So your WordPress site just broke.
Maybe it crashed, got hacked, or just decided to peace out after a plugin update. Whatever the cause, deep breaths, you’re not doomed!
If you’ve got a backup handy (and I’m crossing fingers that you do), restoring your site is totally doable, even if you’re not a tech wizard.
This guide will walk you through how to restore a broken WordPress site from a backup, step-by-step.
Whether you’re using a backup plugin, restoring via your hosting provider, or going full DIY with an FTP client and phpMyAdmin, you’ve got options, and I’ll show you how to do each one.
Understanding WordPress Backups (aka Your Digital Safety Net)
What is a WordPress backup, and why should you care?
Think of a WordPress backup like a time machine for your website. It saves your WordPress files, database tables, media files, and sometimes your entire setup, so if something goes wrong, boom! You can jump back to a working version.
And let’s be real: things will go wrong at some point. Whether it’s a bad plugin, a theme glitch, or a hacking nightmare, regular backups = peace of mind and minimal downtime.
Types of WordPress backups (because yes, there’s more than one)
- Full Backup: Includes everything: your WordPress database, site files, themes, plugins, uploads... the whole shebang.
- Database Backup: Just the MySQL database (where all your posts, users, and settings live).
- File Backup: Covers core files like wp-config.php, your theme, plugin files, media, and the wp-content folder.
Want to create one yourself? Most WordPress backup plugins can help. More on that soon!
Why You Might Need to Restore WordPress from a Backup
Here’s when your backup becomes your best friend:
- ❌ You accidentally deleted a post, a page, or an entire folder (yikes).
- 🐍 Your site got hacked and needs a clean start.
- ⚙️ A new plugin or theme update broke your site.
- 🧪 You tested something risky and… it backfired.
Whether it's plugin compatibility issues, a database error, or just a moment of "oops," backups give you a way to bounce back fast.
How to Restore WordPress from a Backup (Step-by-Step)
Time to bring your site back to life. You’ve got three main ways to do this:
Option 1: Using a Backup Plugin (The Easy Button)
This is the simplest method, if you're already using a solid backup plugin, like:
- UpdraftPlus – Great for automatic backups and restoring from the WordPress dashboard
- VaultPress – Now part of Jetpack, it backs up your site daily and scans for threats
- Duplicator – Awesome for full-site backups and migrations
How to restore WordPress using a backup plugin:
- Log in to your WordPress admin dashboard
- Head to your backup plugin settings
- Choose the backup archive file you want to restore
- Click Restore (yep, it’s that easy)
- Sit back while the restore process runs, then check your site!
These plugins usually restore both database backups and site files, depending on your setup.
Option 2: Restore Using Your Hosting Provider’s Control Panel
Most reputable hosts (like Hostinger, SiteGround, Bluehost, etc.) offer one-click site backups right from your dashboard. If you're using cPanel or a custom control panel, it should look something like this:
Restoring WordPress via your host:
- Log into your hosting provider account
- Go to the Site Backups or Backups Manager
- Find the latest backup of your WordPress installation
- Click “Restore” and confirm
- Wait for the system to do its thing, then check your site
✨ Pro Tip: Some hosts keep incremental backups (daily snapshots), so you can choose exactly when to restore to.
Option 3: Manually Restore Your WordPress Site (The DIY Way)
If you like getting your hands dirty (or just don’t have access to a plugin/host backup), you can manually restore your site using an FTP client and phpMyAdmin.
What you’ll need:
- ✅ A backup of your WordPress files (often a ZIP or archive file)
- ✅ A database backup file (.sql)
- ✅ Access to phpMyAdmin
- ✅ An FTP client like FileZilla
Step 1: Restore Your WordPress Files
- Open your FTP client and log in
- Navigate to the WordPress root directory
- Delete all existing WordPress files (except wp-config.php and .htaccess if you're keeping your config)
- Upload your backup files to the root folder
- Make sure your wp-content directory (themes, plugins, uploads) is fully restored
Check your site to make sure it’s loading the theme and plugins properly!
Step 2: Restore the Database via phpMyAdmin
- Open phpMyAdmin via your hosting panel
- Select your MySQL database
- Click on the Import tab
- Upload your SQL file from the backup
- Click "Go" and let it upload the database tables
If you get an error, make sure the SQL file is clean and the correct database name is selected.
Resetting Database Passwords (If Things Get Weird)
Sometimes during the restore process, your WordPress admin password or database password may not sync up. If that happens:
To change your WordPress admin password:
- Log into your WordPress dashboard
- Go to Users > Your Profile
- Scroll down and click Set New Password
- Save changes
To change your MySQL database password:
- Head to your hosting account or cPanel
- Go to MySQL Databases
- Find the correct user and choose Change Password
- Update the credentials in wp-config.php if needed
Common Restoration Problems & How to Avoid Them
Even the best-laid plans can go sideways, so here’s how to sidestep common hiccups:
| Issue | Fix |
|---|---|
| Can’t access wp-admin | Reset admin password or re-upload core files |
| Database connection error | Check DB name, user, and password in wp-config |
| Missing media files | Double-check uploads folder in wp-content |
| Restore stuck halfway | Try a manual restore instead of plugin |
Best Practices for Backup & Restoration (AKA Your Safety Plan)
Want to avoid another site meltdown? Here’s your game plan:
- Schedule regular backups (daily or weekly depending on your site traffic)
- Store them in cloud storage services (Dropbox, Google Drive, etc.)
- Keep both file backups and database backups
- Test your restore process every few months (yes, really!)
- Clean up old backup files to stay organised
What is a Restore Point? And Why Should You Use One?
A restore point is basically a save game for your WordPress website, a snapshot of how everything looked at a certain moment. It’s super helpful when testing updates, trying new plugins, or before making big changes.
- Create a restore point before updates
- Label and date each backup archive file
- Always verify backups before wiping or replacing anything
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Where are WordPress backups stored, and how can I access them?
That depends on how your WordPress backups were created! If you're using one of the most backup plugins like UpdraftPlus or Duplicator, your backup files are typically stored in a cloud storage service (like Dropbox, Google Drive, or Amazon S3), or locally on your server in the wp-content folder.
You can also download backups manually via your WordPress dashboard, your cpanel account, or directly through FTP. Just make sure to keep a copy of your complete backup (that includes both files and database!) in a safe, off-site location for extra peace of mind.
What’s the difference between a WordPress database backup file and a full backup?
A WordPress database backup file (usually in .sql format) includes just the MySQL database — that’s your posts, pages, comments, settings, and WordPress users.
A full or complete backup, on the other hand, includes your WordPress core files, plugins folder, media uploads, and the entire wp-content directory along with the database. If you're looking to restore your entire WordPress site, you’ll need both the database file and your site files.
🧠 Tip: Most backup plugins offer a free version that covers either the files or the database — but not both. Check your plugin’s settings to make sure your backup created is truly complete!
Can I manually restore WordPress from a ZIP file backup?
Yes, you can manually restore WordPress files from a ZIP file — it just takes a few more steps and patience. You’ll need to:
Unzip the backup archive file on your computer
Use an FTP client to upload your core WordPress files, theme, plugins, and file uploads to the WordPress root directory
Import your WordPress database backup via phpMyAdmin
Update your wp-config.php file to match your MySQL database credentials
Manual backups and restores give you full control, but don’t forget: always back up your current files and database before you delete files or make major changes — just in case.
Final Thoughts: You've Got This!
Whether you're dealing with corrupted files, a plugin gone rogue, or a completely broken site — having a backup means you're in control.
Now that you know how to restore your WordPress site from a backup, you can breathe easy knowing you’ve got a digital safety net in place 🕸️
Remember: backup regularly, store them smartly, and always test your restore process before you need it.
Now go forth and conquer that restore like the WordPress warrior you are!
