An optical connector includes an optical fiber, a ferrule provided at an end portion of the optical fiber, a plug housing in which the ferrule is accommodated, a lock arm provided on the plug housing and holding the plug housing and the mating housing in a fitted state, a holder assembled to the plug housing to hold the ferrule in the plug housing, and a holder protrusion provided on the holder and pressed by the lock arm which is flexibly deformed in an unlocking direction by a predetermined amount or more so that the holder is displaced in a direction of releasing the ferrule from being held by the holder.