> For clean Markdown of any page, append .md to the page URL.
> For a complete documentation index, see https://docs.ada.cx/docs/channels/messaging/messaging-configuration/data-controls/llms.txt.
> For AI client integration (Claude Code, Cursor, etc.), connect to the MCP server at https://docs.ada.cx/_mcp/server.

# Data controls

## Overview

Configure how [Messaging](/docs/channels/messaging) retains conversation state and which link protocols it permits.

## Limitations

Only Owners and Admins see the **Data & privacy** tab.

[Messaging](/docs/channels/messaging) evaluates configured persistence when a page loads or refreshes. An open page does not continuously expire its conversation.

Persistence controls browser state. They do not replace your organization's data-retention or [Redactions](/docs/setup/redactions/redaction-settings) settings.

## Capabilities & configuration

Select a persistence setting for [Messaging](/docs/channels/messaging) under **Data & privacy**.

| Setting                    | Behavior                                                                                          |
| -------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Never Forget**           | Retain conversation history and variables across visits, subject to browser storage availability. |
| **Forget After Tab Close** | Retain state across same-tab refreshes. Clear it when the tab closes.                             |
| **Forget After Reload**    | Start again after a reload, except during an active human support session.                        |
| **Forget After...**        | Apply the configured duration when the page next loads or refreshes.                              |

During an active human support session, **Forget After Reload** retains the session in tab storage. A same-tab refresh returns to the same conversation.

That exception ends when the human support session ends or the tab closes. It applies across Messaging's live agent integrations.

The SDK's `privateMode` setting stores no session state. It does not provide the same handoff-refresh exception as **Forget After Reload**.

Enable **IP tracking** under **Privacy** to log each end user's IP address in conversation metadata. Changes save automatically.

## Implementation & usage

Non-custom persistence changes save automatically.

Test [Messaging](/docs/channels/messaging) persistence with the human support integrations and identity flow you use.

**To configure data controls:**

1. Open **Config > Channels > Messaging > Data & privacy**.
2. Select the required **Persistence** setting.
3. Set the duration if you select **Forget After...**.
4. For a custom duration, click **Save**.
5. Add any required custom URI schemes under **Approved link protocols**.
6. Test refresh, tab closure, sign-out, and account switching.

Use the [SDK persistence reference](/messaging/web/sdk-api-reference#privatemode) and [reporting differences](/messaging/introduction/reporting-differences-from-the-chat-sdk) for integration-specific behavior.

## Related features

Read [Personalization and identity](/docs/channels/messaging/personalization-and-identity) before you add signed-in users or cross-device conversation access.

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Have any questions? Contact your Ada team, or email us at [](mailto:help@ada.cx?subject=Help%20Docs%20inquiry).