Uninstalled plugin leaves behind database tables or files.
Plugin Leaves Residual Data After Deletion
Key Points: After removing a plugin, it continues to occupy your database or uploads folder.
You uninstall a plugin — but the mess stays behind. Orphaned database tables, unused options, leftover shortcodes, and even files still hanging around in wp-content.
🧹 Why It Happens
- Plugin does not implement uninstall routines
- Data added outside default WP options or content areas
- Manual deletion skips clean-up steps
🛠️ Clean It Up
- Use plugins like Advanced Database Cleaner or WP-Optimize
- Manually remove leftover database tables via phpMyAdmin
- Delete unused files from
wp-content/uploads/
📦 Tip
Some plugins offer a “delete data on uninstall” setting — enable it before uninstalling if available.