# Disabling plugins in Elgg

> Regain access to an Elgg site that shows a blank page by disabling all plugins through the file system, then re-enable them one by one.

Source: https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/apps/other-apps/disabling-plugins-in-elgg/

Sometimes Elgg may fail to load or display a blank page due to plugin conflicts or errors. In such cases, you can disable all plugins to regain access and troubleshoot. On **ruachost.com**, this can be done quickly through the file system.

## Why Disable Plugins?

- Troubleshoot issues when Elgg fails to load.
- Identify conflicts between plugins.
- Regain access to the admin dashboard.

## Steps to Disable All Plugins

1. Log in to your hosting account via **cPanel** or **SSH**.
2. Navigate to the directory where Elgg is installed:

   - If installed in the document root → `public_html`
   - If installed in a subdirectory → navigate to that folder.
3. Open the `mod` directory inside your Elgg installation.
4. Create a new file named:

   ```
   disabled
   ```

   *(no extension, just the word “disabled”)*
5. Save the file.

✅ All plugins are now disabled, and you should be able to log in to Elgg.

## Re‑Enabling Plugins

1. To re‑enable plugins, simply **delete or rename** the `disabled` file in the `mod` directory.
2. Log back in to Elgg.
3. Enable plugins one by one from the **Administration → Plugins** panel to identify which one caused the issue.

## Important Notes

- Always back up your site before disabling or removing plugins.
- Disabling plugins does not delete them; it only prevents them from loading.
- If a specific plugin is problematic, disable it individually from the admin dashboard once you regain access.