---
title: Deactivate the plugin via FTP
canonical: https://wpsecurityninja.com/docs/errors-and-debugging/how-to-deactivate-the-plugin/
---
If wp-admin is unreachable (for example after a firewall lockout), deactivate Security Ninja from the filesystem:

1. Connect with FTP or your host file manager.
2. Open `/wp-content/plugins/`.
3. Rename (preferred) or delete the plugin folder:
   * `security-ninja` (free / standard package name), or
   * `security-ninja-premium` (if that is the folder name on your install)

WordPress will stop loading the plugin. Log in, then reinstall or rename the folder back when ready.

Related recovery: [Secret Access URL](https://wpsecurityninja.com/docs/firewall/secret-access-url/), [How to get back into your website](https://wpsecurityninja.com/docs/firewall/how-to-get-back-in-to-your-website/).