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How to Restore a WordPress Backup to Localhost: A Step-by-Step Guide

38 threads Sep 16, 2025 Core → Localhost installs

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Restoring a WordPress backup to a local server like XAMPP, MAMP, or Local by Flywheel is a common task for developers and site owners who want to test changes safely or revive an old website. However, the process can be tricky, and many users run into issues where their site doesn't load correctly, the dashboard is inaccessible, or content appears broken.

Why Restoring a Backup to Localhost Fails

Based on common support threads, the most frequent reasons for a failed local restore include:

  • Missing or Incorrect Database Import: The most critical step is often mishandled. Using the wrong command (e.g., mysqldump to import instead of mysql) or not importing the database at all will result in a fresh WordPress installation prompt.
  • Outdated File Paths and URLs: The database from your live site contains absolute URLs (e.g., http://yourdomain.com). When moved to localhost, these links break, causing missing CSS, images, and redirects to the old domain.
  • Version Mismatch: Trying to use a database from an old WordPress version with a new local installation can cause compatibility issues.
  • Incomplete Backup: A backup must include both the wp-content files (themes, plugins, uploads) and a full database export (.sql file). Having only one will not work.

Step-by-Step Solution: The Manual Restore Method

This method, often recommended in community forums, gives you the most control over the process. Follow these steps carefully.

Prerequisites:

  • Your complete website backup (all WordPress files + a .sql database dump).
  • A local server environment (e.g., XAMPP, MAMP, Local).
  • Access to phpMyAdmin or the command line.

Step 1: Set Up Your Local Environment

  1. Start your local server (e.g., Apache and MySQL in XAMPP).
  2. Create a new, empty database for your project using phpMyAdmin. Note the database name, username, and password.

Step 2: Import the Database

  1. Open phpMyAdmin and select the new database you just created.
  2. Click the Import tab.
  3. Click Choose File, select your backup's .sql file, and click Go.
  4. Alternative (Command Line): If you prefer the command line or are dealing with a large file, navigate to your database file's directory and run: mysql -u [username] -p [database_name] < [backup_file].sql. You will be prompted for the password.

Step 3: Upload the Website Files

  1. Navigate to your local server's root directory (e.g., XAMPP/htdocs/).
  2. Create a new folder for your project (e.g., mywebsite).
  3. Extract and upload all of your backed-up WordPress files into this new folder.

Step 4: Configure WordPress for Localhost

  1. In your project folder, locate the wp-config.php file and open it in a text editor.
  2. Update the database connection settings to match your new local database: 
    define( 'DB_NAME', 'your_new_database_name' );
define( 'DB_USER', 'your_local_db_user' );
define( 'DB_PASSWORD', 'your_local_db_password' );
define( 'DB_HOST', 'localhost' );
  3. Crucial Step: Update Site URLs. The database still points to your live site. You must change this. Add these two lines to wp-config.php, above the line that says /* That's all, stop editing! Happy publishing. */: 
    define( 'WP_HOME', 'http://localhost/mywebsite' );
define( 'WP_SITEURL', 'http://localhost/mywebsite' );
    Replace /mywebsite with the name of the folder you created in Step 3.

Step 5: Final Checks and Login

  1. Open your browser and go to http://localhost/mywebsite.
  2. Your site should now load. If styles are broken, you may need to run a search-and-replace tool on the database to update any remaining hard-coded URLs.
  3. Log in to the dashboard at http://localhost/mywebsite/wp-admin. If you don't know the password, you can reset it directly in phpMyAdmin by following a guide on resetting WordPress passwords.

Alternative Solution: Using a Migration Plugin

If the manual process seems too complex, several plugins can automate the backup and restore process. The 'Localhost Installs' team often suggests plugins like All-in-One WP Migration, Duplicator, or UpdraftPlus. These tools bundle your files and database into a single package and handle the URL changes during import. However, be aware that advanced features often require a premium license.

Troubleshooting Common Problems

  • "White Screen of Death" or 404 Errors: This is almost always a database connection error. Triple-check your wp-config.php settings.
  • Missing Media/CSS (Broken Styling): This is caused by incorrect URLs. The method of defining WP_HOME and WP_SITEURL in wp-config.php usually fixes this. If not, you may need a more thorough database search-and-replace.
  • Prompt to Install WordPress: This means WordPress cannot connect to your database. Ensure the database was imported correctly and the credentials in wp-config.php are perfect.

By carefully following these steps, you should be able to successfully restore your WordPress backup to a localhost environment for testing, development, or content recovery.

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