Deleting a WordPress website may be necessary for various reasons—rebranding, ending a project, or switching platforms. This guide walks you through the process clearly and safely, whether you’re using WordPress.com or a self-hosted WordPress site, ensuring no data is lost and everything is removed properly.
Key Takeaways
- Back up your site first: Always save your content, themes, plugins, and database before deleting anything.
- Know your platform: WordPress.com and self-hosted WordPress (via hosting providers) require different deletion methods.
- Delete via hosting control panel: For self-hosted sites, use cPanel, Plesk, or your host’s file manager to remove files and databases.
- Cancel your domain and hosting: After deletion, stop recurring payments by canceling your domain registration and hosting plan.
- Use WP Reset plugin for quick cleanup: This tool can wipe your site’s content while keeping WordPress core intact—ideal for fresh starts.
- Check for residual data: Ensure no backups, email accounts, or subdomains remain linked to the deleted site.
- Consider alternatives: Instead of full deletion, you might want to deactivate, password-protect, or redirect the site.
How to Delete Website on WordPress: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
Whether you’re closing down an old blog, ending a project, or simply cleaning up your online presence, knowing how to delete a website on WordPress is essential. The process isn’t always obvious—especially if you’re new to WordPress or unsure whether you’re using WordPress.com or a self-hosted version.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process of safely and completely removing your WordPress website. We’ll cover both WordPress.com and self-hosted WordPress sites (those installed on your own hosting), explain how to back up your data, and help you avoid common mistakes. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to do—and what not to do—when deleting your site.
Why Delete a WordPress Website?
There are many valid reasons to delete a WordPress site:
Visual guide about How to Delete Website on WordPress
Image source: bizanosa.com
- You’re rebranding and launching a new site.
- The website is outdated or no longer relevant.
- You’re switching to a different platform (like Wix, Squarespace, or Shopify).
- You want to stop paying for hosting and domain fees.
- The site was hacked or compromised and can’t be restored.
Whatever your reason, it’s important to delete your site properly—not just let it sit idle. An abandoned site can become a security risk, hurt your SEO, or continue costing you money.
Step 1: Back Up Your Website
Before you delete anything, always create a full backup. This ensures you can restore your site if you change your mind or need to recover content later.
Visual guide about How to Delete Website on WordPress
Image source: dmhubtraining.com
How to Back Up a Self-Hosted WordPress Site
If your site is hosted on a provider like Bluehost, SiteGround, or HostGator, follow these steps:
- Log in to your hosting control panel (usually cPanel).
- Look for a section called “Backup” or “Backup Wizard.”
- Download a full backup of your files and database.
- Alternatively, use a plugin like UpdraftPlus or All-in-One WP Migration to create and download a backup.
How to Back Up a WordPress.com Site
WordPress.com allows you to export your content:
- Go to your WordPress.com dashboard.
- Click Tools > Export.
- Choose “All Content” and download the XML file.
- This won’t include themes or plugins, but it saves your posts, pages, and media.
Pro Tip: Store your backup in multiple places—Google Drive, Dropbox, or an external hard drive—just in case.
Step 2: Determine Your WordPress Platform
Not all WordPress sites are the same. There are two main types:
- WordPress.com: A hosted service where WordPress manages your site. Easier for beginners but less flexible.
- Self-hosted WordPress (WordPress.org): You download WordPress and install it on your own web hosting. More control, but requires more maintenance.
Your deletion method depends on which one you’re using. Let’s break it down.
Step 3: Delete a WordPress.com Website
If you created your site on WordPress.com, follow these steps to delete it permanently:
Log in to Your WordPress.com Account
Go to wordpress.com and sign in with your credentials.
Go to Site Settings
From your dashboard, click on the site you want to delete. Then navigate to Settings > General.
Scroll Down to “Delete Site”
At the bottom of the General settings page, you’ll find a red button labeled “Delete Site”. Click it.
Confirm Deletion
WordPress will ask you to confirm by typing your site’s name. Once you do, your site will be scheduled for deletion. It may take up to 30 days to be permanently removed, during which time you can cancel the deletion.
Note: Deleting your site on WordPress.com does not automatically cancel your paid plan. You must also cancel any subscriptions to stop billing.
Step 4: Delete a Self-Hosted WordPress Website
If you’re using a self-hosted WordPress site (the most common setup), you’ll need to delete files and databases manually through your hosting provider.
Access Your Hosting Control Panel
Log in to your hosting account (e.g., Bluehost, SiteGround, GoDaddy). Look for cPanel, Plesk, or a custom dashboard.
Delete WordPress Files
Navigate to the File Manager or FTP section. Locate the folder where your WordPress site is installed (usually public_html or a subfolder like public_html/yoursite).
- Select all files and folders inside.
- Right-click and choose “Delete” or “Remove.”
Warning: Deleting files permanently removes your site. Double-check you’re in the right folder!
Delete the Database
WordPress stores content in a MySQL database. You must delete this too:
- In cPanel, go to MySQL Databases.
- Find the database associated with your site (usually named something like
wp_yoursite). - Click “Delete Database.”
- Also remove any database users linked to it.
Remove Domain or Subdomain (Optional)
If you no longer need the domain or subdomain, you can delete it from your hosting panel. This prevents it from pointing to an empty server.
Step 5: Cancel Your Domain and Hosting
Even after deleting your site, you may still be charged for your domain name and hosting plan. To stop payments:
Cancel Hosting Plan
Contact your hosting provider or use their billing portal to cancel your subscription. Some hosts allow self-cancellation; others require support tickets.
Let Your Domain Expire or Transfer It
You can either let your domain registration expire or transfer it to another provider if you plan to use it elsewhere. Most registrars allow you to disable auto-renewal.
Tip: If you’re not sure when your domain renews, check your email for renewal notices or log in to your domain registrar’s site.
Alternative: Reset Your Site Instead of Deleting
If you’re not ready to fully delete your site but want a fresh start, consider using the WP Reset plugin. This tool wipes all content—posts, pages, comments, media, and settings—while keeping WordPress core, themes, and plugins intact.
This is perfect if you want to reuse the same domain for a new project. Learn more in our guide on how to use WP Reset plugin.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
“I Can’t Find the Delete Option in WordPress.com”
Make sure you’re logged in as the site owner. Only administrators can delete sites. Also, some free plans may restrict deletion—check your account type.
“My Site Still Shows After Deleting Files”
This could mean:
- The database wasn’t deleted (clear your browser cache and check again).
- Your domain is still pointing to the server (update DNS settings or wait for propagation).
- A caching plugin or CDN is serving old content (clear all caches).
“I Accidentally Deleted My Site”
If you have a recent backup, contact your hosting provider immediately. Many hosts keep automatic backups for 7–30 days and can restore your site.
Final Thoughts
Deleting a WordPress website doesn’t have to be scary. With the right steps, you can remove your site safely and completely—whether it’s on WordPress.com or your own hosting. Always back up first, know your platform, and don’t forget to cancel subscriptions to avoid unwanted charges.
Remember, deletion is permanent. If you’re unsure, consider alternatives like password-protecting your site, redirecting it, or simply unpublishing content. But if you’re ready to move on, follow this guide to do it the right way.