Playstorm to earn towards Apple or Google Play gift cards. These can be redeemed for gems or other game items to help get your village back in top shape!