Category: WordPress • Est. reading time: 2 minutes
Cleaning out plugins you no longer use is good housekeeping. Fewer plugins means a faster, safer site. There are two steps, and the order matters: you deactivate first, then delete.
Step 1: Deactivate
- Log in and go to Plugins.
- Find the plugin and click Deactivate beneath its name. This switches it off without removing it, which is handy if you only want to pause it for a moment.
Step 2: Delete
- With the plugin now deactivated, a Delete link appears in the same spot.
- Click it and confirm. WordPress removes the plugin’s files for good.
Heads up: deleting a plugin can also remove its stored data and settings, so if there is any chance you will want it back with everything intact, deactivate and leave it rather than delete. When in doubt, back up first.
Need a Hand?
We teach WordPress live and one-on-one at allydrez.com/learn-how-to-use-wordpress, or we will manage your site for you. Reach us at support@allydrez.com or 1-321-209-2004.