Use RMAN’s BACKUP ARCHIVELOG command with DELETE INPUT to back up archived redo logs and remove the input files after a successful backup. Choose DELETE ALL INPUT instead only when you intend to remove every matching copy across archiving destinations. Both commands follow the configured archived log deletion policy, so review that policy and any Data Guard standby requirements before running either command.
Choose which archived log copies RMAN should delete
When more than one archiving destination contains a copy of a log, the deletion clause determines whether RMAN removes only the file used as backup input or all matching copies. Oracle states that BACKUP ARCHIVELOG backs up one copy of each distinct log sequence number; that behavior makes the choice important when duplicate copies exist.
| Option | What RMAN deletes after backup | Use it when |
|---|---|---|
DELETE INPUT |
The specific archived-log copy RMAN used as input. Other copies in other destinations may remain. | You want to retain copies in other archiving destinations. |
DELETE ALL INPUT |
All matching copies of the backed-up logs across archiving destinations. | You intend to remove duplicate copies and the deletion policy permits it. |
The ALL keyword here applies to archived redo log input copies. Do not assume it changes deletion behavior for unrelated backup types.
Run an illustrative RMAN backup-and-delete command
After reviewing your policy, destination configuration, recovery requirements, and database release, a basic command pattern is:
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BACKUP ARCHIVELOG ALL DELETE INPUT;This backs up archived logs and asks RMAN to delete the particular input copies used for the backup, subject to the configured deletion policy.
To request deletion of every matching copy of the backed-up logs across archiving destinations, use:
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BACKUP ARCHIVELOG ALL DELETE ALL INPUT;Oracle’s guide also shows the all-copy form with an SBT media-manager destination:
BACKUP DEVICE TYPE sbt
ARCHIVELOG ALL
DELETE ALL INPUT;These are syntax patterns, not universal production prescriptions. Oracle Database 18’s illustrated procedure says to connect to the target database and ensure it is mounted or open before running the command. Check the current Backup and Recovery Reference for behavior applicable to your release, and confirm that the target state, backup channels, and destinations are correct for your installation.
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Check the archived log deletion policy before cleanup
CONFIGURE ARCHIVELOG DELETION POLICY sets the persistent conditions under which archived redo logs are eligible for deletion. The policy applies to archiving destinations, including the fast recovery area (FRA). Backup-and-delete operations honor it: a log can remain in place after backup if its backup or standby conditions have not been met.
The default policy is NONE. Do not treat that default as a recommendation for every system; select a policy that reflects the required backup redundancy, recovery retention, and, where applicable, standby transfer or application state. In Data Guard, check the requirements for the actual topology rather than reusing a standalone-database setting. Oracle’s maintenance guidance points administrators to its Data Guard documentation for standby-specific archived-log management.
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Deletion commands run without FORCE obey the configured policy. FORCE ignores it, so it is not a routine cleanup option.
Understand automatic cleanup in the fast recovery area
The database can automatically remove eligible archived logs from the FRA when more recovery-area space is needed, retaining them there as long as possible under recovery-area and retention rules. This space-management behavior is specific to files in the FRA; it does not mean Oracle automatically cleans arbitrary archive destinations.
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If your goal is simply to let the FRA reclaim space as required, that automatic behavior differs from running a backup command with an immediate deletion clause. For other destinations, plan explicit RMAN cleanup consistent with the configured policy.
Quick Recap
Verify the environment before using a production command
- Confirm the Oracle Database release and consult its current Backup and Recovery Reference for command syntax and behavior.
- Identify every archived-log destination and whether it holds duplicate copies you need to preserve.
- Review the configured archived log deletion policy and verify that it matches recovery and backup requirements.
- For Data Guard, account for the actual standby transfer and application requirements before allowing deletion.
- Confirm that the target database is in an acceptable state and that the required backup channels or media-manager destination are configured.
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