# Deleting your WordPress site

> Delete a WordPress installation and its database completely using Softaculous in cPanel, after making a backup.

Source: https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/wordpress/guides/deleting-your-wordpress-site/

Sometimes you may need to completely remove your WordPress site, for example, if it has been hacked, migrated to another platform, or is no longer needed. On **ruachost.com**, you can delete your WordPress installation safely using **Softaculous in cPanel**.

## ⚠️ Important Warning

Deleting a WordPress site is **irreversible**. Once removed, all files, databases, and user accounts are permanently deleted. Always **back up your site** first in case you need to restore it later.

## Step 1: Back Up Your WordPress Site (Recommended)

1. Log in to **cPanel**.
2. Go to **Softaculous Apps Installer → All Installations**.
3. Locate your WordPress installation.
4. Click the **Backup icon**.
5. Choose **Local Folder** as the backup location.
6. Click **Backup Installation**.
7. Wait for the backup to complete.
8. Access the backup file in the `softaculous_backups` folder via **File Manager**.

✅ Your site is now backed up and can be restored later if needed.

## Step 2: Delete WordPress Using Softaculous

1. Log in to **cPanel**.
2. Go to **Softaculous Apps Installer → All Installations**.
3. Locate your WordPress installation.
4. Click the **Remove icon** next to it.
5. Select the following options:

   - **Remove Directory** → Deletes site files.
   - **Remove Database** → Deletes WordPress database.
   - **Remove Database User** → Deletes associated database user.
6. Click **Remove Installation**.

✅ WordPress is now completely deleted from your hosting account.

## Notes

- If you only want to disable your site temporarily, consider **Maintenance Mode** instead of deletion.
- Deleting WordPress does not cancel your hosting plan or domain, those must be managed separately.
- If you plan to migrate, back up your site first and restore it on the new platform.