I remember the first time I realized I needed to delete a WordPress site. It wasn’t because something went wrong it was because I had started a project that no longer fit my goals. At first, I was nervous. I kept thinking, “What if I break something? What if I lose content I might need later?” I wasn’t sure where to start, and the process seemed scary for someone like me who isn’t a developer. But after going through it, I realized deleting a WordPress site is actually simple if you follow the right steps.
If you’re feeling hesitant, this guide will show you exactly how I deleted my WordPress site safely, what to watch out for, and how to make sure you don’t lose anything important along the way.
Backing Up Before You Delete
The very first thing I did and I highly recommend this is backing up your website. Even though I planned to delete it, I wanted to keep a copy in case I needed content, images, or settings later.
Here’s how I backed up my WordPress site:
- I installed a backup plugin like UpdraftPlus.
- Created a full backup of my site, including files and the database.
- Downloaded the backup to my computer and cloud storage for extra security.
Backing up gave me peace of mind. I knew that even if something went wrong, I could restore my site later.
Deleting a WordPress Site from WordPress.com
If your site is hosted on WordPress.com, deleting it is straightforward. I followed these steps:
- Log in to your WordPress.com account.
- Go to My Sites → Settings.
- Scroll down to Site Tools and click on Delete your site permanently.
- WordPress will ask you to confirm by typing your site address.
- Click Delete Site.
It only took a few clicks, but WordPress also warned me that the deletion is permanent, and I wouldn’t be able to recover the content unless I used my backup. That warning made me feel secure that I had thought everything through.
Deleting a WordPress Site from Self-Hosted WordPress (cPanel)
If your site is hosted on a self-hosted WordPress setup, like using Bluehost, SiteGround, or Hostinger, the process is slightly different. Here’s what I did:
- Log in to your hosting account and go to cPanel.
- Navigate to File Manager and locate your WordPress installation folder.
- Delete the folder containing your WordPress files.
- Go to phpMyAdmin in cPanel. Find your website’s database and delete it.
This step felt a little more technical at first, but once I followed the instructions, it was quick. Just make sure you backup your files and database first, or you risk losing everything permanently.
Removing Your Domain (Optional)
I also had a custom domain connected to my WordPress site. If you want to delete the site but keep the domain for future use, you can simply disconnect it.
- Go to your domain registrar (like Namecheap or GoDaddy).
- Remove the domain from your hosting account.
- Keep the domain active so you can use it later.
I did this because I wasn’t ready to give up my domain name entirely.
Things I Learned While Deleting My Site
Deleting a WordPress site felt intimidating at first, but here are a few lessons I learned:
- Always back up your site. You never know if you’ll need old content.
- Double-check which platform your site is on (WordPress.com vs self-hosted) before starting.
- Deleting a site is permanent. Make sure you are confident about your decision.
- If you have a custom domain, decide whether you want to keep it or delete it too.
Once I finished, I felt relieved. It was like clearing clutter from my digital space. I could start fresh without worrying about old sites taking up space or confusing visitors.
Final Thoughts
Deleting a WordPress site doesn’t have to be scary. With the right preparation, backups, and clear steps, it’s straightforward. Whether your site is hosted on WordPress.com or self-hosted with a provider like Bluehost or SiteGround, you can safely remove it and even keep your domain if you want.
If you’re in a situation where a site no longer serves your goals, taking the time to delete it properly can give you a fresh start, reduce stress, and make your digital life more organized. I did it, and now I feel more confident managing my online projects.