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WordPress: How to Uninstall a Plugin

How to Uninstall a WordPress Plugin Using the WordPress Dashboard

Important: Uninstalling a plugin cannot be undone and will remove all of your settings for that plugin. Take caution when removing plugins that are actively being used on your website.
  1. Log into your WordPress Dashboard.
  2. Go to Plugins.
  3. Go to Installed Plugins.
  4. Click Deactivate for the plugin you want to uninstall (you must deactivate it before you can delete it). If it is already deactivated, skip to the next step.
    Click Deactivate
  5. Click Delete for the plugin you want to uninstall.
    Click Delete
  6. Click Yes, Delete These Files in the prompt that appears.
    Click Yes, delete these Files

How to Disable a Plugin Using File Manager

Important: We recommend that you only resort to this method if you are unable to access your WordPress Dashboard. Also, some plugins may create folders and files outside of the typical plugins directory, which may cause issues if you ever try to reinstall the plugin at a later time.
  1. Log in to your Domains Dashboard.
  2. In the left panel, click on File Manager.
    File Manager
  3. Locate the directory where your WordPress site is installed.
  4. Locate the /wp-content/plugins directory folder.
  5. Rename the plugin that you want to temporarily disable.  
    rename/disabling a plugin through file manager

WordPress will automatically stop trying to use the plugin the next time you go to your WordPress Dashboard.

Accidentally Uninstalled the Wrong WordPress Plugin

If you have a backup of your WordPress website (database + files) containing the plugin you accidentally deleted, uploading the backup will restore your plugin and all of its settings.
If you do not have a backup of your WordPress website, you will need to reinstall a new version of that plugin and reconfigure it with your desired settings.

Want to learn more about WordPress

Wordpress Video LogoWordPress: Tutorial Videos To help you easily grasp the basics of creating a WordPress website, iPage has created several free tutorial videos. These videos were designed to be followed in order, but you are welcome to view whichever one best suits your needs.

You can always check out WordPress.org and browse their codex or online help forums.

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