---
title: "Activate or deactivate reader"
slug: "activate-or-deactivate-reader"
description: "Suspend reader access in Document360 without deletion. Easily reactivate later while retaining profile and analytics. Manage users effectively today!"
tags: ["Reader Deactivation", "Reader Reactivation", "Document360 Readers"]
updated: 2026-10-22T06:24:39Z
published: 2026-10-22T06:24:39Z
canonical: "docs.document360.com/activate-or-deactivate-reader"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.document360.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Activate or deactivate reader

Deactivating a reader in Document360 suspends their access to the knowledge base site without deleting their account. Deactivated readers retain their profile, content access settings, analytics data, and feedback. You can reactivate a deactivated reader at any time to restore their access.

---

## When to activate or deactivate a reader

**Deactivate when:**

- A reader is on extended leave and should not have access during that period.
- A reader's access needs to be suspended temporarily pending a review.

**Activate when:**

- A previously deactivated reader needs access restored.
- A reader's suspension period has ended and access should resume.

---

## Before you begin

- You must have the **Admin** or **Owner** portal role, or a custom role with **Manage user** permission.
- Deactivation is reversible — the reader's account settings are fully preserved and can be restored.
- If you want to permanently remove an account, use [Delete a reader](/help/docs/delete-reader) instead.

---

## How to deactivate a reader

1. Navigate to **Settings** (

) > **Users and security** in the left navigation bar of the knowledge base portal.
2. In the left navigation pane, navigate to **Readers & groups** > **Readers**.
3. Select the desired reader and click **Deactivate** at the top.

The **Confirm reader deactivation** panel appears.
4. Click **Deactivate**.

![Confirm reader deactivation dialog with the deactivate button highlighted.](https://cdn.document360.io/860f9f88-412e-4570-8222-d5bf2f4b7dd1/Images/Documentation/Deactivate%20reader.png)

> [!NOTE]
> **NOTE** When a reader is deactivated, their analytical data and feedback are retained, but access to the knowledge base site is revoked.

---

## How to reactivate a reader

1. Select one or more deactivated readers.
2. Click **Activate**.
3. Click **Confirm** in the **Confirm reader activation** panel.

---

## Limitations

| Limit | Detail |
| --- | --- |
| Data retention | Analytics data and feedback are retained when a reader is deactivated. |
| Account settings | All content access settings and group memberships are preserved during deactivation. |
| Account slot | Deactivating a reader frees a reader account slot on your plan. |

---

## Best practices

- Prefer deactivation over deletion for readers who may need access again in the future. Reactivating a deactivated reader is faster than recreating an account and reassigning access.
- Use the **Filter** feature to find all inactive readers before performing bulk actions. Filter by **Status: Inactive** to see all deactivated accounts at once. See [Filter and export readers](/help/docs/filter-and-export-readers).

---

## FAQ

  

**Does a deactivated reader still count toward my reader account limit?**

    
    
      

No. Deactivating a reader frees a reader slot on your plan.

    
  
  

  

**Can a deactivated reader still log in?**

    
    
      

No. Access to the knowledge base site is revoked when a reader is deactivated. They cannot log in until the account is reactivated.

    
  
  

  

**What is the difference between deactivating and deleting a reader?**

    
    
      

Deactivation suspends access while keeping the account intact — it can be undone at any time. Deletion permanently removes the account and cannot be reversed. Use deactivation when access may need to be restored later.

## Related

- [Delete reader](/delete-reader.md)
- [Deactivate or delete user](/deactivate-delete-user.md)