Deactivate all Plugins from Server #deactivate plugin #plugin deactivate...

How to Deactivate All WordPress Plugins from Server – Complete Guide

WordPress plugins are essential for adding features to your website. However, sometimes a plugin can cause errors, crashes, or conflicts with your site. In such cases, deactivating all plugins becomes necessary. While you can deactivate plugins from the WordPress dashboard, sometimes the dashboard itself may not be accessible due to plugin issues. In such scenarios, you can deactivate all plugins directly from the server.

Why You May Need to Deactivate All Plugins

• Site crashes after a plugin update
• White screen of death (WSOD)
• Plugin conflicts causing errors
• Migration or server maintenance
• Security issues or hacked plugins

Methods to Deactivate WordPress Plugins from Server

There are multiple ways to deactivate all plugins from your WordPress server. We will cover the three most popular methods:

1. Deactivate Plugins Using FTP

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) allows you to access your website’s files remotely. To deactivate all plugins using FTP:

1. Install an FTP client like FileZilla or Cyberduck.
2. Connect to your website using FTP credentials (host, username, password, port).
3. Navigate to the WordPress installation directory, usually public_html.
4. Open the wp-content folder.
5. Rename the plugins folder to plugins-deactivated.
6. This will automatically deactivate all plugins.
7. Check your website; it should load without plugin errors.
8. To reactivate, rename the folder back to plugins and activate plugins one by one from the dashboard.

2. Deactivate Plugins Using cPanel File Manager

If you have access to your hosting cPanel, you can use File Manager to deactivate plugins:

1. Login to your cPanel account.
2. Go to File Manager and navigate to public_html/wp-content/.
3. Locate the plugins folder.
4. Right-click and select Rename. Change the folder name to plugins-deactivated.
5. Visit your website. All plugins are now deactivated.
6. To restore, rename the folder back and activate plugins individually.

3. Deactivate Plugins Using WP-CLI

WP-CLI (WordPress Command Line Interface) is a powerful tool for managing WordPress from the terminal. If your server supports WP-CLI:

1. Access your server via SSH.
2. Navigate to your WordPress root directory.
3. Run the following command to deactivate all plugins:

wp plugin deactivate --all

This command instantly deactivates all installed plugins. You can also reactivate plugins individually using:

wp plugin activate plugin-name

Safety Tips Before Deactivating Plugins

• Backup your website: Always create a full backup of your website and database before deactivating plugins.
• Deactivate one by one if possible: To identify which plugin caused the error, deactivate plugins individually.
• Check plugin dependencies: Some plugins rely on others to function properly.

Common Errors After Deactivating Plugins

Sometimes deactivating all plugins may cause minor issues like:

• Loss of styling (CSS issues)
• Missing functionalities (shortcodes, sliders)
• Widget disappearance

These are normal, as plugins are responsible for these features. Reactivating plugins gradually will restore them.

FAQs About Deactivating WordPress Plugins

Q1. Can I deactivate plugins without accessing WordPress Dashboard?

Yes, using FTP, cPanel, or WP-CLI you can deactivate plugins without accessing the dashboard.

Q2. Will deactivating plugins delete data?

No, deactivating plugins only turns them off. Data usually remains in the database unless you delete the plugin.

Q3. How can I identify the faulty plugin?

Deactivate all plugins, then reactivate one by one to check which plugin causes the issue.

Q4. Can I deactivate all plugins using PHP code?

Yes, by adding rename(ABSPATH . 'wp-content/plugins', ABSPATH . 'wp-content/plugins-deactivated'); in functions.php, but it’s not recommended for beginners.

Conclusion

Deactivating all WordPress plugins from the server is a crucial skill for troubleshooting plugin conflicts or site crashes. Using FTP, cPanel, or WP-CLI, you can safely deactivate all plugins and restore your site’s functionality. Always remember to backup your website before making any changes and reactivate plugins one by one to identify any issues.

With these methods, even beginners can troubleshoot plugin-related issues without fear. Keep your WordPress site safe, optimized, and running smoothly by knowing how to manage plugins effectively.