Run Mass Delete Records from Setup to clear a small batch of records on a supported standard object. Build the filter carefully, review the preview, and leave the permanent-delete option off unless you are certain.
- Open the tool
In Setup, type "Mass Delete" into Quick Find and click Mass Delete Records. You need administrator access; a standard user cannot open this page even with Delete permission on the object.
- Pick the object
Choose one of the supported types: Accounts, Leads, Contacts, Activities, Cases, Solutions, Products, or Reports. Read the on-screen notes for that object, since each has its own deletion caveats.
- Set the filter and search
Enter simple field criteria to narrow the candidates, then run the search. Keep the filter tight so the matched set stays well under 250 records and is easy to verify.
- Review and select
Inspect the returned rows, confirm the count and sample records are correct, and tick the checkboxes only on the records you actually want to remove.
- Confirm the delete
Decide whether to permanently delete and skip the Recycle Bin. For most cleanup, leave that box unchecked, then confirm. Verify a related report afterward while recovery is still possible.
The standard object you are deleting from. Only Accounts, Leads, Contacts, Activities, Cases, Solutions, Products, and Reports are available.
One or more simple field conditions (equals, contains, starts with) that select the deletion candidates. No subqueries or cross-object logic.
An optional checkbox that skips the Recycle Bin and removes records immediately. Frees storage at once but removes the 15-day recovery window.
- The wizard deletes at most 250 records per run, so large jobs mean many passes or a switch to Data Loader.
- Custom objects and most standard objects (like Opportunities) are not supported; use Data Loader or batch Apex for those.
- Triggers, validation rules, and flows still fire on delete, which can hit governor limits or block the operation.
- An Account tied to active Cases, partner relationships, or other users Opportunities may refuse to delete until those are cleared.