Magento 2: How to Delete Categories using Root Script by Category IDs

Hello Magento Friends,

Magento 2 offers a robust backend for product category management, but there are instances where you need to delete categories programmatically from a root script. This is especially helpful in the case of bulk category deletions, migration cleanup, or automation.

Here in this blog, I will describe how to delete categories from a root script in Magento 2 using category IDs.

Steps to Delete Categories using Root Script by Category IDs in Magento 2:

Step 1: Create a file in your Magento root directory at the following path

magento_root_directory\deletecategory.php

Then insert the code as follows

<?php
use Magento\Framework\App\Bootstrap;
use Magento\Framework\App\State;
use Magento\Framework\Registry;
use Magento\Catalog\Model\CategoryFactory;

require __DIR__ . '/../app/bootstrap.php';

$bootstrap = Bootstrap::create(BP, $_SERVER);
$objectManager = $bootstrap->getObjectManager();

try {
    // Set the area code to 'adminhtml'
    $state = $objectManager->get(State::class);
    try {
        $state->setAreaCode('adminhtml');
    } catch (\Magento\Framework\Exception\LocalizedException $e) {
        // Area code already set, continue
    }

    // Define the category IDs to delete
    $categoryIds = [3,4,5]; // Replace with your actual category IDs

    // Load Registry
    $registry = $objectManager->get(Registry::class);

    foreach ($categoryIds as $categoryId) {
        try {
            // Load and delete the category
            $categoryFactory = $objectManager->get(CategoryFactory::class);
            $category = $categoryFactory->create()->load($categoryId);

            if ($category->getId()) {
                // Allow delete operation in non-secure area
                $registry->register('isSecureArea', true);
                
                $category->delete(); // Delete the category

                // Unregister secure area
                $registry->unregister('isSecureArea');

                echo "This $categoryId Category ID is deleted successfully.";
            } else {
                echo "This $categoryId Category with ID Not deleted";
            }
        } catch (\Exception $e) {
            echo "Something wrong went delete category: " . $e->getMessage();
        }
    }
} catch (\Exception $e) {
    echo "Error: " . $e->getMessage();
}

Step 2: Now, after the above step, you must run the below-given URL.

https://yourdomain.com/deletecategory.php

Output:

Before Deleting Categories:

After Deleting Categories:

Conclusion:

With a basic root script, you can quickly remove several categories in Magento 2 by category IDs. This is time-saving and effort-saving, particularly when dealing with large catalogs.

In case you have some questions or need help, please leave a comment!

Happy Coding!