Whether your website crashed after an update or you’ve been locked out of your admin panel, don’t panic. If you’ve taken backups (and you absolutely should), you can restore your WordPress site quickly, even without wp-admin access.
In this step-by-step guide, we’ll show you exactly how to do that using three methods:
- cPanel
- FTP + phpMyAdmin
- Backup plugins (if you can access wp-admin)
Let’s get your site back online.
When Do You Need to Restore a WordPress Backup?
- Site crashes after theme/plugin updates
- Malware infection or hacked site
- Server error or file corruption
- You’re locked out of wp-admin
Need emergency help?
Check out our WordPress Malware Cleanup & Recovery Services
Method 1: Restore Using cPanel (Best if You’re Locked Out)
If you use a host that provides cPanel, this is your easiest path:
Step 1: Log in to your Hosting cPanel
Access your hosting account and open cPanel.
Step 2: Open File Manager
Navigate to /public_html or your root directory.
Step 3: Upload & Extract Backup Files
- If you have a zipped backup, delete the existing WordPress files and upload your backup zip
- Extract files into
/public_html
Step 4: Restore the Database
- Open phpMyAdmin
- Choose your WordPress database
- Click “Import” and upload the
.sqlfile from your backup
Make sure your wp-config.php The file matches the restored database name and credentials.
Method 2: Restore via FTP + phpMyAdmin (If cPanel Isn’t Available)
If your host doesn’t offer cPanel:
Step 1: Connect to Site via FTP (FileZilla)
Get your FTP credentials from your hosting account and connect using FileZilla.
Step 2: Delete Current Files
Delete or rename existing files in /public_html.
Step 3: Upload Your Backup
Upload the backed-up site files into the root directory.
Step 4: Restore Database via Hosting Dashboard
Use the database tool in your hosting panel (or phpMyAdmin) to import your .sql file.
Always back up the current (broken) version before restoring—just in case!
Method 3: Restore via Backup Plugin (If You Can Access wp-admin)
If you still have admin access, it’s much simpler:
Plugin-Based Restore Options:
- UpdraftPlus
- All-in-One WP Migration
- BlogVault
Step 1: Go to the Plugin’s Backup Panel
Each plugin has its own restore section.
Step 2: Select Backup to Restore
Choose a recent backup version (site files + DB).
Step 3: Start Restore
Click “Restore” and wait for the process to complete.
After Restoring: Don’t Forget These Steps
- Test key site functions (forms, checkout, login)
- Update all plugins/themes
- Change your admin password
- Reinstall any missing security plugins
- Re-scan your site for malware
Need a post-recovery audit? Get a Free Website Review
Bonus: How to Prevent Future Site Loss
- Use real-time cloud backups (e.g., BlogVault or Jetpack)
- Keep at least 3 recent backup versions
- Store backups off-site (Google Drive, Dropbox)
- Enable automatic plugin/theme updates with safe backup routines
See Our WordPress Maintenance Plans — we handle backups, security, speed, and recovery.
Locked Out and Stuck? We Can Help
If you’re unable to restore or can’t access anything, our team can step in quickly.
👉 Request Emergency Site Recovery Or Chat with a WordPress Expert
