---
title: "Purge data manually"
slug: "purge-data-manually"
tags: ["Site Administrator", "How-to", "Totara Platform"]
updated: 2026-08-13T16:01:10Z
published: 2026-08-13T16:01:10Z
canonical: "totara.help/purge-data-manually"
---

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

# Purge data manually

Part of [managing your site's user data](/totara-20/docs/user-data-management) is deleting user data when it is no longer required, or if a user specifically requests to have their data deleted. Although you will often use [automatic purges](/totara-20/docs/update-automatic-purge-types) for deleted or suspended users, you may also need to purge data manually. Manual data purges are useful as they allow you to purge the data of a particular user (including active users).

Before running a manual purge, you will need to [set up at least one manual purge type](/totara-20/docs/create-a-purge-type). Next, follow these steps:

1. Go to *Quick-access menu > Users > Accounts.*
2. Click **Manage users**.
3. Find the user you wish to purge.
4. Click the stack icon ( ![](https://cdn.document360.io/a007399b-031e-436b-999a-528240e16f58/Images/Documentation/image-1635957309489.png?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-06T07%3A05%3A19Z&se=2026-11-06T08%3A05%3A19Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=oKNVVbCVKHV6O671fsgrn1LFVxrmZ7VX6k1UPW97VKY%3D)) next to their name.
5. Click **Select purge type**.
6. Select the **Purge type** you wish to run from the dropdown list.
7. Click **Purge user data** to run the purge.

![Course badge](https://cdn.document360.io/a007399b-031e-436b-999a-528240e16f58/Images/Documentation/course-badge_creating-users-in-totara.svg?sv=2026-02-06&spr=https&st=2026-11-06T07%3A05%3A19Z&se=2026-11-06T08%3A05%3A19Z&sr=c&sp=r&sig=oKNVVbCVKHV6O671fsgrn1LFVxrmZ7VX6k1UPW97VKY%3D)

The Totara Academy has a whole course which is dedicated to [Creating users](https://totara.community/course/view.php?id=953) in Totara. Here you can learn more on how to add users, manage their data, see best practice, and give it a go yourself.

Join the [Totara Community](https://totara.community/) for more resources to help you get the most out of Totara.

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