Getting locked out of your WordPress admin area can be frustrating, especially when you need to deactivate plugins. In such cases, disabling plugins through the WordPress dashboard isn’t an option. Instead, you can use FTP (File Transfer Protocol) or the File Manager in your WordPress hosting control panel.
WordPress stores all installed plugins in the /wp-content/plugins/ directory. If this directory isn’t accessible, WordPress will automatically deactivate the plugins.
Steps to Deactivate WordPress Plugins via FTP
- Connect to Your Website via FTP:
To start, connect to your WordPress site using an FTP client like FileZilla. After establishing the connection, navigate to the root directory of your WordPress installation and open the wp-content folder. - Rename the Plugins Directory:
Locate the plugins folder within the wp-content directory. Right-click on the plugins folder and select the ‘Rename’ option. Change the folder name to something like ‘plugins-deactivated’. This simple renaming action will effectively disable all WordPress plugins. - Access Your WordPress Admin Area:
Now, try logging into your WordPress admin area. Navigate to the Plugins page, where you will see notifications indicating that all WordPress plugins have been deactivated.
By following these steps, you can quickly regain access to your WordPress admin area and troubleshoot any issues caused by plugins.
Remember that if you need WordPress help with a team of professionals, you can consult our WordPress 911 service.