The ChatGPT bulk delete control is Delete all chats, under Settings > Data controls. Deleting all chats is irreversible and can include conversations in projects. If you only want to remove conversations within a project you own, deleting that project also removes its instructions and files stored only there.
The short version
- Bulk deletion: The account settings contain the Delete all chats control.
- Mobile access: Open the sidebar and select your profile icon to reach Settings.
- Project cleanup: Deleting a project removes its chats, instructions, and files stored only in that project.
- Separate Codex workflow: Codex chats have an archive and bulk deletion process in the ChatGPT app.
- Future conversations: Unsaved Temporary chats stay out of history but do not delete existing conversations.
| Option | What it covers | Main consideration |
|---|---|---|
| Account chat controls | All regular chats | Irreversible and can include project conversations |
| Mobile chat controls | All regular chats from iPhone, iPad, or Android | Use the web if the app lacks the control |
| Project deletion | Conversations within a project you own | Also removes instructions and files stored only in the project |
| Archived Codex deletion | Archived Codex chats in the ChatGPT app | Archiving can stop work and remove scheduled tasks |
| Organization-managed deletion | Managed accounts subject to permissions and configuration | Contact IT, the help desk, or the workspace owner |
| Compliance API deletion | Eligible Enterprise and Edu deployments | Requires an authorized integration and appropriate permissions |
| Web account deletion | Entire personal Free, Go, Plus, or Pro account | Permanently removes the account and associated data |
| iOS account deletion | Entire personal account | May display an Apple subscription warning |
| Android account deletion | Entire personal account | Current label is Delete OpenAI account |
| Privacy Portal request | Entire consumer account | Requires ownership verification |
| Temporary chat | Future unsaved conversations | Leaves existing conversations unchanged |
Delete all chats from account settings
Deleting all chats is irreversible and can also remove project conversations. Open Settings, select Data controls, then choose Delete all chats. Review and complete the confirmation displayed on your screen.
If your app does not show this control, open ChatGPT on the web and use Settings > Data controls. The same deletion warning applies: completing the confirmation irreversibly removes your chats and can include project conversations.
Delete all chats on iPhone or Android
On iPhone, iPad, or Android, open the ChatGPT sidebar and select your profile icon to open Settings. Select Data controls to reach the account's chat controls.
Bulk deletion is irreversible and can include conversations in projects. Select Delete all chats, then review and complete the displayed confirmation. If this control is missing from your mobile app, use ChatGPT on the web through Settings > Data controls.
Remove conversations within a project
You can delete a project you own to remove its conversations together. This applies to projects you own individually and shared projects you own.
Project deletion removes its chats, instructions, and files stored only in that project. Open the project's more options menu (•••) and select Delete project. Separately saved Library or Space files remain.
Bulk delete archived Codex chats
Codex chats in the ChatGPT app use a separate workflow from ordinary conversations. Bulk deletion operates on archived Codex chats, including archived chats in projects, so archive any active chats you want to include first.
Archiving Codex chats can stop running work and remove attached scheduled tasks. Open the Codex history sidebar, then open each active chat's more options menu (•••) and select Archive. When prompted, select Stop and archive; alternatively, select Archive and remove.
The bulk deletion options apply to all archived Codex chats. Open Settings > Archived chats and use the option there to delete all archived chats at one time.
Resolve deletion restrictions on managed accounts
If your account belongs to a managed Enterprise, Edu, Healthcare, Business, or Teachers workspace, contact your organization's IT team, help desk, or workspace owner to request deletion or review its retention policy. Available actions depend on your permissions and the workspace's configuration. Self-service account deletion is unavailable for managed accounts.
For eligible Enterprise and Edu compliance deployments, ask the workspace owner or compliance team to perform supported deletion through its authorized Compliance API integration. This requires workspace-scoped credentials and appropriate permissions. The Compliance API is for eligible organizational deployments, not personal accounts.
Delete the entire account on the web
Choose account deletion when you intend to permanently remove your personal account and its associated data. The web path applies to personal Free, Go, Plus, and Pro accounts. Sign in only through OpenAI’s own app or website, and never share a code, password, or remote access with someone who contacts you.
Deleting your account permanently removes the account and its associated data. Open the account menu, then Settings > Account. Beside Delete account, select Delete, then enter your account email address or phone number when prompted.
Type DELETE at the prompt. The final confirmation permanently deletes your account. Select Permanently delete my account to complete the action.
A Privacy Portal deletion request permanently removes your entire consumer account and its associated data. Visit the OpenAI Privacy Portal and select Make a Privacy Request. Select I have a consumer ChatGPT account, select Delete my ChatGPT account, and complete ownership verification.
Delete the entire account in the mobile app
On iOS, account deletion destroys your personal ChatGPT account, including its conversations. Open account settings, select Data controls, then select Delete account. If an Apple subscription warning appears, select Manage subscriptions to handle cancellation first. At the deletion confirmation, select Delete account.
On Android, account deletion permanently removes your personal account and associated data. Open the profile menu, then Settings > Data controls. Select Delete OpenAI account, then select Delete OpenAI account at the confirmation.
Older Android app versions use the label Delete Account. In those versions, select Delete Account for the account deletion action.
Keep future chats out of history
Temporary chat keeps future unsaved conversations out of history, subject to your account or workspace restrictions. It does not delete conversations you already have.
On a ChatGPT surface offering Temporary chat, open a new chat and select Temporary. Choose Personalized or Unpersonalized before sending your first message. Leave the conversation unsaved to keep it out of history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does deleting a ChatGPT account affect API access?
Deleting your personal ChatGPT account also affects API access. Consider that consequence before choosing whole-account deletion.
What happens to other members when you delete a shared project?
Other members lose access when you delete a shared project you own. The deletion affects the shared project, including its chats, instructions, and files stored only there.
Can you request account deletion if you cannot sign in to ChatGPT?
You can use the Privacy Portal for a consumer account when ChatGPT sign-in is unavailable. You must verify ownership through the email address or phone number linked to the account.
Does a Temporary chat disappear from OpenAI's systems immediately?
OpenAI may retain a copy of your Temporary chat for up to 30 days. Keeping the conversation out of your history does not mean that copy is removed immediately.
Does removing someone from a managed workspace delete their conversations?
Removing a member alone does not necessarily delete their conversations. If you remove someone from a Business workspace, their content is retained indefinitely.