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How do I delete a plugin safely from the WordPress dashboard?

Asked on Sep 28, 2025

Answer

To safely delete a plugin from your WordPress site, you should first deactivate it and then proceed with the deletion. This ensures that the plugin is no longer active before removal, preventing potential issues.
  1. Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
  2. Navigate to Plugins → Installed Plugins.
  3. Find the plugin you wish to delete and click "Deactivate" if it is active.
  4. Once deactivated, click "Delete" under the plugin name.
  5. Confirm the deletion when prompted.
Additional Comment:
  • Deactivating a plugin before deletion ensures that it stops running and doesn't affect your site.
  • Deleting a plugin removes its files from your server, but it may leave behind data in the database.
  • Consider backing up your site before deleting plugins, especially if they store important data.
✅ Answered with WordPress best practices.

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