🔍 Overview

If you are trying to delete a Site Audit project — such as canary or armbarmarketing — and the option is greyed out or unavailable, the most common cause is an active OTTO pixel linkage. Even if you are not actively using OTTO on that site, the pixel connection still ties the project to OTTO SEO and prevents deletion. This article explains why this happens and walks you through the steps to resolve it.

⚙️ Why OTTO Pixel Linkage Blocks Deletion

Search Atlas links each Site Audit project to OTTO SEO when the OTTO pixel is deployed on that domain. This connection allows OTTO to continuously read site data and push optimisations. Because the two tools share a live data relationship, the platform protects the Site Audit project from accidental deletion while that link is in place — even if OTTO is not actively running tasks on the site.

This means you cannot delete the Site Audit project directly. You must disconnect the OTTO pixel first, which breaks the linkage and makes the project deletable.

🚀 How to Disconnect the OTTO Pixel

1. In the left sidebar, click OTTO SEO, then open SEO Automation (URL: /seo-automation-v3).
2. Locate the site you want to unlink — for example, canary or armbarmarketing.
3. Open the site's OTTO settings and find the pixel or domain connection option.
4. Select Disconnect or Remove Pixel to sever the link between OTTO and the Site Audit project.
5. Confirm the disconnection when prompted.

Once the pixel is disconnected, return to Site Audit and the delete option for that project will become available.

🗑️ How to Delete the Site Audit Project

1. Navigate to Site Metrics → Site Explorer (Site Explorer) in the left sidebar (URL: /site-explorer/list).
2. Locate the project you want to remove from the list.
3. Click the three-dot menu or settings icon next to the project name.
4. Select Delete Project and confirm your choice.

The project will be permanently removed and that slot will immediately count toward your available capacity.

📊 Understanding the 5-Project Cap

Search Atlas allows a maximum of 5 active Site Audit projects per account on standard plans. Each project — whether actively crawling or idle — occupies one slot. Projects with an OTTO pixel linkage cannot be deleted without first disconnecting OTTO, which is why customers sometimes find themselves stuck at the cap with projects they no longer need.

To free up slots quickly, follow this order:

• Step 1: Identify all projects you no longer need by reviewing your project list in Site Explorer.
• Step 2: For each unwanted project, check whether it has an OTTO pixel connected via the OTTO SEO V3 section.
• Step 3: Disconnect any active OTTO pixel links before attempting deletion.
• Step 4: Delete the project from Site Explorer once the link is cleared.

💡 Tips to Avoid This Issue in Future

• When you stop using OTTO on a domain, disconnect the pixel immediately rather than leaving the linkage in place.
• Before adding a new Site Audit project, audit your existing projects to confirm all slots are in active use.
• If you manage client sites that have ended, remove their OTTO connections as part of your offboarding process.

🆘 Still Need Help?

If you have followed the steps above and are still unable to delete a project, or if the disconnect option is not appearing as expected, our team is ready to assist. If you need further assistance, open the chat widget in the bottom-right corner of the platform and type human teammate to be connected with a member of our team.