How to Restore WordPress from a Backup: Recovering Your Site Safely

Whether you’re facing a crisis or just want to be prepared, knowing how to recover your site safely is an essential skill for every WordPress site owner.

In this post, I’ll walk you through the process of restoring your WordPress site from a backup, step by step. I’ll cover different scenarios, methods, and best practices to ensure you can get your site back up and running with minimal stress and downtime.

Remember, backups are your site’s safety net. If you haven’t set up regular backups yet, consider this your wake-up call. But if you’re here because you need to restore your site right now, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive in and get your WordPress site back to its former glory!

What’s In This Guide?

Here are 5 ways you can restore your WordPress site with and without a backup.

• Restore a WordPress Site Using a Plugin
• Restore a WordPress Site via cPanel
• Restore a WordPress Site via SFTP
• Restore a WordPress Site from Your Dashboard
• How To Recover Your Site Without a Backup

1. Restore a WordPress Site Using a Plugin

When to use this:

1. For routine backups and restorations as part of your site management strategy.
2. If you prefer a more intuitive, guided process within the WordPress interface.
3. When you want to set up automated, regular backups and easy one-click restorations.
4. For easier migrations between hosts, especially if your plugin offers migration features.

The easiest way to backup and restore your website is by using a WordPress backup plugin. You won’t have to deal with any of the technical stuff. It’s just a few clicks and you’re done.

There are plenty of backup plugins you can use, my favorite being Duplicator. It’s easy to use, and fast, and there are options to automate and schedule the backups. When you need to restore your site, you just have to click a few buttons and the plugin will take care of the rest. Your site will be back to normal in minutes.

So in this section, I’ll quickly show you how to install Duplicator and backup your site. But I’ll focus on how to restore your WordPress site using Duplicator.

If you want detailed step-by-step instructions on backing up your site including how to set up scheduled and automated backups, I’ve covered all of it in this tutorial » How to Backup Your WordPress Site (The Right Way!)

First, head over to your WordPress admin dashboard and open the Plugins » Add New page. Using the search bar, look for “Duplicator” and install and activate the plugin on your site. You’ll get basic backups and restore functions with this free plugin.

If you’re looking for advanced features, go to the Duplicator website. Select a plan that matches your needs and budget. Once signed up, inside your Duplicator account, you’ll see a plugin file to download and a license key. Download the file to your computer, copy this key, and open your WordPress dashboard.

Go to the Plugins » Add New page and use the Upload Plugin button. This will take you to a page where you can upload the plugin file.

Once you activate the plugin, Duplicator will give you an option to paste your license key to connect to your pro plan. You’ll also find this option under the Duplicator Pro » Settings page.

Once done, open the Packages page and “Create New” package.

Configure your backup, add a name for your backup file, and select the storage option you want. You can send your backup to Dropbox, FTP, Google Drive, OneDrive, Amazon S3, and more.

Duplicator makes it really simple to back up your site. Follow the onscreen instructions, and use the “Build” button to start backing up your website.

Once done, Duplicator will take you back to the main Packages page where you’ll see your backup copy listed.

If you’d like to keep a copy for yourself, you can download your backup file to your local computer or hard drive.

If you click on the arrow at the right of the page, you’ll get all the details of your backup. You can view details, transfer package, or set it as a recovery point.

Now it’s time to restore your site. Duplicator follows a 3-step process which I advocate for over 1-click processes. Simply because restoring your site with a backup copy is not something you should take lightly. There should be certain safety measures in place to prevent you from restoring your site to an old version by mistake.

On the Duplicator » Packages tab, you’ll see the backup that you created. In the top menu, there’s a Restore icon – a circular arrow. This starts the process of restoring a backup copy.

Pro tip: The same Restore icon is also next to your backup under the Type column. This button lets you set this backup as the default recovery point.

When you click on the top Restore icon, Duplicator will open up Recovery page. You’ll see a dropdown menu to choose the backup copy you want to restore. Hit the Launch Recovery button to move to the next step.

If you have not already set a recovery point, Duplicator will display a popup:

For now, choose the second option: Set & Launch Recovery Point Install.

Duplicator will display the details of your recovery point.

Now this is one thing I love about Duplicator. It will warn you that this restore process will clear site data and replace it with the current package. This process cannot be undone so be sure that you want to restore your site.

Finally, agree to the terms and conditions and click on the Restore Recovery Point button.

Duplicator will double check with you once again if you’re sure and you can click on the OK button.

The plugin will run all the technical processes behind the scenes. Once it’s done, you’ll get an option to log into your WordPress admin.

When you log in, a success page like this will open up:

That’s it! Check your site and make sure everything is working and your backup has been restored to the last copy that you chose.

Now you’ve learned how to restore your site with Duplicator. I suggest bookmarking this tutorial so that you can come back to these steps when you need them.

Next I’ll show you how to use your web hosting’s cPanel to restore your site.

2. Restore Your WordPress Site from cPanel

When to use this:

1. If you can’t access your WordPress admin area due to severe errors or corruption.
2. If you want to revert your site to a clean slate, perhaps after a major issue or hack.
3. In situations where you can’t or don’t want to rely on WordPress plugins.
4. If you’re comfortable working with cPanel and understand web hosting structures.
5. When you need to restore your entire website, including files and database, without a plugin.

First things first, keep in mind that the process might vary slightly depending on your hosting provider and plan. I’ll use Bluehost as an example, since they’re one of the most popular web hosts, but don’t worry – the steps are pretty similar for most hosts.

Log into your hosting account and navigate to cPanel. In your Bluehost dashboard, you’ll find it under the Advanced tab in the left-hand menu.

This will likely be different if you’re using another host. For instance, in Namecheap, you’ll find it under your hosting plan. If you’re having trouble locating it, don’t hesitate to contact your support team – they’ll be happy to guide you to the right place.

Once inside cPanel, scroll down to the “Files” section. Look for an option called “Backup” – that’s what we’re after.

Click on “Backup,” and you’ll land on a new screen with various backup options. On the same page, you’ll see restore options. You can choose to restore a directory or a database.

You can try downloading the backup files here and restoring them. So for instance, to restore a database, look for “Restore a MySQL database backup” and click on “Choose File.” Select the .SQL file you downloaded and upload it.

This method works best if you already have a backup copy. If you don’t you can still try to download a backup and restore it.

If you don’t have access to your WordPress admin or cPanel, the next method might work for you.

Restore a WordPress Site via SFTP

When to use this:

1. When your WordPress site is completely down or inaccessible through the admin panel or cPanel, this method allows you to restore it from the outside.
2. If your site has suffered severe corruption due to a failed update, incompatible plugin, or malware attack, this method can help you revert to a clean state.
3. If you need to revert to a previous version of WordPress due to compatibility issues, this method gives you fine-grained control over which files to replace.
4. If a plugin or theme conflict is preventing access to your admin area, this method allows you to restore your site without relying on the WordPress interface.

Remember, whether you’re using FTP or File Manager, always proceed with caution when modifying your website files. If you’re unsure about any step, don’t hesitate to consult with a professional or your hosting provider’s support team.

To use this method, you need to install and know how to use an FTP client like FileZilla. Also, you need your FTP details including your host name, FTP username and password. If you don’t know what the details are, you’ll find it under FTP accounts inside your hosting cPanel. You can also ask your host’s customer support.

Sometimes, installing a new plugin or theme may have caused your site to go down. You can use SFTP to access your plugin or theme folder and delete the plugin from your site.

I’ll also show you how to reinstall WordPress and keep your content intact, and hopefully, that will bring your site back to normal.

First, we’ll connect to your host using SFTP. Here’s how:

1. Open FileZilla (or your preferred FTP client).
2. Enter your hostname, username, and password.
3. Click ‘QuickConnect’.

Once connected, you should see your WordPress installation folders (wp-content, wp-admin, wp-includes) in the right-hand panel. If these aren’t visible, look for a folder called ‘public_html’ – that’s typically where WordPress is installed.

Inside this folder, you’ll find 3 folders named wp-admin, wp-includes, and wp-content.

Go to the wp-content folder where you can open up the plugins folder to see all the plugins you’ve installed. Here, you can delete plugin folders.

If you know which one is causing the problem, you can find and delete it. If you’re not sure, I recommend deleting them one at a time and checking to see if you can log into WordPress each time. If you see a plugin installed that you don’t recognize, right click on it and delete it because that’s usually a sign of a malware attack.

The same process goes for themes, you can access the Themes folder and delete the ones you think are causing the issue.

If that doesn’t work or you think your WordPress version is incompatible, you can also restore your entire WordPress install.

First, you can head over to WordPress.org and download the latest version of WordPress. Create a dedicated folder for this file on your computer. It’ll make things easier when we need it later.

Extract all the website files from the zip file. Then, navigate to the WordPress folder and remove the ‘wp-content’ folder. You can now delete the original zip file – we won’t need it anymore.

Now in Filezilla (or your FTP client) make sure you’ve selected this ‘public_html’ folder (or your website’s folder).

On the left panel, you’ll see your local computer files. Select the files you just extracted, right-click, and choose ‘Upload’ to transfer them to your server.

You’ll likely see a message saying “Target File Already Exists.” When this appears:

1. Look at the ‘Action’ column on the right side.
2. Select ‘Overwrite’.
3. Click ‘OK’.

This process will overwrite all the core WordPress files. Don’t worry – since we deleted the wp-content folder in the new install, your original wp-content folder (containing your media files, themes, plugins, and uploads) will remain intact.

Once complete, you’ll have a fresh installation of WordPress core files.

Quick Alternative method using cPanel:

If you don’t have an FTP client, you can use File Manager in cPanel. Approach this method with caution. A slight misstep can break your site for good.

1. Log into cPanel and navigate to File Manager.

2. Look for the ‘public_html’ folder containing your website files.

3. Replace the current files with your backup copy here using the ‘Upload’ option.

The next method is simply to restore your WordPress installation in times when you find your site has been corrupted or affected by recent updates and a breach.

4. Restore a WordPress Site from Your Dashboard

When to use this:

1. If you suspect that your WordPress core files have been corrupted but your site is still functional enough to access the dashboard.
2. When an automatic WordPress update fails to complete properly, leaving your site in a partially updated state.
3. After a minor security breach, to ensure you have a clean installation of core files (note: this doesn’t address compromised themes or plugins).
4. If you’re experiencing unexplained slowdowns and suspect it might be due to core file issues.
5. When you’ve exhausted other troubleshooting methods and want to rule out core file problems.
6. If you’re experiencing compatibility issues between your current WordPress version and your themes or plugins.

This method is perfect if you still have access to your WordPress dashboard. Keep in mind, though, that this will only replace your WordPress core files – your content, themes, and plugins will remain untouched.

Ready to give it a try? Here’s how:
Log into your WordPress dashboard and navigate to the ‘Updates’ section.

Click the ‘Re-install Now Version’ button.

WordPress will reinstall its latest version for you. What you’re essentially doing here is manually re-running the update process that WordPress typically performs automatically from time to time. It’s a great way to ensure you’re working with the most up-to-date and clean version of WordPress core files.

A word of caution: While this method is straightforward and user-friendly, it’s always a good idea to have a backup of your entire site before making any changes. Better safe than sorry, right?

Remember, this approach is ideal for minor issues or when you suspect your core files might be corrupted. For more serious problems affecting your content or database, you might need to explore other restoration methods.

5. How To Recover Your Site Without a Backup

Let’s face it – website backups aren’t always at the top of our to-do lists. If you’ve found yourself without a backup, don’t worry – you’re not alone. Many website owners either don’t realize they need backups or simply hope nothing will go wrong.

But what if you’re in a pickle and need to restore your site without a backup? There’s still hope! Keep in mind, though, that this method isn’t guaranteed and depends on your web host’s offerings and your initial WordPress setup.

Log into your hosting cPanel and look for the “Softaculous App Installer” – it’s your potential savior here.

In the top menu, you’ll see various icons. Click on “Backup & Restore.”

If luck’s on your side, Softaculous might have been quietly taking backups for you. You could find a full or partial backup from a recent plugin or theme update. If you see a backup, click the “Restore” button.

Softaculous will by default restore the directory and database. Click on ‘Restore Installation’ to start the process.

The process can take anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes, depending on your site’s size. Look out for a success message once the restoration is complete.

Now, after going through all the methods we’ve discussed, if you’re still unable to restore your site, don’t lose hope!

Most reputable web hosts maintain their own backups of customer websites. While this service isn’t always advertised, it can be a lifesaver in dire situations. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Contact your web host’s support team. Explain your situation clearly and ask if they have any backups of your site.
2. Be prepared for a hefty fee. Restoring from the host’s backup usually isn’t free, but it’s often worth the cost to recover your site.
3. The backup might not be the most recent version of your site, but it’s typically better than starting from scratch.
4. Response times and availability of backups can vary between hosts, so reach out as soon as possible.

Restoring your WordPress site doesn’t have to be a nightmare. Whether you’re using cPanel, a plugin, your WordPress dashboard, or even reaching out to your web host, there’s always a path forward. Remember, the key to stress-free website management is prevention. Regular backups are your best friend in the digital world.

If you have to start over from scratch, you may want to hire professional services to get your site up and running in no time – with security and backups taken care of.

I hope this guide has armed you with the knowledge to tackle site restoration confidently. Remember, every challenge is an opportunity to learn and improve your website management skills. Stay proactive, keep those backups current, and your WordPress journey will be much smoother sailing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Restoring WordPress

How often should I back up my WordPress site?

For most sites, weekly backups are sufficient. However, if your site updates frequently or handles sensitive data (like eCommerce transactions), consider daily or even real-time backups.

Where should I store my backups?

It’s best to store backups in multiple locations. Consider a combination of your local computer, cloud storage, and your web hosting account.

Can I restore just part of my site?

Yes, many backup plugins allow partial restorations. You can often choose to restore only your database, themes, plugins, or specific content.

Will restoring my site affect my current content?

It depends on the method and what you’re restoring. Always check what will be overwritten before proceeding with any restoration.

Do I need technical skills to restore my WordPress site?

Not necessarily. While some methods (like using cPanel) require more technical know-how, many plugins offer user-friendly, one-click restore options.

Can I restore my site if I can’t access the WordPress dashboard?
Yes, you can use cPanel or FTP to restore your site files if you can’t access your dashboard.

How long does a site restoration typically take?

The time varies based on your site’s size and the restoration method. It can range from a few minutes to several hours for very large sites.

Is it safe to use a plugin for backups and restorations?

Yes, when you use reputable plugins. Always research and choose well-reviewed, regularly updated plugins for this crucial task.

Remember, if you’re ever unsure about a restoration process, don’t hesitate to consult with a WordPress professional. Your website is valuable, and sometimes expert help is the best investment you can make.

To make sure your website and its contents are safe at all times, use our Ultimate WordPress Security Checklist: Safeguarding Your Site Made Simple.

Do you have more questions about WordPress site restoration? Drop them in the comments, and we’ll be happy to help!