# Delete a contact list

> Permanently delete a contact list and everything attached to it - and what to back up first.

Source: https://www.kualo.com/knowledgebase/contacts-audiences/delete-a-contact-list
Updated: 2026-06-10

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Deleting a list removes it and everything attached to it, permanently. It's a good housekeeping habit for lists you genuinely don't need any more, but because it can't be undone, it's worth pausing before you confirm.

## Delete a list

1. Select **Audience**, then **Lists**.
2. Find the list you want to remove.
3. Click the **arrow** on the right to open its menu.
4. Choose from:
   - **Edit** - change the list's properties.
   - **Rename** - change its name.
   - **Delete** - permanently remove the entire list and its contacts.
5. To confirm a deletion, type the word **Delete** when prompted.

:::warning
Deleting a list is permanent, and it also removes everything attached to it - subscription forms, previously sent campaigns, and automations. Export the list first if there's any chance you'll need the data. See **[Export a contact list](/knowledgebase/contacts-audiences/export-a-contact-list)**.
:::

## Troubleshooting

**Delete is greyed out** - the list may have active automations or running campaigns; make sure those are finished, and that you have administrator permissions. Stop any in-progress imports.

**The confirmation won't accept "Delete"** - type it exactly, with a capital D, no quotes or extra spaces, in the right field.

**The list still shows after deleting** - refresh, log out and back in, or give it a moment to process.

**Error deleting a list with forms** - disconnect its subscription forms, remove it from automations, and reassign or delete its campaigns first.

**Want a deleted list back** - deletion is permanent and can't be recovered, so restore from an export if you have one, and contact support straight away if it was a mistake.

If you can't delete a list that you should be able to, [open a support ticket](/knowledgebase/getting-started/how-to-create-a-support-ticket-in-mykualo).

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_Source: Kualo Knowledgebase — https://www.kualo.com/knowledgebase/contacts-audiences/delete-a-contact-list · © Kualo Ltd._