Running Mass Delete safely is about precise filtering and a verification window. The steps below cover both halves.
- Confirm Mass Delete is the right tool
For under 250 records on supported objects, Mass Delete fits. Larger or unsupported needs Data Loader.
- Identify the target records
Define exactly which records to delete. Document the criteria and expected count.
- Open Mass Delete
Setup > Data > Mass Delete Records. Choose the object type.
- Set filter criteria
Define the filter matching your target records. Keep it precise; broad filters risk over-deletion.
- Preview results
Click Search. Review the preview list. Confirm count matches expectations and sample records are correct.
- Execute deletion
Check the boxes for records to delete (Select All if preview is fully correct). Click Delete. Confirm.
- Verify and watch for recovery period
Confirm successful deletion. Set a calendar reminder for 14 days to investigate any restore requests before the Recycle Bin window expires.
Object selection. Limited to supported types.
Field-equals or field-contains conditions. Simple compared to Data Loader.
Records matching the filter, shown before deletion confirms.
Granular check-box selection within the preview.
15-day recovery window after deletion.
- 250-record cap. Plan multiple runs for larger needs, or switch to Data Loader.
- Only specific objects supported. Custom objects need Data Loader.
- Triggers and validation rules fire on Mass Delete. Heavy automation can hit governor limits.
- Preview is the last safety check. Verify count matches expectations before confirming.
- Recycle Bin recovery is 15 days only. After that, records are permanently purged.