TLDR: If I want to delete a WordPress website permanently, I need to remove the WordPress installation files, delete the database, remove the domain name if necessary, clear search engine indexing using Google Search Console and the URL removal tool, and delete archived pages from Internet Archive. Before doing anything, I always create a backup using a plugin like UpdraftPlus or a manual method so I can restore the site later if needed.
Why Would I Delete a WordPress Website?
I often see questions on Google SERPs, People Also Ask, Reddit, Quora, and Search Console like “Should I delete my WordPress website?” or “How do I permanently remove a website from the internet?”
As you know, running a website involves ongoing webmaster tasks like content writing, SEO, design modifications, and maintenance. Sometimes a WordPress.org self-hosted solution no longer fits my goals.
For example, I might have an abandoned blog with low traffic and low sales, or my business direction may have changed. In addition, I may want to launch a new theme, rebrand identity, merge website content, or move to a new domain name.
Deleting a site is a strategic decision because once I delete permanently, the website becomes invisible, browser access stops working, and search engine indexing eventually disappears. I also lose conversions, sales, newsletter subscriptions, white paper downloads, and quote requests.
However, when a site is no longer strategic, removing it completely can be the right decision.
Step 1: Why I Always Backup Before Deleting a Site
Before deleting anything, I create a backup site copy that includes files backup and database backup.
Even if I don’t plan to restore site content immediately, I know plans can change. A backup allows me to restore site data later.
I can use a manual method if I have technical knowledge. However, I usually prefer plugin backup tools like UpdraftPlus, which support scheduled backups and remote storage options like Dropbox, Google Drive, and AmazonS3.
This ensures my WordPress installation is safe before removal begins.
Step 2: How I Delete WordPress Installation Files
A WordPress installation has two main components: WordPress core files and the database.
To remove files, I can use the cPanel interface provided by my hosting provider such as Bluehost, OVH, Ionos, or SiteGround.
Inside cPanel, I open File Manager, navigate to the root directory like public_html folder, www directory, or htdocs folder, select all files, and delete them.
If I prefer another method, I connect using an FTP client like FileZilla, Cyberduck, or Transmit through the File Transfer Protocol server connection using host, port number, username, and password from my hosting package.
Then I delete the files from the server directly.
If my WordPress installation was created using an auto-installer like Softaculous, I can also remove it through the Advanced tab.
Step 3: How I Delete the Database
After removing files, I delete the database using MySQL databases inside cPanel.
I open the Databases tab, locate the correct database, and remove it. I also delete database users from the current users section.
Alternatively, I can use the phpMyAdmin tool to manage database removal.
Once both the WordPress core files and database removal are complete, the WordPress website no longer exists on the hosting server.
Step 4: How I Delete the Domain Name
If I don’t plan to reuse the domain name, I remove it from the Domains section in cPanel or through my registrar account.
Sometimes I must update DNS setup before deleting addon domains.
At this point, my website is offline. However, search engine indexing may still show pages in search results.
Step 5: How I Remove Website Content from Google
Search engines don’t instantly remove indexed pages. That’s why I use Google Search Console.
Inside the Google Search Console property, I use the URL removal tool in the temporary removals tab and submit a new request.
This removes a URL web address from Google search engine results temporarily.
For permanent removal, I ensure the hosting server content is deleted, enable password protection if needed, or add a noindex tag.
I avoid using robots.txt directive blocking alone because crawlers access may still allow indexing in some cases.
In addition, I remember to remove links from social networks links, email signature links, and Google Business profile.
Since Bing search engine and Yahoo search engine maintain separate indexing systems, I check their documentation as well.
Step 6: How I Delete Website Archives
Even after deleting files, database, and indexing, screenshots archive versions may exist.
The Internet Archive stores cached web pages in the WaybackMachine system.
If my pages appear there, I contact the Internet Archive non-profit organization and request website traces removal from their database of cached web pages.
This step ensures complete removal from the internet.
Can I Delete a WordPress Site Using a Plugin?
I’ve seen this question many times in forums and communities.
There is no plugin that fully deletes a WordPress website automatically. However, WP Reset plugin can reset WordPress database settings, delete customizations, and delete content only.
This helps in staging environment testing, local tests, or hacked site cleanup when restoring from the last backup.
However, it does not remove files from the hosting server.
What If I Only Want to Unpublish My Website?
Sometimes deleting a site is unnecessary.
If I’m working on a redesign project, I can enable a maintenance plugin like SeedProd plugin to show a coming soon page.
If I only want to hide a page temporarily, I switch public to private switch inside content editor settings using private post visibility.
Another option is enabling search engine visibility option under reading settings to discourage indexing.
However, I use this carefully because index risk delay can affect SEO recovery later.
How Performance and Maintenance Still Matter
Even when preparing to delete a site, performance tools like WP Rocket caching plugin remind me how much speed optimization and maintenance affect long-term SEO.
Understanding this helps me make better strategic decisions for future projects.
To Summarize
Deleting a WordPress website requires removing files and database, clearing search engine indexing, removing domain name connections, and deleting archived pages.
However, I always start with a backup site copy using UpdraftPlus or manual method.
If deletion isn’t necessary, I can reset WordPress database using WP Reset plugin or temporarily invisible site options like maintenance plugin mode, private post visibility, or search engine visibility settings.
If you’re running a WordPress agency or managing multiple client sites, understanding this full deletion process ensures you can safely remove a website without leaving traces behind.