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The safest way to reset WordPress is to back up the complete site first, then choose the smallest reset that solves the problem. A database reset can erase content and settings even when themes, plugins, and uploaded files remain on the server. WordPress.com also has a separate reset process; do not use self-hosted reset-plugin instructions on a plugin-enabled WordPress.com site.
Choose the reset that matches what you need to change
A reset can mean clearing selected data, replacing the entire database, or starting with a new installation. These options have different consequences. In particular, “files untouched” does not mean your content is preserved: database records for posts, pages, media, users, and settings can be removed while files remain.
| Method | Scope and file impact | Access and rollback | Best suited to |
|---|---|---|---|
| WP Reset on self-hosted WordPress | Can reset selected data or the full database. A full reset removes posts, pages, custom post types, comments, media entries, users, and database tables; themes, plugins, and files in uploads remain. | WordPress admin access; offers database snapshots and confirmation. Its snapshot covers the database, not site files. | Controlled resets where you want to keep installed themes, plugins, and uploaded files. |
WP-CLI wp db reset |
Removes all database tables and recreates the database using the credentials in wp-config.php. It does not reset files. |
Shell access and confidence that the command targets the correct installation. Treat as destructive; use a verified backup for rollback. | Experienced administrators who deliberately need a full database reset. |
| WordPress.com native reset workflow | Follow WordPress.com’s platform-specific reset process; do not assume self-hosted plugin behavior applies. | Use the official WordPress.com interface after exporting content and downloading a backup. | WordPress.com sites, including plugin-enabled sites. |
Back up the whole site before resetting
A database backup protects database content such as posts, pages, comments, and settings, but it does not include themes, plugins, uploaded files, or wp-config.php. WordPress recommends regular database backups and backups before upgrades in its Advanced Administration Handbook. The separate WordPress backups handbook explains that backing up both the database and files makes restoration possible.
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches- Make a complete backup of the database and all site files, including
wp-content/uploads, themes, plugins, andwp-config.php. - Download a copy and keep another copy off the server. The WordPress backups handbook recommends keeping at least three to five recent backups.
- Check that the backup completed and can be restored or inspected before taking the destructive step. A snapshot is useful only if it covers what you need and can be restored.
- Export content that must survive. Separately record license keys, API credentials, DNS details, and third-party webhook settings; these may not be recoverable from a database backup.
Reset a self-hosted site with WP Reset
WP Reset is a WordPress plugin for self-hosted sites. Its full reset clears database content and tables, including posts, pages, custom post types, comments, users, and Media Library records. The corresponding media files may still exist in wp-content/uploads, but without their library records they may not appear in WordPress as before. Themes and plugins also remain as files, though their database settings or activation state may be affected.
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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.
- Confirm that you have a complete, restorable backup and that you are working on the intended site.
- In the WordPress admin, install or open WP Reset, then create a database snapshot if you want a quick database rollback point. This does not replace the files-and-database backup.
- Choose only the reset tool that matches your goal. Use selective tools for a narrower cleanup; use the full reset only if you intend to clear the database.
- Read the confirmation carefully before proceeding. Afterward, reactivate only the required theme and plugins and restore content or settings as needed.
The plugin’s official listing describes its reset behavior and database snapshots. Because reset-plugin compatibility depends on platform, WordPress.com users should use the platform workflow instead.
Reset the database with WP-CLI
WP-CLI is suitable only when you can reliably identify the WordPress installation and database. The command reference says wp db reset “Removes all tables from the database” and recreates the database using the credentials in wp-config.php. This is a whole-database operation, not a selective cleanup.
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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.
- Connect to the intended site’s shell and verify the working directory and installation before running a database command.
- Confirm the database details in
wp-config.phpmatch the site you intend to reset; maintain a separate verified backup of files and database. - Run
wp db resetonly after confirming the target and understanding that all tables will be removed. Avoid adding--yesuntil you have checked the command and environment. - Reinstall or initialize the site as needed, then restore the content and settings you intend to keep.
See the official WP-CLI wp db reset command reference.
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Reset a WordPress.com site
WordPress.com has its own reset workflow. Its site reset support page directs users to export content and download a backup before resetting. It also warns that reset plugins are incompatible with plugin-enabled WordPress.com sites because they can delete essential files and SQL data. Use WordPress.com’s instructions and interface rather than a self-hosted plugin or shell procedure.
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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.
Prepare for the reset and verify the result
For a production site, schedule a maintenance window and record the details you may need to rebuild or troubleshoot: domain, admin accounts, active theme, critical plugins, PHP and database versions, cron jobs, integrations, and the search-visibility setting. Avoid a full database reset if a plugin or theme rollback, or a staging clone, would address the issue with less risk.
After the reset, check the parts of the site that depend on both database state and files:
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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.
- Log in and confirm the site URL and home URL.
- Check permalinks, theme rendering, plugin activation, and media access.
- Test forms, email, and—if applicable—ecommerce checkout.
- Verify scheduled jobs, caching and CDN behavior, and analytics.
- Check search-engine visibility before returning the site to normal operation.
If the reset followed a compromise, rotate affected credentials. Clear caches only after the site is functioning and you have checked the results.
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