What Happens When the Plugin Is Deactivated

Deactivation

Deactivating the plugin stops its PHP code from running. While it is inactive, the plugin cannot process expiration callbacks or frontend redirect logic.

Stored data

Deactivation is not the same as uninstall. Plugin settings and content metadata are not automatically treated as uninstall cleanup simply because the plugin is deactivated.

After reactivation

Review scheduled content, especially if the plugin remained inactive past one or more expiration dates. The fallback mechanism can process overdue items when WordPress cron runs again after reactivation.