# Workflow Actions - Delete Contact

> This article provides an overview of the Delete Contact action within workflows, how to configure it, and important considerations before using it. TABLE…

- Source: https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/workflows/contact-workflow-actions/workflow-actions-delete-contact
- Section: Workflows / Contact Workflow Actions
- Reading time: 2 min
- Images: 4, each explained below

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This article provides an overview of the **Delete Contact** action within workflows, how to configure it, and important considerations before using it.

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**TABLE OF CONTENTS**

-   [What is the Delete Contact Action?](#what-is-the-delete-contact-action)
-   [How to Use the Delete Contact Action](#how-to-use-the-delete-contact-action)
-   [Frequently Asked Questions](#frequently-asked-questions)

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# **What is the Delete Contact Action?**

The **Delete Contact** action is a powerful tool that allows users to automatically remove all records of a contact from their system. It can be used when contacts meet specific criteria and are no longer needed within the CRM. However, since deleting a contact is irreversible, it is important to configure this action carefully and understand its implications.

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## **How to Use the Delete Contact Action**

To use the **Delete Contact** action within a workflow, follow these steps:

Remember to **triple check** the filter conditions that qualify a contact for automatic deletion and **test** the workflow before leaving it unattended. It is a good idea to **make your own backups** of contact data and **keep relevant team members informed** about use of the Delete Contact action.

**Step 1:** Open the Workflow Builder

Navigate to Subaccount > Automations and open the desired workflow or create a new one from scratch or from a recipe.

![How to Use the Delete Contact Action (image 1 of 4)](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155040683086/original/u0cx1mRLK1gmXsIteDcxdqITxu9TJo-6Sw.png)

**How to Use the Delete Contact Action (image 1 of 4)**

This screenshot appears in the "How to Use the Delete Contact Action" section of "Workflow Actions - Delete Contact". The text alongside this image reads: Navigate to Subaccount > Automations and open the desired workflow or create a new one from scratch or from a recipe. The navigation path used here is Subaccount > Automations. Immediately after, the guide continues: In the workflow builder, click the plus (+) to open the actions menu. Search or scroll to find the Delete Contact action.

- Path: Subaccount > Automations
- Where to go: Navigate to Subaccount > Automations and open the desired workflow or create a new one from scratch or from a recipe.
- Controls: Delete Contact, triple check, test, make your own backups, keep relevant team members informed, Step 3
- Next: In the workflow builder, click the plus (+) to open the actions menu. Search or scroll to find the Delete Contact action.

**Step 2:** Add the action

In the workflow builder, click the plus (+) to open the actions menu. Search or scroll to find the Delete Contact action.

Put the Delete Contact action at the end of the workflow. Deleting the contact will be instantaneous so it will terminate the workflow anyway. Any actions after the Delete Contact action will not run.

![How to Use the Delete Contact Action (image 2 of 4)](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155040683126/original/FClehbjOj1HSlOHtl_wxXgxLutnC-Aimqg.png)

**How to Use the Delete Contact Action (image 2 of 4)**

This screenshot appears in the "How to Use the Delete Contact Action" section of "Workflow Actions - Delete Contact". The text alongside this image reads: Put the Delete Contact action at the end of the workflow. Deleting the contact will be instantaneous so it will terminate the workflow anyway. Any actions after the Delete Contact action will not run. Immediately after, the guide continues: The Delete Contact action cannot be configured; there are no settings. It just deletes the contact that is active in the workflow.
- What this covers: Put the Delete Contact action at the end of the workflow. Deleting the contact will be instantaneous so it will terminate the workflow anyway. Any actions after the Delete Contact action will not run.
- Controls: Delete Contact, triple check, test, make your own backups, keep relevant team members informed, Step 3
- Next: The Delete Contact action cannot be configured; there are no settings. It just deletes the contact that is active in the workflow.

**Step 3**: "Configure" the action

The Delete Contact action cannot be configured; there are no settings. It just deletes the contact that is active in the workflow.

![How to Use the Delete Contact Action (image 3 of 4)](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155040683193/original/Mu8ynRedaS6nVDdLjbGRwJgUhSsNWgAioA.png)

**How to Use the Delete Contact Action (image 3 of 4)**

This screenshot appears in the "How to Use the Delete Contact Action" section of "Workflow Actions - Delete Contact". The text alongside this image reads: The Delete Contact action cannot be configured; there are no settings. It just deletes the contact that is active in the workflow. Immediately after, the guide continues: Click "save action" to create the action in the workflow. You can also test the workflow and publish the workflow when ready.
- What this covers: The Delete Contact action cannot be configured; there are no settings. It just deletes the contact that is active in the workflow.
- Controls: Delete Contact, triple check, test, make your own backups, keep relevant team members informed, Step 3
- Next: Click "save action" to create the action in the workflow. You can also test the workflow and publish the workflow when ready.

**Step 4:** Save the action

Click "save action" to create the action in the workflow. You can also test the workflow and publish the workflow when ready.

![How to Use the Delete Contact Action (image 4 of 4)](https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn.freshdesk.com/data/helpdesk/attachments/production/155040683264/original/_LohJHHZoMXWc0iaw0pncXmvP4kmjBzjlQ.png)

**How to Use the Delete Contact Action (image 4 of 4)**

This screenshot appears in the "How to Use the Delete Contact Action" section of "Workflow Actions - Delete Contact". The text alongside this image reads: Click "save action" to create the action in the workflow. You can also test the workflow and publish the workflow when ready. Immediately after, the guide continues: Q: Can I restore a deleted contact?
- How to confirm: Click "save action" to create the action in the workflow. You can also test the workflow and publish the workflow when ready.
- Controls: Delete Contact, triple check, test, make your own backups, keep relevant team members informed, Step 3
- Next: Q: Can I restore a deleted contact?

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## **Frequently Asked Questions**

**Q: Can I restore a deleted contact?**

A: Contacts deleted through the Delete Contact option can be restored within two months of deletion. See this article for more information: [How To Delete Contacts And Their Data](https://docs.ghlcustomercare.com/docs/contacts/smart-lists/how-to-delete-contacts-and-their-data)

**Q: What is deleted along with the contact?**

A: The contact record is deleted and so are all associated data such as conversations, notes, tasks, and activity history is permanently lost. Restoring a deleted contact will not recover this associated data.

**Q: Are there alternatives to deletion?**

A: Yes, if you do not want to permanently delete a contact but still need to stop them from progressing through a workflow, consider using the **"Remove from Workflow"** action. This option removes the contact from the specific automation without affecting their data in the system.

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Documentation for GHL Customer Care. Support: support@ghlcustomercare.com