How to Uninstall WordPress (Complete Tutorial) | Whether you’re switching platforms, starting fresh, or simply taking a break, uninstalling WordPress can seem like a daunting task. However, with the proper steps, you can remove WordPress from your server without leaving any traces. This guide will walk you through the process step by step.

How to Uninstall WordPress: A Step-by-Step Guide

Why Uninstall WordPress?

Before diving into the how-to, it’s essential to understand why you might want to uninstall WordPress. Common reasons include:

• Switching to another CMS or platform.
• Clearing space on your server for a new project.
• Starting over with a fresh WordPress installation.
• Security concerns, such as removing an outdated or compromised installation.

Understanding your reasons can also help you decide whether a complete uninstallation is necessary or adjustments to your current setup might suffice.

Step 1: Backup Your Data

Before you uninstall WordPress, back up your website, even if you think you won’t need it, having a backup ensures you won’t lose any valuable content.

1. Use a Plugin: Tools like UpdraftPlus or BackupBuddy make it easy to create backups.
2. Manually Backup:
   • Download your WordPress files via FTP. Connect to your hosting server using an FTP client such as FileZilla and download the entire WordPress directory to your local computer.
   • Export your database using phpMyAdmin or a similar tool. Navigate to phpMyAdmin in your hosting control panel, select your WordPress database, and use the “Export” option to save a copy locally.

Store your backup in a secure location, such as cloud storage or an external drive. If you decide to reinstall WordPress later, this backup will be invaluable.

Step 2: Deactivate and Delete Plugins

To ensure a clean uninstallation, deactivate and delete all plugins from your WordPress dashboard:

1. Log in to your WordPress admin panel.
2. Go to Plugins > Installed Plugins.
3. Deactivate all plugins to prevent conflicts during uninstallation.
4. Delete each plugin by selecting the “Delete” option. This ensures no residual files or data are left behind.

Some plugins, especially caching or security plugins, may leave files in your WordPress directory. Check for leftover files and delete them manually if needed.

Step 3: Delete Your WordPress Files

Removing the WordPress files from your server is a critical step. Here’s how to do it:

1. Access Your Server:
   • Use an FTP client like FileZilla or access your hosting control panel’s file manager.
2. Navigate to Your WordPress Directory:
   • Typically located in the public_html or www folder. If you installed WordPress in a subdirectory, such as example.com/blog, navigate to that folder.
3. Delete All Files:
   • Select all WordPress files and folders, including wp-admin, wp-content, wp-includes, and the root files, such as wp-config.php and .htaccess, and delete them.
4. Double-Check for Hidden Files:
   • Ensure hidden files .htaccess are also removed. Some file managers require you to enable the display of hidden files.

Step 4: Remove the Database

WordPress stores its content and settings in a database. To thoroughly uninstall WordPress, you need to delete this database:

1. Access phpMyAdmin:
   • Log in to your hosting control panel and find phpMyAdmin.
2. Locate Your Database:
   • Identify the database associated with your WordPress installation. You can check the database name in the wp-config.php file within your WordPress root directory.
3. Delete the Database:
   • Select the database in phpMyAdmin and click the “Drop” option to delete it permanently. Confirm the action when prompted.
4. Remove Database Users:
   • If you created a specific user for the WordPress database, delete that user to prevent unauthorized access.

Step 5: Remove User Accounts and Cron Jobs

If you created specific server user accounts or cron jobs for WordPress, remove them:

1. User Accounts:
   • Delete FTP or cPanel accounts created exclusively for WordPress. This is especially important for security reasons.
2. Cron Jobs:
   • Check for any scheduled tasks related to WordPress. Plugins or themes often use these for automatic updates or maintenance tasks. Remove them via your hosting control panel.

Step 6: Clear Your Domain Settings

If you plan to use the same domain for another project, you’ll need to clean up its settings:

1. Remove Redirects:
   • Check for any .htaccess rules or domain-level redirects and clear them. This ensures your domain is ready for a new setup.
2. Update DNS Records:
   • Ensure the domain points to the correct location for your next project. This can be managed in your hosting account or DNS provider settings.
3. Purge Cache:
   • If you use a CDN (Content Delivery Network) like Cloudflare, purge its cache to prevent old site files from being served.

Step 7: Check for Residual Files

Some residual files or settings might remain even after the above steps. Here’s how to perform a final cleanup:

1. Search for Orphaned Files:
   • Manually inspect your server for leftover files or directories.
2. Clear Browser Cache:
   • Clear your browser cache to ensure you see your site’s updated version.
3. Scan Your Server:
   • Use tools or scripts provided by your hosting provider to scan for unused files or configurations.

Final Thoughts

Uninstalling WordPress may seem like a technical challenge, but following these steps ensures a complete and clean removal. Whether you’re switching platforms or starting fresh, taking the time to uninstall WordPress properly will save you headaches down the road.

If you’re uncomfortable handling these steps, consider contacting your hosting provider or hiring a professional. Many hosting companies offer one-click uninstall options or guided assistance for removing WordPress installations.

Have you uninstalled WordPress before? Share your tips or experiences in the comments below!

FAQ

References

1. https://www.hostinger.com/tutorials/wordpress/how-to-delete-wordpress
2. https://wpdatatables.com/how-to-uninstall-wordpress-from-cpanel