To restore a WordPress site properly, you usually need both parts of a complete backup: the site files and the database. First identify where the backup came from and whether you use WordPress.com or self-hosted WordPress; then use the provider or plugin’s restore process where available. A manual restore means putting the matching files back and importing the SQL database backup into the intended database. That import rolls the database back to the backup’s state, so confirm the target before proceeding.
What a WordPress backup needs to contain
A typical complete WordPress backup has two separate components: the database and the site files. The database holds site content and settings; the files include themes, plugins, uploaded media and configuration such as wp-config.php. A folder download alone does not ordinarily include the database, and a SQL dump alone does not restore the files.
WordPress explains the two components in its backup documentation. Its file backup guide describes the files to preserve. Core files can sometimes be replaced with a fresh WordPress download, but that is not a substitute for restoring the site-specific files you need.
Choose the restore route that matches your backup
Before changing anything, identify the platform, backup source, backup date and contents. Prefer the supported workflow from the service or plugin that created the backup, since the exact controls and availability depend on the account, host, plugin and archive format.
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- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
| Backup source or platform | Where to start | What to confirm |
|---|---|---|
| WordPress.com | Check the site dashboard for an available restore point; WordPress.com also documents manual restoration from Jetpack backup files. | Availability varies. Follow the platform-specific WordPress.com restore instructions. |
| Self-hosted site with a hosting backup | Check the hosting dashboard for a restore option. | Use the host’s current instructions and confirm which files and database state the restore point covers. |
| Plugin-created backup | Use the creating plugin’s restore workflow if available. | Confirm that the archive is compatible and includes both the database and matching files. |
| Manual files and SQL dump | Restore the files and import the SQL dump into the intended database. | You need access to the site files and database. The import replaces the target database’s current state. |
The WordPress.com route applies to that platform; it should not be treated as a universal procedure for self-hosted sites. For self-hosted WordPress, host and plugin interfaces differ. A reader-oriented overview of common hosting and plugin approaches is available from WPBeginner, but use your own provider’s current instructions for its controls.
Prepare before restoring
- Confirm the correct site and the date of the restore point.
- Check that you have the matching file set and database export, not just one component, if you need a complete recovery.
- Identify the destination database before importing. Do not proceed if you cannot distinguish it from other site databases.
- Consider whether the restore should return the site to an earlier state or move it to a different domain; the latter may require additional URL changes.
Restore through a dashboard or plugin
If WordPress.com, your host or the backup plugin provides a restore point for the site, follow that service’s documented workflow. WordPress.com says many restores can be started with one click and also documents a manual route. The exact options depend on the platform and available backup. For a host or plugin, use that provider’s instructions rather than assuming the labels or behavior match WordPress.com.
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- Easily store and access 5TB of content on the go with the Seagate portable drive, a USB external hard Drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Restore files and database manually
Put back the matching site files
Restore the file set that belongs with the database backup. It typically includes the WordPress site directory, themes, plugins, uploads and relevant configuration. If the archive has only files or only a database dump, recovery may be partial: a database import does not recreate missing themes, plugins or media, and file restoration does not restore database content.
Import the SQL database backup
WordPress documents a phpMyAdmin import procedure in its database backup and restore guide. The essential sequence is:
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- Easily store and access 1TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop. Reformatting may be required for Mac
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
- Open phpMyAdmin and select the database intended for this site.
- Choose Import, select the SQL backup file and run the import.
- Verify that you selected the intended database. The import reverts it to the state captured in the dump, replacing its prior state.
The same WordPress guide documents a command-line alternative for MySQL or MariaDB: decompress the dump if necessary, then pipe it into the database using the appropriate MySQL command. Use that method only when you know the correct database and have the required access; do not run an import against an ambiguous or production database by guesswork.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Account for a domain change
If you are restoring to the same domain, WordPress.com’s documented manual flow says its URL-update step can be skipped. If the site is moving to a new domain, that guide includes updating database URLs so links such as image references point to the new address. Follow the platform-specific instructions, including the guide’s search-and-replace step, rather than treating one procedure as universal across hosts and plugins.
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- Easily store and access 4TB of content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Check the restored site
Once the restore finishes, load the site and check representative pages, media, themes and plugins. If something expected is absent, verify whether the backup actually included that component and whether the files and database came from the same restore point. A partial backup can yield only a partial recovery.
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