# Uninstall (/self-host/uninstall)

> Remove a self-hosted Pangolin Docker Compose installation and its data



This guide covers uninstalling a Pangolin instance installed with Docker Compose, either through the [installer script](/self-host/quick-install) or a [manual Docker Compose setup](/self-host/manual/docker-compose).

All Pangolin data (database, certificates, Traefik config, and app settings) lives in the `config` directory next to your `docker-compose.yml`. Removing the containers alone leaves that data on disk.

<Warning>
  Uninstalling deletes your Pangolin data. Back up the `config` directory first if you might need it later.
</Warning>

## Uninstall Process [#uninstall-process]

Run these commands from the directory that contains your `docker-compose.yml` (the same directory where you ran the installer or created the Compose files).

<Steps>
  <Step title="Stop and remove containers">
    Stop the stack and remove its containers and networks:

    ```bash
    sudo docker compose down
    ```

    This leaves your files on disk. Your `config` directory and `docker-compose.yml` are unchanged.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Delete the config directory">
    Remove the `config` directory to delete the database, certificates, and configuration:

    ```bash
    sudo rm -rf config
    ```

    To remove the entire installation directory (including `docker-compose.yml` and any installer files), delete the parent folder instead:

    ```bash
    cd ..
    sudo rm -rf <pangolin-install-directory>
    ```
  </Step>

  <Step title="Remove images (optional)">
    Free disk space by removing the Pangolin-related images if nothing else uses them:

    ```bash
    sudo docker image rm fosrl/pangolin fosrl/gerbil traefik
    ```
  </Step>
</Steps>

After these steps, Pangolin is fully removed from the server. Sites and clients that pointed at this instance will no longer connect until you install again and reconfigure them.