If you're unable to access your WordPress admin dashboard and need to deactivate all plugins, here are two safe, reliable methods based on WordPress.org documentation and community best practices:

✅ Method 1: Rename the Plugins Folder (Recommended for Most Users)

This method preserves all plugin settings and is safer than editing the database.
Steps:
  1. Connect via FTP (e.g., FileZilla) or use your host’s File Manager (in cPanel/Plesk).
  2. Navigate to /wp-content/ in your WordPress root directory.
  3. Rename the plugins folder to plugins.hold (or plugins.deactivated).
  4. Visit your site or try logging into yoursite.com/wp-admin.
    → WordPress will automatically deactivate all plugins since it can’t find them.
  5. Once logged in, rename the folder back to plugins.
  6. Go to Plugins > Installed Plugins and reactivate plugins one by one to identify any causing issues.
💡 Why this works: WordPress checks for active plugins on every load. If the folder is missing, it deactivates them silently—but keeps settings intact in the database.

✅ Method 2: Clear Plugin Data in phpMyAdmin (For Advanced Users)

Use this only if you’re comfortable with databases.
Steps:
  1. Open phpMyAdmin (via your hosting control panel).
  2. Select your WordPress database.

     

  3. Find the wp_options table (prefix may vary, e.g., wp123_options).
  4. Look for the row where option_name = active_plugins.
  5. Edit that row and set option_value to:

After Deactivating Plugins

  • Test your site: If it loads, reactivate plugins one-by-one to find the culprit.
  • Clear caches: Delete any caching plugin files or server-side cache.
  • Check error logs: Your host’s error log may reveal PHP conflicts.

🛠️ Bonus: Stuck in Maintenance Mode?

If you see "Briefly unavailable for scheduled maintenance" after a failed update:
  • Delete the .maintenance file in your WordPress root folder (via FTP/File Manager).
These methods resolve White Screen of Death, 500 errors, and database connection issues caused by faulty plugins. Always backup your site before making changes!