How to Revert Changes in WordPress

When managing your WordPress site, there may come a time when you need to undo changes, whether it’s to fix an error, restore functionality, or simply go back to a previous version of your content. This guide will walk you through the options available, from using WordPress’s built-in revision system to restoring backups and employing rollback plugins. We'll also highlight best practices, such as creating backups, to ensure smooth recovery.

Why Reverting Changes is Important

Mistakes can happen when editing your WordPress site, whether it’s in a post, a plugin, or a theme. Reverting helps you:

• Quickly undo errors.
• Resolve issues caused by new updates or customizations.
• Restore your site to a known stable state.

The following solutions will help you manage changes effectively, depending on the type of issue you're facing.

1. Use WordPress's Built-in Revision System

For content-related changes like pages or posts, WordPress has a robust revision system to track and revert to earlier versions.

Steps to Use Revisions

1. Open the Page/Post Editor

   • Go to your WordPress dashboard, then select Posts or Pages, and click on the specific post/page you want to edit.
     

2. Access Revisions

   • On the post/page editor screen, look to the right-hand side under the Publish or Post settings. You’ll see a section labeled Revisions. Click on Browse next to it.
     
   • If you don’t see the Revisions section, ensure you’ve enabled it through Screen Options (located in the top-right corner of the screen).

3. Compare Revisions

   • Once you’re in the Revisions panel, WordPress will show a slider with all saved versions of your content. Move the slider to browse through each revision, with differences highlighted.

4. Restore to a Previous Version

   • When you find the desired version, click Restore This Revision. WordPress will revert the content to that version.

5. Tip: Revisions only apply to pages and posts, not code or settings changes.

2. Restore From a Backup

For broader issues like plugin conflicts or faulty site updates, restoring from a backup is often the best solution. Apex Managed Hosting makes this process easy with our backup functionality.

Steps to Restore a Backup with Apex Managed Hosting

1. Log in to Your Hosting Dashboard

   • Access your Apex Managed Hosting account and locate your website in the dashboard.

2. Navigate to Backups

   • Click on the Backups section. Here, you’ll see snapshots of your site taken daily (or as per your backup schedule).

3. Select the Backup to Restore

   • Choose the backup timestamp closest to when your site was functioning properly. Click Restore to initiate the process.

4. Verify Restoration

   • Once the backup is restored, visit your site to confirm that everything is working as expected.

Pro Tip: Always download a copy of your backup before initiating restoration to keep a fallback option just in case.

3. Roll Back Plugins or Themes Using Plugins

Sometimes, issues arise after updating a plugin or theme. Thankfully, rollback plugins provide an easy way to revert to a previous version.

Recommended Rollback Plugins

• WP Rollback makes it simple to restore earlier versions of plugins and themes.

Steps to Roll Back Using WP Rollback

1. Install WP Rollback

   • Navigate to Plugins > Add New, search for WP Rollback, and click Install Now. Once installed, activate the plugin.

2. Identify the Plugin/Theme to Roll Back

   • Go to Plugins or Appearance > Themes. Each plugin and theme will now display a Rollback option.

3. Select the Version

   • Click Rollback next to the plugin/theme you want to revert. You’ll see a list of previous versions. Select your desired version and click Rollback.

4. Confirm and Test

   • Confirm the rollback process and test your site once it’s complete to ensure functionality.

5. Note: Always check plugin or theme changelogs before rolling back, as older versions might not be compatible with your current WordPress version.

4. Best Practices and Troubleshooting Tips

Before Reverting Changes

• Create a Backup

  • Even if you're restoring a previous backup, always create a new one before making further changes. This ensures you have the latest state saved in case things don’t go as planned.

• Test on a Staging Site

  • Make use of a staging environment whenever possible. This allows you to test changes without affecting your live site.

During the Reversion Process

• Watch for Compatibility Issues

  • After rolling back or restoring, ensure that plugins, themes, and WordPress itself are compatible. Check for errors like white screens or broken features.

• Check Error Logs

  • If the site doesn’t function as expected post-recovery, review the error logs (available in Apex Managed Hosting’s dashboard) for potential causes.

After Reverting Changes

• Update Carefully

  • Educate yourself about the nature of updates before applying them. Use a changelog or test updates in a staging environment to avoid repeating errors.

• Review User Permissions

  • Sometimes, unintended changes occur due to user errors. Limit permissions to trusted users and ensure everyone follows best practices.

Need Help? Contact Our Support Team

If you encounter any issues while reverting changes or restoring backups, our Apex Managed Hosting support team is here to assist you. Open a support ticket or chat with us for real-time help.

By using these methods and adhering to the best practices outlined here, you can confidently manage and revert changes on your WordPress site without headaches.