Documents / Sentinel Security / Troubleshooting

What happens to my security settings if I deactivate the plugin?

Q. What happens to my security settings if I deactivate the plugin?

A. Your settings are stored in the database, so deactivating the plugin will not cause any data loss.

When Deactivated

When you deactivate the plugin:

  • Settings data: Retained in the database (wp_options table)
  • Log data: Login history and scan results also remain in the database
  • Upon reactivation: All settings are automatically restored
However, the following security features will be completely inactive while the plugin is deactivated:
  • Custom login URL (the default /wp-login.php becomes accessible)
  • IP restrictions
  • Brute force protection
  • reCAPTCHA
  • OTP authentication
Reactivate the plugin as quickly as possible. While deactivated, your login page is left unprotected.

When Deleted (Uninstalled)

When you fully delete the plugin, uninstall.php is executed, removing all database tables and options.

This permanently deletes the following:

  • All plugin settings
  • Login history
  • Scan results
  • Custom database tables

Important: If you only want to temporarily disable the plugin's features, use Deactivate only — do not Delete the plugin.