How to Extract Your WordPress Backup

When you have a backup of your WordPress site, it’s only useful if you know how to extract and restore it when needed. Extracting a backup means unpacking the files and database so you can restore your website on the same server or migrate it to another location.

Types of WordPress Backup Files

Before extraction, it’s important to know what kind of backup you have:

  • ZIP or TAR.GZ file – Contains all WordPress files and sometimes the database.

  • Separate Files + SQL Database – Files stored separately from the database export.

  • Backup Plugin Archive – Proprietary backup format from tools like UpdraftPlus, Duplicator, or All-in-One WP Migration.

Step-by-Step: Extracting a WordPress Backup

1. If You Have a ZIP or TAR.GZ Backup

Using Your Computer (Local Extraction):

  1. Download the backup file from your hosting account (via cPanel or FTP).

  2. Right-click on the file and select Extract (Windows) or Open With > Archive Utility (Mac).

  3. Inside, you will see:

    • WordPress core files.

    • wp-content folder (themes, plugins, uploads).

    • Possibly a .sql file (database backup).

Using cPanel File Manager:

  1. Log in to cPanel.

  2. Open File Manager and navigate to the desired folder (usually public_html).

  3. Upload the backup file.

  4. Select it, click Extract, and choose the target folder.

2. If You Have a Database Backup (SQL File)

To restore the database:

  1. Log in to cPanel and go to phpMyAdmin.

  2. Select your WordPress database.

  3. Click the Import tab.

  4. Choose the .sql file from your backup.

  5. Click Go to upload the database.

3. If You Used a Backup Plugin

  • UpdraftPlus – Install the plugin, go to Settings > UpdraftPlus Backups, and use Upload Backup Files.

  • Duplicator – Upload the archive file and installer.php to your server, run installer.php, and follow the wizard.

  • All-in-One WP Migration – Install the plugin, go to Import, and upload the backup file.

Important Tips

  • Always extract to a safe location first before replacing your live site.

  • Test restored sites in a staging environment before making them live.

  • Ensure file permissions and ownership are correct after extraction.

  • Keep multiple backup versions in case one is corrupted.

Extracting your WordPress backup is straightforward if you understand your backup format. Whether it’s a manual ZIP file or a plugin-based archive, the goal is to restore both your files and database so your website functions exactly as before.