---
title: "Delete files in bulk"
description: "Deletes up to 100 files in one call, each the way `DELETE /files/{id}` deletes one, as selecting several on the Files page does."
url: "https://openemail.uk/docs/api/files/batch-delete"
area: "API"
category: "Mailbox"
---

# Delete files in bulk

Deletes up to 100 files in one call, each the way `DELETE /files/{id}` deletes one, as selecting several on the Files page does.

`POST /files/batch-delete`

## POST /files/batch-delete

Deletes up to 100 files in one call, each the way `DELETE /files/{id}` deletes one, as selecting several on the Files page does.

## Example

Needs `threads:write`. `ids` takes 1 to 100 file ids, and any other field is a 422 `unknown_parameter`.

**curl**

```
curl -X POST "$OE/files/batch-delete" -H "$AUTH" -H 'content-type: application/json' -d '{
  "ids": ["file_0c4e7a91d2b84f63a5e19b7d", "file_6bb640f5b99e47deb758f1f5", "file_9e2b41c7a0f35d8e6b1c4a72"]
}'
```

**Response**

```
{
  "object": "file_batch_delete",
  "deleted": ["file_0c4e7a91d2b84f63a5e19b7d"],
  "kept": [
    {
      "id": "file_6bb640f5b99e47deb758f1f5",
      "filename": "invoice-0912.pdf",
      "usage": "received",
      "reason": "It came in on a message, so it stays with that message."
    }
  ],
  "missing": ["file_9e2b41c7a0f35d8e6b1c4a72"]
}
```

> A call where some files go and others stay is not an error. `deleted` lists what went, `kept` each file in use with its `usage` and the `reason` in words, and `missing` the ids that are unknown, already deleted or outside the addresses a narrowed key holds.

> Each file is checked again as it is deleted, so one that came into use after you listed it is kept rather than lost. There is no undo.