Custom metadata types - Deletion & access

Question

I have 2 questions on Custom Metadata type records:

• Is it possible to delete custom metadata records in a subscriber org? I can delete it in the packaging org but how can I send this deletion signal to the subscriber org apart from releasing/installing the whole package? What is the alternative?

• For a Protected type of Custom Metadata (which allows access to its object only through its own namespaced apex code) is it possible to package the records as a patch and install it in the subscriber org? Would such records installed as a patch be accessible from the code?

Answer 1

Is it possible to delete custom metadata records in a subscriber org?

No. The records cannot be deleted by a subscriber, as noted in this table.

I can delete it in the packaging org but how can I send this deletion signal to the subscriber org apart from releasing/installing the whole package?

You need to upload a new version.

What is the alternative?

There isn't one.

For a Protected type of Custom Metadata (which allows access to its object only through its own namespaced apex code) is it possible to package the records as a patch and install it in the subscriber org?

You can change existing records, but cannot add or delete records in a patch.

Would such records installed as a patch be accessible from the code?

You can't add or remove records in a patch. It needs to be a full version release. Once upgraded, they'll be visible as normal.