How do I restore my WordPress site from a backup?

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Applies to: WordPress.org (self-hosted)
Last updated: May 2025

Problem

Something has gone wrong—your site is broken, hacked, or missing content—and you need to restore it to a previous working state from a backup.

Solution

Restoring your WordPress site involves replacing the existing (damaged or outdated) files and/or database with versions from a saved backup. The exact steps depend on how the backup was created.

Option 1: Restore Using a Backup Plugin

A. UpdraftPlus

  1. Go to Settings > UpdraftPlus Backups
  2. Scroll down to the Existing Backups section
  3. Find the backup you want to restore
  4. Click Restore
  5. Select what to restore:
    • Plugins
    • Themes
    • Uploads
    • Others
    • Database
  6. Click Next, then follow the on-screen steps

UpdraftPlus will automatically unpack the backup files and restore them.

Note: If you’re starting from a fresh site or new server, you’ll need to:

  • Install WordPress
  • Install UpdraftPlus
  • Connect to your remote storage (e.g., Google Drive)
  • Rescan for backups and restore from there

B. Other Plugins

Other plugins like BackWPup, WPVivid, or Jetpack Backup offer similar restore features—look for a “Restore” or “Import Backup” option in their menus.

Option 2: Restore via Hosting Provider

If your web host provides automated or manual backups:

  1. Log in to your hosting dashboard or cPanel
  2. Look for Backup or Restore options
  3. Choose the backup date and select “Restore”
  4. Confirm that both the files and database are included

Some hosts (e.g., SiteGround, Kinsta, WP Engine) allow full one-click site restoration.

Option 3: Restore Manually (Advanced)

A. Restore Files via FTP

  1. Connect to your site using FTP or File Manager
  2. Delete or replace current /wp-content/ folder with your backup
  3. Replace any modified core files if needed (optional)

B. Restore Database via phpMyAdmin

  1. Go to your hosting control panel > phpMyAdmin
  2. Select your WordPress database
  3. Click the Import tab
  4. Choose the .sql backup file
  5. Click Go to overwrite the existing database

Be sure the database prefix (wp_ by default) matches your current wp-config.php file.

Tips

  • Always back up your current site before restoring—just in case you need to revert
  • Test the site thoroughly after restoring to confirm everything is working
  • Make sure plugin and theme versions match what was in the backup (to avoid compatibility issues)

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