WordPress Revert to Previous Version: Restore Pages, Plugins & Site Versions

Why would you want to revert WordPress to a previous version?

You’ve just updated a plugin — or maybe a theme — and suddenly your layout is broken, forms aren’t working, or the site won’t even load. It’s a nightmare. And it happens more often than you’d think. That’s why knowing how to revert WordPress to a previous version can save your site (and sanity).

One of the most common reasons is a failed update. WordPress core, plugins, and themes receive frequent updates, but sometimes they clash. An update might introduce a new bug, break compatibility with other components, or override custom settings.

Plugin conflicts are another culprit. A new plugin might not play nicely with your existing stack — or worse, it could crash the whole site. In a WordPress.org forum, one user said: “Installed a new SEO plugin. Site slowed down instantly. Rolled back and speed came back within minutes.”

Theme issues also pop up after updates. If your theme was heavily customized and an update resets the design, you might want to roll back.

Accidental changes — like deleting a page section or misconfiguring a setting — are also reasons to revert. Mistakes happen. Fortunately, WordPress provides tools to go back in time.

As WP developer Mark Jacoby puts it: “Reverting isn’t about failure — it’s about control. It lets you experiment without fear.”

How can you restore a previous version of a WordPress page or post?

WordPress has a built-in revision system that quietly tracks your edits. You can easily restore any previous version of a page, post, or custom post type — all without external plugins.

Pages

1. Open the page in the editor.
2. Look in the right sidebar for the “Revisions” section.
3. Click on the available revision count.
4. Use the slider to scroll through saved versions.
5. Click “Restore This Revision.”

This brings back the version you choose and saves it as the new current state.

Posts

The process is the same as with pages:

1. Edit the post.
2. Click on “Revisions” in the document panel.
3. Use the interface to compare changes.
4. Restore the preferred version.

Pro tip: Revisions are stored every time you click “Update,” so it's easy to go back even several steps.

Custom Post Types

Revisions work with custom post types (like portfolios, testimonials, or products) if they support revisions. If enabled by the theme or plugin, you’ll see the same “Revisions” link in the edit screen.

If revisions aren’t showing, developers can enable them using:

'supports' => array('revisions')

in the register_post_type function.

Restoring content with this feature is fast, safe, and undoable.

What’s the difference between restoring a page vs rolling back the entire site?

Reverting a single page is like patching a tire. Rolling back the entire site? That’s more like replacing the whole wheel. Both serve a purpose, but their scope and risk levels are different.

Here’s a breakdown:

Visual comparison:

• Page restore: Only affects content on a single page.
• Full rollback: Reverts all site components to a past state.

Full rollbacks are usually done via backup systems like UpdraftPlus or BlogVault and may require downtime, staging environments, or reconfiguration afterward.

How to go back to a previous version of your WordPress site using backups?

If everything went wrong — core update failure, plugin disaster, white screen — you’ll need to roll back using a full-site backup.

Step-by-step using UpdraftPlus:

1. Install and activate UpdraftPlus.
2. Navigate to Settings > UpdraftPlus Backups.
3. Click on “Existing Backups.”
4. Choose a backup with the date before the issue occurred.
5. Click “Restore.” Select components: plugins, themes, database, uploads.
6. Confirm and complete the process.

Using BlogVault:

1. Log into your BlogVault dashboard.
2. Choose the site and go to “Backups.”
3. Pick a version from the calendar view.
4. Click “Auto Restore” or “Download Backup.”
5. Follow the guided steps for restoration.

Manual method (FTP):

1. Download a full backup (files + database) from your hosting panel.
2. Use FTP to upload site files.
3. Use phpMyAdmin to import the database.

Plugin list:

• UpdraftPlus – Reliable and free.
• BlogVault – Premium with staging support.
• BackWPup – Easy to schedule.
• Jetpack Backup – Real-time backup solution.

Backup tips:

• Always back up before major updates.
• Keep at least three recent versions.
• Test restores on a staging site when possible.

Having a backup strategy means you’re never more than a few clicks from recovery.

Can I revert WordPress to an older version manually?

Yes, and sometimes you’ll need to — especially if an update breaks your site and rollback plugins don’t work. Manual downgrading gives you control over exactly what version of WordPress you want to use. It's not hard, but it does require careful steps.

How to downgrade manually via FTP:

• Back up your site – both files and database.
• Go to WordPress Release Archive and download the version you want.
• Unzip the archive on your computer.
• Delete the wp-content folder in the new archive to avoid overwriting your themes and plugins.
• Connect to your server via FTP (using FileZilla or similar).
• Delete all core WordPress files except:
  • wp-content
  • wp-config.php
  • .htaccess (if present)
• Upload the new version’s files over FTP.
• Visit your site’s /wp-admin area. WordPress may prompt a database downgrade — follow it.

How do rollback plugins help undo WordPress updates quickly?

Rollback plugins simplify undoing changes to themes or plugins with a few clicks — no coding or FTP needed. They let you choose previous versions directly from the plugin directory, making them ideal for quick recovery after a failed update.

WP Rollback is the most popular option. After activation, it adds a “Rollback” link next to every plugin and theme in your admin panel.

How to use WP Rollback:

1. Install and activate from Plugins > Add New.
2. Go to Plugins or Appearance > Themes.
3. Click “Rollback” next to the plugin or theme you want to revert.
4. Select the previous version.
5. Confirm and complete the downgrade.

Plugin Features:

• Supports both plugins and themes.
• Integrates with WordPress.org repository.
• Tracks version history.

User Reviews:

• “Saved my site when a plugin broke the layout.”
• “I love how I can test new features without fear.”

Rollback plugins are great for agile workflows, testing, and quick recovery.

Is it safe to rollback a plugin or theme in WordPress?

The short answer: usually, yes — but with caveats. Rolling back a plugin or theme means reintroducing older code, which could contain bugs or vulnerabilities that have been patched in newer versions.

Pros:

• Immediate fix for update-related issues
• No need to wait for developer support
• Reverts breaking changes instantly

Cons:

• Potential security risks in older versions
• May break compatibility with other components
• Risk of database mismatches if data structure changed

How to test safely before rollback:

• Use a staging site (via plugins like WP Staging)
• Take a full backup beforehand
• Read the changelog of the plugin/theme to identify what changed

Rollback methods:

• WP Rollback plugin (for themes/plugins from WordPress.org)
• Manual replacement via FTP

Always monitor your site after a rollback. If the issue was fixed by the downgrade, follow up with the developer for a safer update path.

How do you undo recent changes in WordPress without a full rollback?

Sometimes you just want to undo a headline change or recover content — not roll back the whole site. Thankfully, WordPress has built-in tools for this too.

Autosaves: WordPress automatically saves your drafts every 60 seconds. If your browser crashes or you close the tab accidentally, autosaves are there to help.

Post Revisions: WordPress stores each update as a separate revision. You can:

1. Open any page or post.
2. Click “Revisions” in the sidebar.
3. Browse previous versions with a timeline slider.
4. Click “Restore This Revision.”

Custom Post Types: Revisions apply if supported. For unsupported types, developers can enable revisions manually.

What tools are best for managing version control in WordPress?

Version control in WordPress isn't just for developers — it's a smart move for anyone managing a dynamic site. Whether you're collaborating with a team or working solo, version control helps prevent catastrophic errors and makes it easier to track changes.

Git-based tools like GitHub, GitLab, and Bitbucket are the standard in development workflows. These integrate well with local environments like LocalWP or DevKinsta, and can also sync with hosting platforms that support deployment pipelines.

Backup managers such as UpdraftPlus, BlogVault, and Jetpack Backup provide an easier, non-dev solution. They offer version snapshots you can roll back from with a click.

Staging environments (like those offered by Kinsta, SiteGround, or WP Engine) allow you to test updates before pushing them live. This is invaluable when dealing with client sites or high-traffic businesses.

Here’s a comparison of popular version control tools:

As developer Chris Coyier once said on CSS-Tricks: “Version control is like a time machine with notes. Once you have it, you’ll never go back.”

What are the risks of downgrading WordPress or rolling back plugins?

Downgrading can feel like the right fix when an update breaks your site — but it carries serious risks.

Security is the biggest concern. Older versions of WordPress, themes, or plugins often lack patches for known vulnerabilities. Reverting to one of these makes your site a soft target for bots and malware.

Compatibility issues arise when rolling back a plugin or core version while other components remain updated. You might end up with features that no longer work — or worse, break the frontend entirely.

Data loss is another hidden danger. Some plugins restructure database tables during updates. Downgrading them can cause schema mismatches, corrupt data, or orphan entries.

As WordPress core contributor Mika Epstein puts it: “Rolling back a plugin without understanding its database footprint is like replacing a bridge mid-traffic.”

Real-world example: A user on Stack Overflow downgraded WooCommerce and found that all recent orders vanished. Why? The plugin’s database schema had changed in the newer version.

The bottom line: Always create a staging environment and full backup before downgrading anything. Treat rollbacks as surgical procedures, not quick fixes.

How to prepare your WordPress site for safe rollbacks

Every rollback carries some risk — but with the right preparation, you can make it virtually painless. Here’s how to ensure you're protected before making any changes.

Backups: Always start with a complete backup — files and database. Use UpdraftPlus, BlogVault, or your host’s native backup tool.

Testing environments: Set up a staging site to test rollbacks before applying them to live. Most managed hosting providers offer this, or you can use WP Staging.

Change logs: Review plugin or theme changelogs before deciding to revert. Understand what new features or fixes you might lose.

Rollback plan checklist:

Even if you don’t plan to downgrade, this process prepares you for unexpected errors and makes your site more resilient.

What’s the difference between a rollback and a restore in WordPress?

It’s easy to confuse the two — rollback and restore — but they serve very different purposes in WordPress site management.

A rollback typically refers to undoing a specific update, like a plugin, theme, or even the WordPress core version. It’s a targeted action that affects only a specific component. Most commonly, rollbacks are used to revert a recent update that caused issues or incompatibility.

A restore, on the other hand, is broader. It involves recovering your entire website (or a major part of it) from a backup. This includes database entries, media files, theme settings, plugin data, and core files.

Let’s break down the use cases:

Visual Decision Tree

• Did a plugin update break something?
  Yes → Try rollback
  
• Did your site crash or get hacked?
  Yes → Perform a restore
• Did you lose specific content (e.g., a post)?
  Yes → Use WordPress Revisions or restore database

Think of rollbacks as targeted undo. Restores are your emergency parachute.

How can I test changes before updating WordPress or plugins?

Testing before updating is the most reliable way to prevent issues. Fortunately, WordPress makes it easy if you use the right tools.

Staging Environments allow you to create a copy of your live site where you can test plugin or theme updates safely. Managed hosts like WP Engine, Kinsta, and SiteGround include staging with their plans.

Backup Cloning uses tools like BlogVault or WP Staging to create clone environments. You can experiment here without touching your live site.

Versioning Tools let developers use Git to manage plugin and theme versions in custom workflows.

Tool comparison:

Pro tip: Always test major plugin updates in a staging environment first. You’ll catch conflicts before they affect real users.

Final recap: What’s the safest way to revert WordPress changes?

So what’s the smartest way to undo changes in WordPress? It depends on the scope of your issue. Here’s a quick recap of all the methods we've covered:

Expert Advice:

Mika Epstein, WP Core Contributor: “Don’t rely on one strategy. Combine rollbacks with reliable backups and you’ll always have a way out.”

Kinsta Knowledgebase: “90% of breakages after updates happen because staging was skipped.”

Links to Tools Used in This Guide

• WP Rollback
• UpdraftPlus
• BlogVault
• WP Staging
• LocalWP
• WP-CLI

The bottom line: Rollbacks are for quick fixes. Restores are for serious problems. Staging is your safety net. Use all three, and your WordPress site becomes far more resilient.

Sources and References

• WordPress Developer Handbook
• BlogVault Documentation
• WP Engine & Kinsta Knowledgebase
• GitHub Guides for WordPress Projects
• Stack Overflow and WordPress.org Forums