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Removing a Duolingo Course Erases It. You Probably Don't Need To
Removing a Duolingo course permanently wipes your progress in it. Here's the exact app path, and the safer way to just start studying something else.
Prices last read 2026-11-02
Short answer
Yes, you lose it. According to Duolingo, removing a course permanently deletes all your progress in that course, and you can't undo it.In the mobile app, the path is Profile > gear icon (Settings) > Courses, then tap the course and confirm. If all you want is to study a different subject, don't remove anything. Add the new course from the flag on your learning path. Your current course stays where it is, and Duolingo says lessons in any subject count toward your streak.Source: How To Add (or Remove) a Course From the Duolingo App · 2026-11-02
There's a red word sitting next to every course you've started, and it's worth taking seriously. In Duolingo's own walkthrough, each course in progress shows "Remove" in red next to it. One tap and a confirmation later, every lesson you finished in that course is gone.
Source: How To Add (or Remove) a Course From the Duolingo App · 2026-11-02
My take: most people who search for this don't actually want to delete anything. They're bored with Spanish, curious about chess, or want to try math for a week. For that, removing a course is the wrong tool, and it costs you a lot. The menu labeled 'Courses' looks like simple housekeeping, but this action can't be reversed.
How to remove a course in the app (the permanent option)
- Open your profileTap the circle with three dots at the bottom of the screen, then tap Profile.
- Go to Settings > CoursesTap the gear symbol in the top-right corner to open settings, then tap Courses.
- Pick the course and confirmTap the course you want to remove, then confirm. Before you do, read the warning on the confirmation screen. It means exactly what it says.
Source: How To Add (or Remove) a Course From the Duolingo App · 2026-11-02
Be careful, deleting a course gets rid of all your progress and cannot be undone.
Duolingo, confirmation warning shown in "How To Add (or Remove) a Course From the Duolingo App" (read 2026-11-02)Source: How To Add (or Remove) a Course From the Duolingo App · 2026-11-02
This is why the warning matters. In the same article, Duolingo calls removal permanent for any progress you've made in that course. Its walkthrough offers no restore option, so treat the confirmation as the last point where you can back out.
Source: How To Add (or Remove) a Course From the Duolingo App · 2026-11-02
Want to study something else? Add a course and keep the old one
- Tap your current course's flagOn your learning path, tap the flag of the course you're currently taking.
- Open the full course listTap the rectangle with the plus sign to see every course. The menu also suggests new subjects.
- Choose a course and a levelPick the course and select your level. If you're not sure, take the placement test. For chess, you can play a practice match against Oscar instead.
- Start learningFinish the placement test or start from the beginning, and you'll go to your first lesson.
Source: How To Add (or Remove) a Course From the Duolingo App · 2026-11-02
Your streak doesn't care which subject you study
Duolingo says any lesson you complete, in any subject, counts toward your streak, so you can switch between courses as much as you like. Keeping two courses doesn't put your streak at risk.
Source: How To Add (or Remove) a Course From the Duolingo App · 2026-11-02
Hot take: the 'Remove' button is overrated as a decluttering tool. A course you've paused does no harm on your profile. A course you deleted in a tidy-up mood can't be brought back. Unless you really want to wipe a course and never see it again, adding a course beats removing one every time.
Before you tap confirm, ask yourself
- Do I want this course's progress gone for good, or did I just stop for a while?
- Would adding a new course from the flag menu do what I actually want?
- Have I read the confirmation warning, knowing there's no undo?
- Am I sure this is the right course? Check the name before you tap.
Bottom line: think of Remove as a shredder, not a filing cabinet. If you want to try something new, use the plus button and keep the work you've done.
Optional: see seller listings for Duolingo subscriptions (a third-party listing, not official access or an endorsement). That link carries our partner code Sk52g, which is how a purchase is attributed to this site. Promotion code UPD3S.
Sources (read 2026-11-02)