---
title: Deleting a Custom Order Status Safely
description: Delete a custom WooCommerce order status safely and choose where the orders still in that status should go.
url: "https://wpfactory.com/docs/woocommerce-delete-order-status-fallback/"
updated: "2026-09-27"
category: How to
---

# Deleting a Custom Order Status Safely

To delete a custom order status safely in Additional Custom Order Status for WooCommerce, go to WooCommerce > Order Status, open the status, and choose Delete status with fallback in the Actions box. Every order in that status is first moved to On hold, with an order note, and then the status is deleted. This is free.

### Where to delete a status

Go to **WooCommerce > Order Status**, open the status you want to remove, and use the **Actions** box on the right.

### The two delete options

- **Delete status**: removes the status immediately. Any orders currently in it keep their stored status value, which no longer maps to a defined status.
- **Delete status with fallback**: first moves every order in this status to the **On hold** status, then deletes the status. Each moved order gets an order note recording the change.

Both options ask you to confirm before proceeding.

### Which to use

1. If orders may still be using the status, choose **Delete status with fallback** so none are left pointing at a status that no longer exists.
2. If you are sure no orders use the status, **Delete status** is fine.

**Note:** the fallback status for this action is "On hold". The fallback runs only when you delete a status here. There is no automatic fallback applied when the plugin is deactivated.

### Viewing orders in a status first

The **Actions** box also has a **View orders** link, which opens the orders list filtered to this status. Use it to check how many orders are affected before you delete.

### Get more from your statuses

Safe deletion is free. [Additional Custom Order Status for WooCommerce](https://wpfactory.com/item/order-status-for-woocommerce/) Pro adds automated emails on status change. [See what Pro unlocks](https://wpfactory.com/item/order-status-for-woocommerce/).

Related articles

- [Send WooCommerce Emails on Custom Order Status Change](https://wpfactory.com/docs/proactive-email-setup/)
- [WooCommerce Custom Order Status Behavior Settings](https://wpfactory.com/docs/configure-order-statuses/)
- [Add Custom Order Status Action Buttons in WooCommerce](https://wpfactory.com/docs/configure-order-status/)
- [Custom Order Status Email Placeholders Reference](https://wpfactory.com/docs/woocommerce-order-status-email-placeholders/)
- [Custom Order Status: Free vs Pro Versions Compared](https://wpfactory.com/docs/difference-between-pro-and-free-version/)