sonr/docs/reference/messages/dwn-delete-record.mdx

---
title: Delete DWN Record
description: Remove records from your personal data vault with optional cascading deletion
seo:
  title: "DWN Record Deletion"
---

:::warning
Record deletion is **permanent** and cannot be undone. Ensure you have backups if needed.
:::

## Deletion Options

### Standard Deletion
- Removes only the specified record
- Child records remain intact
- Preserves hierarchical structure

### Pruned Deletion (`prune: true`)
- Removes the record and all descendants
- Cascades through entire subtree
- Useful for removing complete data structures

## Authorization Requirements

You must have one of the following:
- **Owner**: Be the record author
- **Permission**: Have explicit delete permission
- **Protocol Authority**: Have protocol-level delete rights

:::note
The `deletedCount` in the response includes all pruned child records.
:::

## Safety Considerations

:::tip
Query child records before pruning to understand the impact:
```bash
snrd query dwn records-query --parent-id <record_id>
```
:::