# Removing an instance

## Introduction

If an instance is no longer required, you can remove it from your `manage connectors` page. 

## Need to know

An instance cannot be removed if it's currently configured in any process flows (irrespective of whether those process flows are [deployed/enabled](/product-documentation/process-flows/managing-process-flows/flow-deployment.md)). 

If the instance you need to remove is used in any [process flow connection shapes](/product-documentation/process-flows/building-process-flows/process-flow-shapes/standard-shapes/connector-shape.md), these shapes must be reconfigured or removed first.

## The steps

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
**Access your connectors**

Log in to the [Patchworks dashboard](https://app.wearepatchworks.com/login) and select `process flows` ➤ `connectors & instances` to access the `manage connectors` page.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Access settings for the required instance**

Locate the required connector and click the `settings` (i.e. cog) button. For example:

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/YSt7nxTGaOILeJRTWM5Y" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Start the delete operation**

Click the `delete` (i.e. trash) icon at the top of the instance settings page. For example:

<div align="left"><figure><img src="/files/UXh3jfqtG2B1Oq7F1Aty" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure></div>

{% hint style="info" %}
For more information on these options, please refer to [Adding an instance](/product-documentation/connectors-and-instances/working-with-instances/adding-an-instance.md).
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Confirm the delete operation**

When prompted, confirm that you want to proceed. For example:

<figure><img src="/files/IUzfnUDX0b6XBYHMjuAx" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

If this instance is found to be [configured in any process flows](/product-documentation/process-flows/building-process-flows/process-flow-shapes/standard-shapes/connector-shape.md), you'll be prompted to update these before trying again. Otherwise, the instance is removed immediately.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}


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