> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://learn.doubletick.io/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://learn.doubletick.io/chat-management/start-and-manage-chats/how-to-clear-or-delete-chats.md).

# How to clear or delete chats

Learn how to manage your DoubleTick inbox by clearing message history for individual contacts or deleting entire chat threads..

#### What’s covered

* [Feature overview](https://learn.doubletick.io/chat-management/start-and-manage-chats/how-to-clear-or-delete-chats-in-doubletick#feature-overview)
* [How to clear a chat](https://learn.doubletick.io/chat-management/start-and-manage-chats/how-to-clear-or-delete-chats-in-doubletick#how-to-clear-a-chat)
* [How to delete chats](https://learn.doubletick.io/chat-management/start-and-manage-chats/how-to-clear-or-delete-chats-in-doubletick#how-to-delete-chats)
* [Clear vs. delete comparison](https://learn.doubletick.io/chat-management/start-and-manage-chats/how-to-clear-or-delete-chats-in-doubletick#clear-vs.-delete-which-should-you-use)
* [Key takeaways](https://learn.doubletick.io/chat-management/start-and-manage-chats/how-to-clear-or-delete-chats-in-doubletick#key-takeaways)
* [Frequently asked questions](https://learn.doubletick.io/chat-management/start-and-manage-chats/how-to-clear-or-delete-chats-in-doubletick#frequently-asked-questions)

#### Feature overview

DoubleTick provides two distinct options to manage your inbox based on whether you want to reset a conversation history or permanently remove the contact thread entirely:

* **Clear chat**: Erases the message history of a single conversation while leaving the contact in your inbox list.
* **Delete chats**: Removes the selected chat thread and contact completely from your inbox.

> **Important**: Both clear and delete actions are permanent and cannot be undone. Always double-check your selection before confirming.

#### How to clear a chat

<figure><img src="https://2303112206-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F53n17VnOICC1LtDqlENV%2Fuploads%2FTpVeoTi9qnoGKtZj2X3C%2FUntitled%20design%20-%202026-08-20T124643.476.gif?alt=media&#x26;token=c516a603-c690-42dc-b1ab-43da854b1a48" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Use Clear chat when you want a clean slate with a contact but plan to continue messaging them in the future.

1. Select the chat you want to clear from your inbox.
2. Click the three-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner of the chat window, next to the contact's name.
3. Click Clear chat from the dropdown menu.
4. Click confirm on the pop-up prompt.

The message history will be cleared, but the contact thread remains visible in your chat list for future communication.

If your technical team wants to automate conversation resets or clear chats programmatically, DoubleTick provides a dedicated API endpoint. Refer to the [**clear chat API** ](https://docs.doubletick.io/reference/clear-chat-messages-v2)for detailed request parameters and payload options.

#### How to delete chats

<figure><img src="https://2303112206-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2F53n17VnOICC1LtDqlENV%2Fuploads%2FilNLPIL8XGJ7jH1tIF4s%2FUntitled%20design%20-%202026-08-20T125019.063.gif?alt=media&#x26;token=52ac9f06-73f6-4fd9-96e2-f479a533adf1" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Use Delete chats when you want to permanently remove conversations and contacts from your inbox entirely.

1. In the left-hand chat list, hover over or click the checkbox next to each chat you want to remove. You can select a single chat or choose multiple chats in bulk.
2. Click the three-dot menu (⋮) that appears at the top of the chat list next to the selection counter (for example, *2/439 selected*).
3. Click Delete chats from the dropdown menu.
4. Confirm the prompt to remove the selected chats.

The selected chat threads and their associated contacts will be permanently removed from your inbox.

#### Clear vs. delete: Which should you use?

<table data-header-hidden><thead><tr><th width="129.00006103515625"></th><th width="397"></th><th></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Action</strong></td><td><strong>What it does</strong></td><td><strong>Contact stays in inbox?</strong></td></tr><tr><td>Clear chat</td><td>Removes message history for one conversation</td><td>Yes</td></tr><tr><td>Delete chats</td><td>Removes the entire chat thread and contact</td><td>No</td></tr></tbody></table>

#### Key takeaways

* Clearing erases message history but keeps the contact thread active in your chat list.
* Deleting removes both the conversation history and the contact thread from your inbox completely.
* You can select and delete multiple chats at once using bulk selection.
* Neither action can be reversed once confirmed.

#### Frequently asked questions

<details>

<summary>What is the difference between clearing a chat and deleting a chat?</summary>

Clearing a chat erases its message history. The contact thread stays in your inbox. Deleting a chat permanently removes its history and contact thread.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Can I clear chat messages programmatically using an API?</summary>

Yes. Use the [Clear Chat Messages API endpoint](https://docs.doubletick.io/reference/clear-chat-messages-v2) to erase a specific contact's message history programmatically.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Can I delete chats via API?</summary>

No. Delete chats manually or in bulk from the DoubleTick dashboard.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Can cleared or deleted chats be recovered later?</summary>

No. Both actions are permanent once you confirm them.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Can I delete multiple chats at once?</summary>

Yes. Select several conversations with the chat-list checkboxes. Then open the three-dot menu (⋮) and select **Delete chats**.

</details>

#### Related articles

* [How to block or unblock customers](/chat-management/start-and-manage-chats/how-to-block-or-unblock-customers.md)
* [How to navigate the inbox](/chat-management/start-and-manage-chats/how-to-navigate-the-inbox.md)
* [How to Use Customer Notes](/chat-management/find-and-organise-chats/how-to-use-customer-notes.md)


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