> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.ionos.com/cloud/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.ionos.com/cloud/observability/logging-service/api-how-tos/modify-log-retention-policy.md).

# Modify Log Retention Policy

Each log stream in your pipeline is initially assigned a default data retention policy of 30 days. The logs for each log stream are retained for the specified number of days. However, you can define a custom retention policy for each log stream. The available options for retention periods include 7, 14, and 30 days.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Note:** You can alternatively use the `PATCH` request to update the retention policy of an existing pipeline.
{% endhint %}

The following is an example:

```bash
curl --location \
--request POST 'https://logging.de-txl.ionos.com/pipelines' \
--header 'Content-Type: application/json' \
--header 'Authorization: Bearer $TOKEN' \
--data '{
          "properties": {
    "name": "demo",
    "logs": [
      {
        "source": "kubernetes",
        "protocol": "http",
        "tag": "k8s",
        "destinations": [
          {
            "type": "loki",
            "retentionInDays": 7
          }
        ]
      }
    ]
  }
}'
```

## Unlimited log retention

To set the retention period for each log stream to **unlimited**, use the following request:

```bash
curl --location \
--request POST 'https://logging.de-txl.ionos.com/pipelines' \
--header 'Content-Type: application/json' \
--header 'Authorization: Bearer $TOKEN' \
--data '{
          "properties": {
    "name": "demo",
    "logs": [
      {
        "source": "kubernetes",
        "protocol": "http",
        "tag": "k8s",
        "destinations": [
          {
            "type": "loki",
            "retentionInDays": 0
          }
        ]
      }
    ]
  }
}'
```

{% hint style="info" %}
**Note:** The retention period is set to **unlimited** when the `retentionInDays` value is set to `0`.
{% endhint %}

### Access to the data

In Grafana, you can only access the data for a maximum of 30 days. To access the archived data (logs with unlimited retention), contact [<mark style="color:blue;">IONOS CLOUD Support</mark>](https://docs.ionos.com/cloud/support/general-information/contact-information).

You must provide the following information while requesting access:

* Contract number
* Pipeline ID
* Log stream tag
* The date range for which you need access to the data
* Object Storage bucket information:
  * Name
  * Region
  * Object Storage endpoint

{% hint style="info" %}
**Note:** Ensure that the Object Storage Canonical User ID you receive from <code class="expression">space.vars.ionos\_cloud</code> Support is assigned to the designated bucket. Additionally, confirm that write access has been granted to this specific bucket.
{% endhint %}

After receiving the required information, <code class="expression">space.vars.ionos\_cloud</code> transfers the archived data into the designated Object Storage bucket. Following the successful upload, the data becomes available from within the Object Storage bucket. To add the grantee to your bucket, see the [<mark style="color:blue;">instructions</mark>](/cloud/backup-and-storage/ionos-object-storage/settings/access-control-list/access-control-list-buckets.md#dcd).

{% hint style="info" %}
**Note:** Storing logs for an indefinite period will increase storage costs. Our pricing for long-term log storage aligns with our standard [<mark style="color:blue;">Pricing Model</mark>](/cloud/backup-and-storage/ionos-object-storage/overview/pricing.md).
{% endhint %}


---

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