diff --git a/zerver/migrations/0355_realm_delete_own_message_policy.py b/zerver/migrations/0355_realm_delete_own_message_policy.py
index becc4bc158..1a99e77fb4 100644
--- a/zerver/migrations/0355_realm_delete_own_message_policy.py
+++ b/zerver/migrations/0355_realm_delete_own_message_policy.py
@@ -12,6 +12,6 @@ class Migration(migrations.Migration):
         migrations.AddField(
             model_name="realm",
             name="delete_own_message_policy",
-            field=models.PositiveSmallIntegerField(default=2),
+            field=models.PositiveSmallIntegerField(default=5),
         ),
     ]
diff --git a/zerver/models/realms.py b/zerver/models/realms.py
index b32fbe9f79..f0b0f9347c 100644
--- a/zerver/models/realms.py
+++ b/zerver/models/realms.py
@@ -242,7 +242,7 @@ class Realm(models.Model):  # type: ignore[django-manager-missing] # django-stub
     create_web_public_stream_policy = models.PositiveSmallIntegerField(default=POLICY_OWNERS_ONLY)
 
     # Who in the organization is allowed to delete messages they themselves sent.
-    delete_own_message_policy = models.PositiveSmallIntegerField(default=POLICY_ADMINS_ONLY)
+    delete_own_message_policy = models.PositiveSmallIntegerField(default=POLICY_EVERYONE)
 
     # Who in the organization is allowed to edit topics of any message.
     edit_topic_policy = models.PositiveSmallIntegerField(default=POLICY_EVERYONE)