In the ever-changing landscape of the internet, websites can encounter issues such as data loss, security breaches, or technical errors. Having a reliable backup of your WordPress website is crucial for safeguarding your data and ensuring business continuity. While automated backup plugins provide convenience, knowing how to manually restore your WordPress website gives you greater control and flexibility in times of crisis. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of manually restoring your WordPress website step by step.

Step 1: Accessing Backup Files

Before you can begin the restoration process, you’ll need access to the backup files of your WordPress website. These files typically include a backup of your WordPress database (in SQL format) and the files from your WordPress installation directory. Ensure that you have these backup files stored securely, either on your local computer or a cloud storage service.

Step 2: Creating a New Database

To restore your WordPress website, you’ll first need to create a new empty database on your web hosting server. You can do this through your web hosting control panel, such as cPanel or Plesk. Navigate to the database management section and follow the instructions to create a new MySQL database. Take note of the database name, username, and password, as you’ll need these details later in the restoration process.

Create Database & Users By Wizard

Step 3: Importing Database Backup

Once you’ve created the new database, access the phpMyAdmin tool from your web hosting control panel. Select the newly created database from the list on the left-hand side and click on the “Import” tab. Choose the database backup file (in SQL format) from your computer and click on the “Go” button to import the data into the database. This will restore your WordPress website’s content, including posts, pages, comments, and settings.

Find Database & Import

Choose File and Import

Step 4: Uploading WordPress Files

With the database restored, it’s time to upload the WordPress files to your web hosting server. Use an FTP client or the file manager in your web hosting control panel to upload the files from your backup to the root directory of your WordPress installation. This directory typically contains files such as wp-admin, wp-content, and wp-includes.

After That Select:

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Step 5: Updating wp-config.php File

After uploading the WordPress files, you’ll need to update the wp-config.php file with the database connection details of the newly created database. Open the wp-config.php file in a text editor and locate the database settings section. Update the database name, username, password, and host with the details of the new database you created earlier. Save the changes and close the file.

Update The Database Details

Step 6: Testing the Website

Once you’ve completed the restoration process, it’s essential to test your WordPress website to ensure everything is functioning correctly. Visit your website’s URL in a web browser and navigate through the pages to verify that all content is displayed correctly and that website functionalities are working as expected. Check for any broken links, missing images, or other issues that may need attention.

Conclusion:

Manually restoring a WordPress website may seem daunting at first, but with careful planning and attention to detail, it can be a straightforward process. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can confidently restore your website from a backup and minimize downtime in the event of data loss or technical issues. Remember to regularly backup your website and store the backup files securely to protect your valuable data.