> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://tg-token-gates.gitbook.io/docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://tg-token-gates.gitbook.io/docs/the-purge.md).

# The Purge

The Purge is a daily check that automatically kicks out users from your gated chat if they don’t meet your gate’s requirements. It’s like the bouncer for your chat, keeping it exclusive.

### **How It Works** <a href="#how-it-works" id="how-it-works"></a>

Every day, the bot checks whether each member still satisfies **at least one** of your active gate rules.

* **Still meets the criteria?** They stay.
* **No longer meets the criteria?** They’re removed—unless they’re **whitelisted or admins**.

You can also turn off the daily purges if you prefer not to kick users after verification. For more details view [Manage Purge](/docs/settings/manage-purge.md).

#### Important: Add the Bot Before Members <a href="#important-add-the-bot-before-members" id="important-add-the-bot-before-members"></a>

Telegram does not give bots access to your full member list. The bot can only track members who join **after** it is in the chat.

So:

* **Add the bot as an admin first**, then invite or allow members.
* If you add the bot to a chat that already has 100 members, those 100 were never “seen” by the bot when they joined. They won’t be included in the purge unless the bot is re-notified of their membership (e.g. via a sync or re-join).

**Bottom line:** Add the bot before users join. That way the purge can work for everyone from day one.

Now that you understand "The Purge" let's learn how to setup a gate.