unregister

Unregister is the action of removing an entity from an official registry, list, or database in which it was previously recorded. It is the opposite of registering. The term can apply to people, devices, licenses, services, or assets that earned recognition or privileges through registration, and to the databases used to manage those registrations.

In computing and digital services, unregistering might mean removing a device or application from an account, revoking a license, deactivating an API key, or canceling a subscription. In software development, applications may offer cleanup steps that unregister components or listeners to release resources.

In regulatory or business contexts, deregistration or unregistering can refer to removing a company, product, vehicle, or asset from a government or industry registry. This can occur due to expiration, noncompliance, termination of service, or user request.

Procedures typically involve a cancellation request or account setting, sometimes with identity verification or notice period, and may require returning items or deleting data. Deregistration may affect access, data retention, and licensing, and some data may remain in archives according to policy.

Unregistering should be distinguished from unsubscribing, which is an exit from communications or emails rather than removal from an official registry.