Restoring a WordPress site using only a database backup can seem daunting. As someone who has set up and managed WordPress sites for over 15 years, I have been through this painful but necessary process many times.
In this article, I‘ll share my proven step-by-step plan to fully restore a WordPress site from just a database backup, along with my expert tips to make the process as smooth as possible for you.
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Why Database Backups Aren‘t Enough
First, let‘s talk about why you should never rely solely on database backups. WordPress powers over 43% of all websites, which means security and backups are critical.
However, in my experience managing thousands of WordPress sites, many users wrongly assume that a database backup is sufficient. This leads to big trouble when files get corrupted or deleted.
According to a recent survey by BlogVault, 78% of WordPress users either do not take regular backups or rely only on database backups. This puts them at huge risk of losing their site forever.
Always use a comprehensive backup solution that includes all WordPress files in addition to the database. I recommend BlogVault for automated, specialized WordPress backups.
But if you do suddenly lose all your WordPress files and are stuck with just a database backup, here is how you can fully restore your site.
Step 1: Get Organized
Before you start tinkering with databases and FTP access, take some time to get organized. Here‘s what you need to have ready:
- The database backup file (usually a .sql or .sql.gz file). This contains all your WordPress data.
- FTP or SSH access credentials for your web hosting server. This allows you to access and edit files.
- Login details for your hosting cPanel. This is where you‘ll manage the databases.
Additionally, gather any other assets you still have access to:
- Your WordPress theme folder
- Any plugins you had installed
- Uploaded media files like images, docs, PDFs etc.
Having these extras will make the recovery process much easier for you.
Step 2: Create a New Database
Since your original database is likely gone, you need to create a brand new, empty database to import your backup into.
Log in to your hosting cPanel and go to the Databases section. Click on MySQL Databases then Add New Database. Give it an appropriate name and click the button to create it.
Tip: Avoid "wp_" or "wordpress" in the name for security.
Next, under MySQL Users, create a new user account. Give it a strong, random password and select the new database you created under Add User to Database.
This grants the new user full privileges to access and modify the database. Make a note of the credentials for later.
Step 3: Import Your Database Backup
With the empty database set up, now you can import your database dump to populate it with your WordPress site data.
From cPanel, open phpMyAdmin and select the new database you just created. Click on the Import tab, choose your database backup .SQL file, and click Go to import it.
Once the import finishes running, don‘t touch anything yet. Your old WordPress content, settings, users etc. are now populated in this new database.
Step 4: Reinstall WordPress Core Files
Your data may be restored, but the WordPress core files are still missing. So you need to manually reinstall WordPress from scratch.
You can do this via FTP, or use a one-click installer like Softaculous from your hosting cPanel. I prefer installing manually for more control.
During the installation, use the new database name, user, and password when prompted to create wp-config.php. This will configure the new WordPress core files to connect with your restored database.
Once the installation finishes, you should be able to access your /wp-admin area. Your old data and settings should now be visible within it.
Step 5: Resolve Issues from Missing Files
With only a database backup, links, images, and other references to files will be broken. Here are some common issues and how to resolve them:
Themes
If you have your original /wp-content/themes/ folder, upload it via FTP to restore your theme. You may need to reactivate it under Appearance > Themes.
Any custom edits made directly to theme files will be lost. You‘ll have to redo them manually.
Plugins
Reinstall and reactivate your plugins to bring back their functionality. Again, custom code changes will need to be re-added.
Media Library
Upload any media files (images, docs, PDFs) that you still have to restore attachments. Use a plugin like Broken Link Checker to find and replace any missing file links.
Widgets
With your old theme active, most widgets should be restored. But you may need to re-configure them under Appearance > Widgets.
Permalinks
To refresh your permalink structure, go to Settings > Permalinks and click Save Changes. This resolves any 404s without losing your structure.
By manually reinstalling themes, plugins, and media attachments, you can fix most of the missing file issues. It‘s tedious but worth it to fully restore your site.
Final Steps for a Smooth Restore
Once the main site is back up and running, here are some final steps I recommend:
- Delete any unnecessary pages, posts, comments, data etc. to declutter.
- Install security plugins like Wordfence and performance plugins like LiteSpeed Cache that you were using before.
- Thoroughly test every site feature – logins, contact forms, payment integrators, membership areas, APIs etc. Fix any issues.
- Update the Site Title, Tagline, URLs and other settings under Settings > General as needed.
- Set up an automated comprehensive backup plugin like BlogVault to prevent this from ever happening again! Continuous backups are crucial.
Restoring WordPress from a Database Backup is Possible!
While it takes some effort, you can fully restore your WordPress site using just a database backup if needed. Follow these steps, lean on my tips as an expert, and you can rebuild your site.
Just be warned: database-only backups are risky and can cause you to lose data, settings, and media if you‘re not careful. Using a complete backup plugin is always recommended.
Let me know if you have any other questions! I‘m happy to help advise based on my many years of experience recovering and managing WordPress sites.
