---
url: /gst-manager-acellemail/uninstalling.md
description: >-
  Turn GST Manager off reversibly, or remove it and its data completely — what
  deactivation keeps, what deletion drops, and why the one-time core patches can
  stay in place.
---

# Uninstalling

GST Manager provides two removal options based on your operational requirements:

* **Deactivation (Reversible):** Temporarily disables plugin operations while preserving all settings, logs, and database records.
* **Deletion (Irreversible):** Permanently purges plugin files and drops all associated database tables.

## Deactivate plugin (reversible)

To pause GST operations without data loss, navigate to **Admin → Plugins** and click **Deactivate**.

Operational changes during deactivation:

* **Admin menu:** The **GST Manager** sidebar menu is hidden.
* **Invoice rendering:** Invoices revert to stock AcelleMail PDF layouts.
* **Tag resolution:** Dynamic `{Bank_Details}` tag parsing stops.
* **Data retention:** Configuration tables and export invoice history remain intact.
* **Restoration:** Reactivating the plugin immediately restores full GST functionality.

::: tip Recommended validation step
Deactivate before permanently deleting to verify that your AcelleMail installation functions as expected with stock invoice handling.
:::

## Delete plugin and data (irreversible)

To remove the plugin entirely, navigate to **Admin → Plugins** and click **Delete**.

This action permanently removes plugin files and drops the following database tables:

* `gstmgr_config` — All merchant GSTIN, tax, branding, and bank configuration.
* `gstmgr_export_invoices` — Historical export invoice sequence mappings.
* `gstmgr_template_sync_log` — Template sync audit logs.
* `gstmgr_checksums` — File integrity baselines and verification records.

::: danger Irreversible data loss
Deleting the plugin permanently destroys all configuration and export history. Create a database backup prior to deletion. See [Backup and restore](/gst-manager-acellemail/backup-and-restore).
:::

## Retaining core extension hooks

Core hook modifications applied during installation remain inert after deletion:

* **Harmless presence:** Marker-fenced hooks do not execute when plugin classes are absent.
* **Clean fallback:** AcelleMail core functions proceed normally through stock logic paths.
* **No manual cleanup:** Core files do not require manual restoration or patch reversal.

## Releasing your license key

Before moving your license to another domain or server:

1. Open **GST Manager → Plugin Settings → License**.
2. Click **Deactivate this license**.
3. Confirm the deactivation dialog (*"Deactivate this license on this domain?"*).

See [Licensing](/gst-manager-acellemail/licensing).

## Related pages

* [Backup and restore](/gst-manager-acellemail/backup-and-restore) — backup procedures
* [Installation](/gst-manager-acellemail/installation) — plugin activation steps
* [Licensing](/gst-manager-acellemail/licensing) — license key management
* [Troubleshooting](/gst-manager-acellemail/troubleshooting) — resolution steps