Can anyone assist with the issue I'm experiencing where the "delete" function in Webflow only sets items as drafts instead of actually deleting them?

Published on
September 22, 2023

If you're experiencing an issue where the "delete" function in Webflow only sets items as drafts instead of actually deleting them, there are a few potential reasons and solutions to consider:

  1. Permissions and Roles: Make sure that you have the necessary permissions and role to delete items in your Webflow project. Check if you have the proper access as an Administrator or Editor. If you're not sure, you can go to the "Roles" section in your project settings to review and update the permissions.

  2. Bin Functionality: Webflow doesn't actually delete items permanently by default. Instead, it moves deleted items to the "Bin" section, allowing you to restore them if needed. To access the Bin, go to the Collection panel, click on the "Bin" tab, and you'll find all the deleted items there. From there, you can restore or permanently delete them.

  3. Draft Mode: If you're using the CMS functionality in Webflow, it's possible that the items you're trying to delete are in draft mode. Draft items are not actually published and won't show up on the live website, but they are still visible in the CMS panels. To delete draft items permanently, you can follow the steps mentioned above and delete them from the Bin section.

  4. Cache: Clearing the cache in your web browser can sometimes resolve unexpected issues with Webflow. Try clearing your browser cache and then attempt to delete the items again.

  5. Contact Webflow Support: If none of the above solutions work, it may be a more specific issue related to your project or account. Reach out to Webflow's support team for further assistance. They have a responsive and knowledgeable support team that can help you troubleshoot and resolve any issues you encounter.

Happy deleting!

Additional Questions:

  1. How do I permanently delete items in Webflow?
  2. Can I recover deleted items in Webflow?
  3. What are the different permissions and roles in Webflow?