How you delete a WordPress site depends on where it's hosted: on WordPress.com, go to Settings, scroll to Delete site, click Delete and type your site address to confirm. For a self-hosted WordPress site, delete its files and database through your web host, after exporting your content.
Deleting a WordPress site is permanent, and the steps are completely different depending on which kind of WordPress you have. Before you touch anything, it's worth checking which one you're on, exporting what you might need, and asking whether you really want the site gone or just hidden.
WordPress.com or self-hosted WordPress?
| WordPress.com | Self-hosted WordPress | |
|---|---|---|
| Where it lives | On WordPress.com's own hosting | On a web host you chose, like SiteGround or Hostinger |
| How you log in | WordPress.com account | Your own site's admin, usually yoursite.com/wp-admin |
| How to delete | Settings, Delete site | Through your web host's control panel |
If your site address ends in wordpress.com, or you manage it from the WordPress.com dashboard, follow the first set of steps. If your site runs on a separate web host, follow the second.
How to delete a WordPress.com site
- Go to your WordPress.com Hosting Dashboard.
- Click the title of the site you want to delete.
- In the left sidebar, choose Settings.
- Scroll to the Delete site section at the bottom and click Delete.
- If you're prompted to remove upgrades or a domain first, do that, then return.
- Type your full site address to confirm.
- Click Delete Site.
Anyone who visits afterwards sees a message saying the site has been deleted by its author.
The catch: the address is gone for good
WordPress.com says deleting a site removes it permanently, and you'll never be able to reuse its WordPress.com address. You do get a short safety net: a deleted WordPress.com site can be restored within 30 days. After that, it's gone. If there's any chance you'll want the content or the address later, choose one of the alternatives below instead.
Alternatives to deleting
- Make the site private so only you can see it.
- Reset the site for a fresh start while keeping the same address.
- Change the site's address if it's the name you don't like.
- Transfer the site to someone else who wants to run it.
WordPress.com lists all of these as less permanent options, and for a business site that's just quiet for a while, making it private is usually the better call.
How to delete a self-hosted WordPress site
A self-hosted WordPress site is made of two parts: its files on your web server, and its database. Deleting it completely means removing both, which you do through your web host rather than inside WordPress.
- Back up the site first, so you have a copy if you change your mind.
- Log in to your web host's control panel.
- Use the host's WordPress or website manager to remove the installation, which usually deletes files and database together.
- If you installed WordPress manually, delete the WordPress files from the file manager and delete the database from the databases section.
- Decide what happens to the domain: point it elsewhere, park it, or let it lapse.
If you're not sure, ask your host's support team to do it. They delete sites every day and can confirm nothing else on your account is affected.
Before you delete anything
- Export your content, posts and pages, using Tools, Export.
- Download your images and documents.
- Save any form entries, customer lists or orders.
- Note which email addresses use the domain, because deleting a site doesn't delete email, but changing the domain settings can break it.
- Plan redirects if the site had visitors and you're moving them somewhere new.
If you're closing the site because you're moving to a new platform, my explainer on what DNS is helps when you move your domain, and my Hostinger review covers one popular host.
Deleting versus making the site private
| Delete | Make private | |
|---|---|---|
| Content kept | No, after the restore window | Yes |
| Address kept | No, and it can't be reused on WordPress.com | Yes |
| Visitors see | A deleted-site message | Nothing, unless you invite them |
| Easy to undo | Only within 30 days | Any time |
For a business that's pausing, rebranding or not sure, private is the safer choice. You can always delete later; you can't always undelete.
My verdict
Check which WordPress you're on before you start. On WordPress.com, it's Settings, Delete site, and you've got 30 days to change your mind; the address can never be reused. On self-hosted WordPress, the files and database are removed through your web host. Either way, export your content first, and seriously consider making the site private instead if there's any chance you'll want it back.
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need to cancel my domain when I delete my site?
Not necessarily. You can keep the domain and point it somewhere new, or let it lapse if you no longer need it.
Can my web host delete my WordPress site for me?
Yes. Most hosts' support teams can remove the files and database and confirm nothing else is affected.
How do I export my WordPress content before deleting?
In your WordPress admin, go to Tools, Export and download the file. Save images and documents separately.
What happens to my visitors when I delete a WordPress.com site?
They see a message saying the site has been deleted by its author.
Can I restore a deleted WordPress.com site?
Yes, within 30 days of deleting it.
Can I reuse my WordPress.com address after deleting my site?
No. WordPress.com says the address can never be reused.
How do I delete a self-hosted WordPress site?
Remove the WordPress files and database through your web host's control panel, or ask the host to do it.
Does deleting my WordPress site delete my email?
Not usually, as email is often set up separately, but changes to the domain can affect it, so check first.
Should I make my WordPress site private instead of deleting it?
If there's any chance you'll want it later, yes. It hides the site without losing anything.
