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

# Delete Instance

> Permanently delete an instance and destroy its sandbox.

Delete an instance permanently. This destroys the underlying cloud sandbox (including all files and state) and marks the instance as `terminated`. Terminated instances are excluded from [List Instances](/api-reference/instances/list).

This action is **irreversible**.

<Note>
  Requires an **organization key** (`chd_org_*`). Scoped keys cannot delete instances.
</Note>

## Path Parameters

<ParamField path="instance_id" type="string" required>
  The ID of the instance to delete.
</ParamField>

## Response

Returns `204 No Content` on success. The response body is empty.

<RequestExample>
  ```bash cURL theme={"theme":{"light":"github-light","dark":"github-dark-dimmed"}}
  curl -X DELETE https://api.chowder.dev/v1/instances/f47ac10b-58cc-4372-a567-0e02b2c3d479 \
    -H "Authorization: Bearer chd_org_abc123..."
  ```
</RequestExample>

<ResponseExample>
  ```text 204 theme={"theme":{"light":"github-light","dark":"github-dark-dimmed"}}
  (empty response body)
  ```
</ResponseExample>