In this Spokeo opt out guide, you’ll find clear removal steps, along with explanations of how your data ended up there and tips for keeping it private in the future.
Prefer an automated option? The DuckDuckGo Subscription includes a Personal Information Removal tool to simplify the process. DuckDuckGo monitors sites such as Spokeo, automatically submits opt-out requests for you, and rescans every 10 days to help keep your personal data offline.
Spokeo Opt Out Fast Facts
- Personal information available: Names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, relatives, associates, and more
- Visibility: Somewhat visible
- Opt-out time estimate: 15 to 30 minutes
- Difficulty: Medium to High
- Email confirmation required: Yes
- Phone confirmation required: No
- Processing time: Typically, within 1 hour of opt out
- Captcha requirement: No captcha required
Spokeo Opt Out Process (Step-by-step)
If you want to remove your data from Spokeo, the opt-out process is clear and user-friendly, but a bit time-consuming without a trick to skip a step. Follow these steps to complete your removal:
Step 1: Locate your profile URL
- Do not go to Spokeo.com and use their standard search option, as it will start a slow-loading process that can take minutes to provide results.
- Instead, copy the below URL and replace the italicized sections with your information:
- When you locate your result, don’t click it. Instead, move on to the next step.
Step 2: Submit your Spokeo opt-out request
- Hover over your name in the Spokeo listing of profiles. Right-click and copy the link. It should have a long ID string at the end of the URL.
- Go to https://www.spokeo.com/optout. Paste the profile URL into the box and add your email address. Fill out the reCaptcha and click Opt Out.
- You should receive a notification that reads “Please check your inbox for a confirmation email. Click the link to complete the process.”
Step 3: Finalize the Spokeo opt out submission
- Go to your email inbox. You should receive one from Spokeo titled “Spokeo Directory Removal Confirmation,” containing a unique 10-digit identifier.
- Click the long opt-out verification link within the email. A new tab will open, taking you back to the Spokeo opt-out page.
- Scroll down and you should see a notification in green letting you know they have received your request to remove the listing.
- Spokeo states that removal takes 2-3 days, but listings are typically removed within one hour.
Prefer an automated option? The DuckDuckGo Subscription includes a Personal Information Removal tool to simplify the process. DuckDuckGo monitors sites such as Spokeo, automatically submits opt-out requests for you, and rescans every 10 days to help keep your personal data offline.
My personal info is still in search engines. Why?
Even once your Spokeo profile is removed, search engines like Google and Bing may still display it temporarily due to cached data that updates over time.
To remove outdated Spokeo content from Google, use their personally identifiable information removal tool linked here. For Bing, you can submit removal requests using this link. DuckDuckGo results can also be addressed through Bing’s process; more on that here.
It can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks for search engines to refresh their listings, so if your Spokeo profile still appears, check back later or submit a follow-up removal request.
What is Spokeo?
Spokeo is a people search website that compiles personal data into detailed online profiles. Spokeo collects data from public records, social networks, online databases, and other data brokers. Spokeo profiles are likely to include the following personal information:
- Full name (and previous names)
- Current and past addresses
- Phone numbers and email addresses
- Age and birthdate
- Relatives, neighbors, and associates
- Property ownership, arrest records, and more
Spokeo advertises itself as a tool to reconnect with old friends, these detailed profiles can expose your personal data to anyone who searches for it. The personal data displayed in your profile can easily be misused.
How does Spokeo get my information?
Spokeo collects data from various public sources, including:
- Public Records and Government Databases: This includes property filings, court records, voter registrations, and corporate filings.
- Third-Party Data Brokers: Spokeo pulls data from companies that collect and resell personal information from online forms and purchases.
- Social Media and Internet Activity: Spokeo gathers publicly accessible data from platforms like Facebook, LinkedIn, and X/Twitter.
- Utility Records and Phone Directories: Publicly listed phone numbers and addresses are often included in Spokeo profiles.
Because Spokeo continuously updates its data, your personal information could end up back on the site even after you complete the opt-out process.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spokeo Opt Out
Can I remove my information permanently from Spokeo?
Yes, but Spokeo’s database is constantly refreshed. This means your information might reappear after removal, so it’s important to make periodic checks and resubmit opt-outs when needed.
Does Spokeo sell my information?
No, Spokeo does not sell information to other data brokers. But they do gather data from a wide network of third-party data brokers. If you buy a detailed report from Spokeo, much of that data originates from those brokers.
Will removing my information from Spokeo remove it from other sites?
Submitting a Spokeo removal limits the visibility of your personal information, making it more difficult for other data brokers to access and spread it.
But removing your personal information from Spokeo does not remove it from many other people search sites, so checking multiple sites and manually opting out is recommended.
Are there services that can remove my data automatically?
Some online privacy services specialize in identifying and removing your personal information from Spokeo and similar data brokers.
The DuckDuckGo Subscription offers Personal Information Removal for US users, automatically handling opt-out requests and checking every 10 days to make sure your data stays removed.
How can I prevent my information from appearing on sites like Spokeo?
Eliminating all your personal information from the web is nearly impossible, but there are effective ways to limit how often it surfaces.
- Minimize the personal data you share publicly on social media and double-check your privacy settings to restrict access to trusted contacts only.
- Remove your data from multiple brokers like Whitepages, FastPeopleSearch, and Intelius. This helps reduce the chances that your information will resurface elsewhere.
- Enhance your online privacy with DuckDuckGo’s private search engine & browser and Email Protection service to mask your email.
Our Final Thoughts
Spokeo shares personal details publicly, but they do offer a free opt-out process that works best when combined with regular monitoring.
For long-term privacy, be sure to opt out from other data brokers or use the DuckDuckGo Subscription to automate the process.
For more ways to protect your privacy, visit the DuckDuckGo blog and subscribe to our newsletter.