Why I can't delete this list or tag
A list or tag won't delete while something still uses it. Here's how to find what's using it and clear it.
If you see Couldn’t delete name: and a reason, something still uses that list or tag, and nothing was deleted. The message says what’s in the way and what to do. Clear that, then delete again.
Below, a campaign means any campaign that isn’t sent or cancelled, including drafts and failed ones. An automation means one that’s active or paused. Draft and archived automations don’t count.
What blocks a list
- A campaign that uses it as its Subscription list. Change the campaign’s subscription list, or cancel the campaign.
- A send in progress that uses it. Wait for it to finish.
- A campaign whose own rules name it (under Custom rules). Edit those rules.
- A segment with a rule on it. Edit or delete the segment.
- An automation that starts when someone joins it, or whose steps use it. Archive the automation, or edit the step.
- An import still working on it, or one uploaded in the last day that hasn’t had its columns mapped. Finish it, or wait for it, on the Imports page.
- A live signup form that adds people to it. Point the form at another list, or archive the form.
Archived forms don’t block. They’re removed with the list, and their signup records are kept.
What blocks a tag
- A campaign that targets or excludes it, directly or in its own rules. Change the campaign’s audience, revise it, or cancel it.
- A segment with a rule on it. Edit or delete the segment.
- An automation that starts when someone gets the tag, or whose steps add, remove or check it. Archive the automation, or edit the step.
- A live signup form that applies it. Remove the tag from the form.
Custom fields and segments
A custom field won’t delete while a signup form collects it, drafts included, and the message names those forms. A segment won’t delete while a campaign or a live automation uses it. The fix is the same: change or archive whatever uses it first.
A new list or tag with the same name doesn’t reconnect anything that used the old one. If you delete and re-create, update the segments, automations and forms that pointed at it.