Removing WordPress from GoDaddy Hosting: Step-by-Step Guide

 

Safely uninstall WordPress from your GoDaddy hosting account with these easy steps

Introduction

👋 Hey there, WordPress enthusiasts! Are you looking to bid farewell to WordPress on your GoDaddy hosting account? Removing WordPress can be a breeze with our step-by-step guide. Whether you’re switching platforms or simply streamlining your hosting, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive right in!

Benefits of Removing WordPress

Uninstalling WordPress can bring a host of benefits:

• Improved performance: Removing unused software can boost your hosting performance.
• Enhanced security: Eliminating potential vulnerabilities associated with WordPress can strengthen your website’s security.
• Cost savings: If you’re not using WordPress, why pay for hosting resources it consumes?
• Simplified management: With WordPress gone, managing your hosting becomes a breeze.

© Photographer cocarinne

Prerequisites

2. Access to WordPress Dashboard

Before you start, make sure you have access to both your GoDaddy account and your WordPress dashboard. This will allow you to export your data and remove WordPress files. 🔑

“A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” – Lao Tzu

Imagine you’re packing for a big move. You wouldn’t just throw everything in a box without sorting it out first, right? The same goes for removing WordPress. Having access to both your GoDaddy account and your WordPress dashboard is like having a map and a compass – it makes the journey so much smoother.

Backing Up Your Data: A Safety Net for Your WordPress Oasis 🛡️

Before you embark on the journey of removing WordPress from your GoDaddy hosting, it’s crucial to create a backup of your precious data. Think of it as a lifeboat in case of stormy seas! Backing up your data ensures that your content, settings, and customizations are safely preserved, ready to be restored if needed.

There are two main ways to create a WordPress backup:

• Using a Plugin: Plugins like UpdraftPlus and BackWPup automate the backup process, making it a breeze. Simply install the plugin, configure your backup settings, and let it do its magic.
• Manual Export: If you prefer a more hands-on approach, you can manually export your WordPress database and files. To export the database, navigate to the “Tools” section in your WordPress dashboard and select “Export.” For files, use an FTP client or File Manager to download all the files from your WordPress directory.

Deleting the WordPress Database

4. Dropping the Database Tables

Once you’ve located the WordPress database, it’s time to delete it. But hold on there, cowboy! 🤠 Before you click that button, make sure you’ve backed up your data. Trust me, it’s like having a safety net for your precious website content.

Now, let’s get down to business. Here’s how to drop those database tables:

• Step 1: Select the Database

Navigate to the “Databases” section in your GoDaddy account. Click on the name of the WordPress database you want to delete.

• Step 2: Open phpMyAdmin

You’ll be taken to a new page. Look for the “phpMyAdmin” link and click on it. This will open the phpMyAdmin interface.

• Step 3: Select All Tables

In the left-hand menu, you’ll see a list of tables. Check the box next to “Select All.”

• Step 4: Drop the Tables

Click on the “With selected:” dropdown menu and choose “Drop.” Then, click on the “Go” button.

And there you have it! The WordPress database tables are now deleted. 👋

Removing WordPress Files

Step 5: Deleting WordPress Files

Once you’ve backed up your data, it’s time to delete the WordPress files. You can do this using FTP or File Manager.

Using FTP:

1. Connect to your hosting account using an FTP client like FileZilla.
2. Navigate to the public_html folder.
3. Delete the wp-admin, wp-content, and wp-includes folders.
4. Delete the wp-config.php file.

Using File Manager:

1. Log in to your GoDaddy account and open File Manager.
2. Navigate to the public_html folder.
3. Select the wp-admin, wp-content, and wp-includes folders and click “Delete.”
4. Select the wp-config.php file and click “Delete.”

Tip: If you’re not sure which files to delete, you can search for “WordPress” in File Manager and delete any files that contain the word “WordPress.”

Uninstalling WordPress from cPanel

Softaculous Apps Installer

If you installed WordPress using Softaculous Apps Installer, you can uninstall it directly from cPanel. Here’s how:

1. Log in to your GoDaddy account and access cPanel.
2. Navigate to the “Softaculous Apps Installer” section.
3. Find the WordPress installation you want to remove and click on the “Uninstall” button.
4. Confirm the uninstallation by clicking on the “Uninstall” button again.

Once the uninstallation is complete, WordPress will be removed from your GoDaddy hosting account.

Updating DNS Records 🌐

Once you’ve removed WordPress from your hosting, you might need to update your DNS records if your domain was pointing to the WordPress installation. Think of DNS records as the address book for the internet, directing visitors to the right place.

To update your DNS records, head over to your GoDaddy account and navigate to the “Domain Manager.” Select the domain you want to edit and click on “Manage DNS.” Here, you can change the DNS settings to point to your new website or hosting provider. It’s like giving your website a new address so people can find it.

Removing WordPress from GoDaddy Website Builder 💭

If you installed WordPress through GoDaddy’s Website Builder, you’ll need to remove it slightly differently. Here’s how:

1️⃣ Access Website Builder: Log in to your GoDaddy account and navigate to the Website Builder dashboard.

2️⃣ Select Site: Choose the website where WordPress is installed.

3️⃣ Edit Site: Click the “Edit Site” button to open the website editor.

4️⃣ Remove WordPress: In the left-hand menu, click on “Settings” and then “WordPress.” Click the “Remove” button to uninstall WordPress.

5️⃣ Confirm Removal: A confirmation message will appear. Click “OK” to remove WordPress from your website.

Remember, removing WordPress will also delete all your WordPress content, including posts, pages, and media. So, make sure you have a backup before proceeding.

Troubleshooting

9. Common Issues and Solutions

Encountering hiccups during the WordPress removal process is not uncommon. Let’s dive into some common roadblocks and their solutions:

• Error deleting the WordPress database: If you face this issue, double-check that you’re logged into the correct MySQL database and have the necessary permissions. Also, ensure the database name you’re trying to delete matches the one associated with your WordPress installation.
• Unable to connect to FTP or File Manager: If you can’t establish a connection, verify your FTP credentials and firewall settings. Ensure that FTP access is enabled in your GoDaddy account and that your firewall isn’t blocking the connection.
• WordPress not listed in cPanel’s Softaculous Apps Installer: If you can’t find WordPress in the Softaculous Apps Installer, it may not have been installed through that method. Check your hosting account for alternative WordPress installation methods.
• DNS changes not propagating: DNS changes can take some time to propagate across the internet. If you’re not seeing immediate results, be patient and allow a few hours for the changes to take effect.

Conclusion

🎉 Congratulations! 🎉 You’ve successfully removed WordPress from your GoDaddy hosting. Now, you’re free to explore other options or start fresh with a new website.

Remember, it’s always a good idea to have a backup of your data before making any changes. That way, you can easily restore your website if anything goes wrong.

If you need any further assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out to GoDaddy’s support team or check out their online documentation. They’re always happy to help!

Additional Resources:

• GoDaddy’s WordPress Removal Guide