cPanel provides easy tools to delete files and folders from your hosting account using File Manager, FTP, or Backup tools. This guide explains the safe ways to delete files in cPanel and what to watch out for.

⚠️ Warning: Deleted files cannot be recovered unless you have a backup.

Method 1: Delete Files Using File Manager (Recommended)

Step 1: Log in to cPanel

Open:

Log in using your cPanel username and password.

Step 2: Open File Manager

1. Go to Files → File Manager

2. Open the folder where the file exists
   (usually public_html)

Step 3: Select File or Folder

• Click once to select a file

• Hold Ctrl to select multiple files

• Right-click to select folders

Step 4: Delete the File

1. Click Delete from the top menu OR right-click → Delete

2. Choose:

   • ✔ Skip the trash and permanently delete (optional)

3. Click Confirm

Method 2: Delete Files Using FTP

1. Connect using an FTP client (e.g. FileZilla)

2. Open public_html

3. Right-click the file or folder

4. Click Delete

Method 3: Delete Website Files (WordPress Example)

Delete a WordPress Plugin Manually

1. Go to:

    

   public_html/wp-content/plugins

2. Delete the plugin folder

Delete a WordPress Theme

1. Go to:

    

   public_html/wp-content/themes

2. Delete the theme folder

Method 4: Empty Trash (Important)

Deleted files may go to Trash.

1. In File Manager, click Trash

2. Select files

3. Click Empty Trash

This permanently removes them.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Deleting index.php or index.html
❌ Deleting .htaccess without backup
❌ Deleting core WordPress folders (wp-admin, wp-includes)
❌ Deleting files outside public_html accidentally

Fix “Permission Denied” Error

1. Right-click file → Change Permissions

2. Set:

   • Files: 644

   • Folders: 755

Best Practices

✅ Always back up before deleting
✅ Delete unused plugins, themes, and backups
✅ Empty trash after cleanup
✅ Double-check file paths

Conclusion

Deleting files in cPanel is simple using File Manager or FTP. Always confirm you are deleting the correct file or folder to avoid website issues.