Are you not sure how to restore WordPress from a backup?

Once you have a backup of your WordPress website, you can restore it at any time. This can remove any errors in your files or database and return your site to normal. 

In this tutorial, we’ll show you how to restore WordPress from a backup!

Why You Might Want to Restore WordPress From a Backup

After you start your first website, you might worry about growing your audience or creating new posts. However, it’s also important to back up your website regularly.

A website backup is a saved copy of your WordPress database and files. This acts as a safety net when something goes wrong. If you see an unexpected change or error, you can simply restore one of your saved backups.

Here are some reasons why you might need to restore your website from a backup:

• Hacks or cyber attacks
• Plugin or theme conflicts
• Coding errors
• Unsuccessful software updates

For example, your live site might display the White Screen of Death (WSOD). If you want to restore your WordPress theme, you’ll need to find a backup where it’s functioning correctly. Once you restore this version, your website will be back up and running. 

Essentially, restorations can prevent you from troubleshooting unexpected errors. You can simply go to a recent site backup, restore it, and immediately solve the problem. 

How to Quickly Restore WordPress From a Backup (Beginner’s Guide)

To make sure you don’t lose important website files, you’ll want to create a restore point for your site. Let’s discuss how to easily restore WordPress from a backup! 

Method 1: Restore WordPress From a Backup Using a Plugin

One simple way to back up and restore your website is to install a WordPress backup plugin. This prevents you from having to manually edit your site files or database.

Step 1: Install Duplicator

Duplicator is a powerful and flexible plugin for making database and file backups. You can use this tool to schedule backups and save your data to the cloud. It also includes simple, beginner-friendly restore options:

To get started, select a subscription for Duplicator Pro. This will include the recovery point feature for emergency site restorations. Once you check out, download the plugin.

Now it’s time to add Duplicator to your WordPress dashboard. For more information, check out this how-to guide on installing and activating plugins.

Before you start using the plugin, go to Duplicator Pro » Settings » Licensing. Under Activation, paste the license key you received during registration:

Then, click on the Activate button. 

Step 2: Create a Backup

After you activate Duplicator, you can create your first recovery package (or backup). This will save a copy of your site in a zip file. It includes your core WordPress files and MySQL database for easy restoration later.

First, build a new package by navigating to Duplicator Pro » Packages » Create New:

At the top of the page, give the package an identifiable name. This will help you locate it later. Alternatively, Duplicator will generate a random name for you:

Then, you’ll see options to customize your Archive and Installer files. However, don’t filter any database tables, core WordPress files, or directories. To create a full backup of your site, leave the settings alone.

However, be sure to select Local in the storage dropdown section. Although Duplicator has cloud storage options like Google Drive, Dropbox, and Amazon S3, you won’t be able to use them as recovery points:

Once you continue to the next step, Duplicator will scan your website. If you receive Good notices, your backup can be used as a recovery point:

To finish creating your backup, hit Build. The plugin will automatically start performing a file and database backup. 

Step 3: Set a Recovery Point

Now that you have a backup of your website, you can set it as a recovery point. When you need to restore WordPress, your website will revert back to these saved files and database settings.

To use a recovery point, open the Packages page. Find your most recent backup and expand it using the arrow on the right-hand side:

This will give you an overview of your backup files. In the Options section, select Recovery Point:

Note: If you don’t see this restore button, you’ll need to change your package’s settings. Make sure to avoid filtering any core WordPress files or database tables. It’ll also need to be stored locally.

Then, a pop-up window will open with different options for your new recovery point. If you’re ready to immediately restore your WordPress site from this backup, hit Set & Launch Recovery Point Install:

This will immediately launch the recovery wizard in a new window. Alternatively, the Set to Recovery Point option will assign the package as the active recovery point. After this, continue to the next step. 

Step 4: Launch the Recovery Wizard

If you set a package as a recovery point, you’ll see a new icon by the package’s name. With one click, copy the recovery point URL:

Open a new browser window and paste the URL. In the Duplicator recovery wizard, evaluate any flagged validation notices. This will tell you if your site can be properly restored:

After this, accept the terms and notices and click Restore Recovery Point. You’ll have to confirm the installation since it will modify your current site:

Duplicator will take a few minutes to revert to your backup. When it’s finished, you can see reports about the uploaded files:

After the restore process, you can access your original website. To do this, simply find the WordPress Admin Login button. 

Method 2: Manually Restoring WordPress From a Backup

Sometimes, it can be harmful to install too many plugins on your website. If you’re trying to limit your plugin use, you can restore your backup files manually. 

However, you’ll need to have some experience with your WordPress files and database. For complete beginners, we’d recommend using Duplicator to simplify the process. Plus, this can ensure that you don’t lose any data to user error. 

Before you get started, you’ll need to have saved backups for your database and site files. Once you have these files on your local computer, you can re-upload them to WordPress. 

Step 1: Import Your Database

During a manual restoration, you’ll have to re-upload both your saved database and WordPress files. Let’s start by importing an error-free copy of the database. 

Usually, your web hosting provider will allow you to log in to phpMyAdmin through your control panel. Alternatively, it may provide an easier way to manage your databases. If you’re using cPanel, for example, find the MySQL Databases button:

Next, create a new database. This will be the location where you upload your saved database:

After this, add a new MySQL user. Be sure to pick a new username and password, especially after hacks or cyber attacks:

Now, find Add User to Database. Here, select the user and database you just created:

Once you have a new database and user, go back to your WordPress hosting account. You’ll need to find the phpMyAdmin login button:

This will open your database manager. Select your new database name and click on Import:

Under the File to import section, click on Choose File and upload your saved database file. It should be in a zipped SQL file:

Once you hit Go, your database will be restored! As a final step, open your wp-config.php file and find your database information:

You’ll need to update the database name, user, and login credentials to point to the new database. 

Step 2: Upload Your Backup WordPress Files

To get your site up and running again, it’ll also need functioning WordPress files. Once you have a backup saved, open a File Manager or File Transfer Protocol (FTP) client. Usually, your host will have a preferred method for managing site files.

For this tutorial, we’ll be using FileZilla, which is a free FTP/SFTP client. First, connect to your website using your host’s name, username, password, and port:

You’ll know your site connects when you see data in the Remote site box. Here, open the public_html folder. Select all of the files, right-click on them, and hit Delete:

Now you can simply drag and drop your saved backup files from your local computer to the public_html folder. If they upload properly, FileZilla will label it a Successful transfer.

Tip: If you don’t have a saved backup of your site, you can download a new WordPress installation from WordPress.org. Then, upload these files to your empty root directory. However, keep in mind that the new wp-content file won’t have your custom plugins or theme edits. 

Conclusion

By following these steps, you’ll be able to restore WordPress from a backup!

If you have to restore your site after a server crash, you may want to move to a different web host. To help you do this, check out our guide on migrating WordPress!

When you need to get your website back online, there’s no need to worry. Download Duplicator Pro to easily restore your custom WordPress site!