Remove Memories Safely
Deleting memories is how you honor compliance requests, undo bad data, or clean up expired sessions. Mem0 lets you delete a specific memory, a list of IDs, or everything that matches a filter.Why it matters
- Satisfies user erasure (GDPR/CCPA) without touching the rest of your data.
- Keeps knowledge bases accurate by removing stale or incorrect facts.
- Works for both the managed Platform API and the OSS SDK.
Key terms
- memory_id – Unique ID returned by
add/searchidentifying the record to delete. - batch_delete – API call that removes up to 1000 memories in one request.
- delete_all – Filter-based deletion by user, agent, run, or metadata.
- immutable – Flagged memories that cannot be updated; delete + re-add instead.
How the delete flow works
1
Choose the scope
Decide whether you’re removing a single memory, a list, or everything that matches a filter.
2
Submit the delete call
Call
delete, batch_delete, or delete_all with the required IDs or filters.3
Verify
Confirm the response message, then re-run
search or check the dashboard/logs to ensure the memory is gone.Delete a single memory (Platform)
You’ll receive a confirmation payload. The dashboard reflects the removal within seconds.
Batch delete multiple memories (Platform)
Delete memories by filter (Platform)
agent_idrun_idmetadata(as JSON string)
Delete with Mem0 OSS
The OSS JavaScript SDK does not yet expose deletion helpers—use the REST API or Python SDK when self-hosting.
Use cases recap
- Forget a user’s preferences at their request.
- Remove outdated or incorrect facts before they spread.
- Clean up memories after session expiration or retention deadlines.
- Comply with privacy legislation (GDPR, CCPA) and internal policies.
Method comparison
| Method | Use when | IDs required | Filters |
|---|---|---|---|
delete(memory_id) | You know the exact record | ✔️ | ✖️ |
batch_delete([...]) | You have a list of IDs to purge | ✔️ | ✖️ |
delete_all(...) | You need to forget a user/agent/run | ✖️ | ✔️ |
Put it into practice
- Review the Delete Memory API reference, plus Batch Delete and Filtered Delete.
- Pair deletes with Expiration Policies to automate retention.
See it live
- Support Inbox with Mem0 demonstrates compliance-driven deletes.
- Data Management tooling shows how deletes fit into broader lifecycle flows.