> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.chief.bot/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Data retention & deletion

> You can delete your content in Chief at any time.

You can delete your content in Chief at any time. Deletion is permanent for the items below, so review before you confirm.

## Delete a File

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/chief-2d405d1a/BBGD1uH7sfT84ugx/images/help/library-delete.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=BBGD1uH7sfT84ugx&q=85&s=f086fd8978adadc18a4598e8d7bab93d" alt="Chief security - deleting a File from the Library" width="600" height="500" data-path="images/help/library-delete.png" />
</Frame>

1. Select the [File](/help/your-knowledge-library/renaming-moving-copying-deleting-files) you want to remove.
2. Click **Delete File**.
3. Confirm. The File is deleted from the project and cannot be recovered.

<Warning>
  ⚠️ **Important:** If a File is shared in a project, deleting it removes it **for all users of that project**, not just you. Chief warns you when this is the case.
</Warning>

## Delete a chat thread

<Frame>
  <img src="https://mintcdn.com/chief-2d405d1a/ZjT7ckngTj8rjHF7/images/help/chat-delete-menu.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=ZjT7ckngTj8rjHF7&q=85&s=3ac73c135be0db165fb83a1bb0fc9e6a" alt="Chief security - deleting a chat thread from the chat actions menu" width="840" height="460" data-path="images/help/chat-delete-menu.png" />
</Frame>

1. Open the chat menu and click [**Delete this chat thread**](/help/chatting-with-chief/deleting-a-chat).
2. Confirm with **Yes, Delete Chat Thread**.

A shared chat is permanently deleted for everyone with access to the project. You can’t delete a chat while a response is still being generated — wait for it to finish.

## Delete a project

1. Open the project’s settings.
2. Click [**Delete Project**](/help/projects-sharing-teams/deleting-a-project), then confirm with **Yes, Delete Project**.

This permanently deletes the project and all its data and cannot be undone. If the project is shared, all data is permanently deleted for all users with access. You can’t delete your default project, but you can rename it.

## How long is data kept?

Deleted items are removed and cannot be recovered through the app. Chief doesn't publish specific backend retention windows — how long deleted data persists in backups before it's purged, for example. If you need those details for a [security or compliance review](/help/security-privacy/compliance-overview-dpa-privacy-policy-terms), email **[support@chief.bot](mailto:support@chief.bot)** and the team will help.

## FAQ

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="I deleted a File by accident — can I get it back?">
    No. Deleted Files cannot be recovered. You’d need to upload the File again.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Why can’t I delete this chat right now?">
    You can’t delete a chat thread while a response is being generated. Wait for the response to complete, then delete.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Does deleting my account erase everything immediately?">
    Yes. [Account deletion](/help/account-settings/deleting-your-account) is handled by the Chief team — email [support@chief.bot](mailto:support@chief.bot) to request it. Once the team processes the request, your account and all its data are deleted immediately, in one pass.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>