Leaving Character.AI: save your chats, delete your data, choose where to go
A neutral, step-by-step guide for Character.AI users after its bankruptcy filing: how to export your chats before the link expires, how to delete your account, the key dates, and where people are moving.
What is happening
Character Technologies, Inc., the company behind Character.AI, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in October 2026 (Case 26-11603, U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the District of Delaware).
Its assets are being sold. The company says the process should finish by the end of November or early December 2026, and court papers say the platform will be wound down if no buyer keeps it running.
Until then the service stays up, and you can still export or delete your data.
How to export your chats
- On the web: open your Profile, then Profile Settings, Account, Manage Account & Data, and choose Export Data.
- In the app: open your Profile, tap the settings icon, then Legal & Privacy, and choose Export Data.
- Character.AI says the export takes three to four weeks and emails you a download link that expires after seven days. Download the file as soon as the email arrives and keep it somewhere safe.
Do not delete your account before your export arrives: deleting first loses your chats. Because an export takes three to four weeks, a request made after about November 19 may not arrive before the latest date in the court papers (December 17).
How to delete your account and data
- On the web: follow the same path (Profile, Profile Settings, Account, Manage Account & Data) and choose Delete Account.
- In the app: open your Profile, tap the settings icon and choose Remove Account.
- Character.AI says deletion is permanent and cannot be reversed.
Key dates (Eastern Time)
| October 30, 2026 | Court hearing on the sale procedures |
| November 20, 2026, 5 p.m. | Deadline for bids |
| November 23, 2026 | Auction |
| November 24, 2026 | Sale hearing |
| By November 30, 2026 | Targeted closing for winning bids |
| December 17, 2026 | Latest outside date in the court papers |
Where people are moving
A neutral list of services people mention. It is not an endorsement; check each service's age rules, privacy policy and data practices yourself. Services can ask to be added or corrected.
| Service | Age rule | Imports Character.AI data | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Castmanor | 18+ | Yes (opening soon) | Run by the team that maintains this guide. AI characters with lasting memory and free voice. |
| SillyTavern | Self-hosted | Character cards | Free, open-source software you run on your own computer. |
| JanitorAI | 18+ | Not stated | Web. |
| Kindroid | 18+ | Not stated | App. |
| Nomi | 18+ | Not stated | App. |
| Talkie | 17+ | Not stated | App. |
About this guide
This guide is maintained by the team building Castmanor, one of the services listed above, and it aims to stay neutral and factual. Corrections, and requests from services to be listed, go to hello@castmanor.com. It is not affiliated with Character Technologies, Inc.
Sources: Character.AI's help center and blog (as reported by Notebookcheck, 2026-10-14, and KQED, 2026-10-16); filings in Case 26-11603 (Bankr. D. Del.), including the bidding-procedures schedule.