Magento 2 Module Uninstallation: Readiness Checklist

Uninstalling a Magento 2 module properly requires more than just removing files. To ensure a clean and conflict-free removal—especially in production environments—follow these updated prerequisites and preparation steps.

1. Key Requirements Before Running bin/magento module:uninstall

2. Additional Best Practices Before Uninstalling

3. When to Use Uninstall.php vs Declarative Schema Clean-up

Use Uninstall.php when:

• You are working with Magento 2.4.x or older.
• You’ve implemented schema changes using InstallSchema or UpgradeSchema.

Use declarative schema (in db_schema.xml) for:

• Magento 2.3 and above.
• Automatic cleanup during module removal, especially for table and column deletions.
• More maintainable and rollback-safe schema management.

4. Command to Uninstall a Module

Run the command below only after verifying all the conditions above:

Use the --remove-data flag if you want to trigger the Uninstall.php script and fully wipe out module-related data:

Advanced Magento 2 Module Uninstallation Guide

Magento 2’s CLI uninstallation command is powerful, but to truly uninstall a module cleanly and without side effects, you must understand the underlying processes and behaviors of both Composer-based and manually installed modules.

Understanding Magento 2 Uninstall Internals

When you run bin/magento module:uninstall, Magento performs the following operations under the hood:

• Validates module status and registration
• Checks for an existing Uninstall.php script
• Calls Uninstall.php::uninstall() method (if exists)
• Removes entries from setup_module table
• Cleans related configuration and cache entries
• Optionally removes data and backs up resources

Extended CLI Options Reference Table

Uninstalling Declarative vs. InstallSchema Modules

Magento 2 supports two schema strategies:

Declarative Schema Modules (Magento 2.4+)

• Defined using db_schema.xml
• Dropping schema via Uninstall.php is optional if onSchemaUninstall="drop" is declared

Install/UpgradeSchema Modules (Legacy)

• Must manually reverse changes inside Uninstall.php

Key Differences Between Composer and app/code Modules

Real-World Scenarios and Tips

Scenario 1: Stuck Module in Disabled State

• Symptom: Uninstall fails with "Module is not enabled"
• Solution:

Scenario 2: Module Crashes Setup Upgrade

• Symptom: setup:upgrade breaks due to missing files
• Solution: Manually remove entries from setup_module table and re-run setup after file deletion

Scenario 3: Configuration Leftovers

• Use this SQL to find leftover config:
  

  SELECT * FROM core_config_data WHERE path LIKE '%modulename%';

• Clean up if any entries remain:
  

  DELETE FROM core_config_data WHERE path LIKE '%modulename%';

Developer Best Practices for Future-Proof Module Removal

• Always include Uninstall.php for safe cleanup
• Use declarative schema where possible and declare onSchemaUninstall="drop"
• Avoid storing critical shared data inside module-specific tables
• Provide admin options to export user-generated content before uninstall

Magento 2’s uninstallation process isn't just about running a single command. It involves careful handling of data, dependencies, cache, and legacy schema logic. Understanding these moving parts ensures you don’t break your environment, lose customer data, or leave behind performance-impacting leftovers.

Complete Guide to Removing Module-Specific Database Tables in Magento 2

Removing database tables safely and completely during a module uninstall is essential for maintaining data hygiene and avoiding residual clutter in your Magento 2 database.

Why Table Cleanup Is Important

When uninstalling a module, especially one that adds custom tables or modifies the schema, it's important to clean up all associated data to:

• Prevent leftover data from affecting performance
• Avoid conflicts during future module reinstalls
• Maintain a clean and optimized Magento database
• Ensure security by removing potentially sensitive data

Step 1: Confirm the Module Is Installed via Composer

Only Composer-installed modules support automated cleanup through the module:uninstall command with the --remove-data flag. Verify the module in your root composer.json:

This ensures Magento will properly register and execute the module’s Uninstall.php script.

Step 2: Create an Uninstall Script to Drop Tables

To handle table removal, you need to implement the UninstallInterface inside the module.

File Path:
app/code/Vendor/ModuleName/Setup/Uninstall.php

Sample Implementation:

Step 3: Use --remove-data Option During Uninstall

To invoke the uninstall script that drops the tables, use:

Sample Table Structure (for Reference)

Best Practices and Tips

Replace Placeholder Tables

Make sure to replace vendor_custom_table, vendor_logs, etc., with real table names used in your module. You can find these in:

• InstallSchema.php
• UpgradeSchema.php
• db_schema.xml

Drop Conditional Tables

If certain tables are created conditionally (e.g., based on config), check if the table exists before dropping:

Avoid Data Loss in Shared Tables

Do not drop core Magento tables or shared third-party tables unless you are sure no other module depends on them.

Additional Cleanup Steps (Optional)

Besides dropping tables, you can also clean:

• Custom configuration values (core_config_data)
• EAV attributes
• URL rewrites
• Custom indexes or foreign keys

This helps you revert the database to a pre-installation state.

Magento 2 Uninstall Process Reference (with Core Module Example)

Magento core modules such as Temando_Shipping serve as practical examples of proper uninstallation implementation. Specifically, the core module defines a well-structured Uninstall.php script located at:

This class implements UninstallInterface and handles removal of database tables, configuration values, and EAV attributes. It provides a reliable model for custom module developers to follow.

Consequences of Skipping --remove-data During Uninstallation

If you uninstall a module without using the --remove-data flag, the module will be unregistered from Magento, but several remnants will remain in your system. This can cause data inconsistencies, configuration pollution, and performance issues later on.

Here’s what typically happens when you skip --remove-data:

Best Practice: Implement a Full Uninstall.php Script

To avoid leftover data or broken admin UIs, always define and register a proper Uninstall.php script. This script should:

• Drop all custom tables
• Remove configuration keys
• Delete any custom EAV attributes
• Unregister cron jobs or observers
• Clean up URL rewrites or custom logs

Final Uninstallation Readiness Checklist

Before running the uninstall command, confirm the following steps are completed to ensure a clean and safe uninstallation process:

Conclusion

Uninstalling a Magento 2 module with its database schema and associated data is a crucial part of module management, especially when you're working with Composer-based installations. By leveraging the powerful Magento CLI command module:uninstall along with a well-defined Uninstall.php script, you ensure that your module and its associated data are removed cleanly from the system.

The process not only clears up the codebase but also handles any database tables, schemas, and configurations tied to the module. While the module:uninstall command works seamlessly for Composer-managed modules, manual intervention may be necessary for modules installed directly through app/code.

By following the right steps, including creating a detailed uninstall script, verifying table names, and using the --remove-data option, you can safely and efficiently uninstall Magento modules without leaving unnecessary data or configurations behind. Always back up your data and configurations to prevent any accidental loss during this process.

This approach ensures your Magento store remains optimized and free from unused or obsolete modules, contributing to smoother performance and easier maintenance. Whether you're managing a large eCommerce store or just cleaning up after a testing environment, this method provides a solid foundation for module uninstallation in Magento 2.4.7.

With these steps, you'll be able to uninstall modules effectively, remove all traces from the database, and maintain a clean and efficient Magento environment.