How to Restore a Backup in Bluehost

Restore a Backup when you need help recovering your website files, databases, or full account data after accidental deletion, corruption, or a failed update. The method you use depends on how the backup was created.

• Restore a Full Account Backup
• Restore a Home Directory Backup
• Restore a MySQL Database Backup
• Restore a WordPress Site from a Backup
• Restore Backups Using Bluehost Automated Backup Services
• Restore Data Using Bluehost Paid Restore Service
• Restore Backups from Third‑Party Services
• Summary
   

Restore a Full Account Backup

A full backup contains your entire hosting account, including:

• Website files
• Databases
• Email accounts
• Settings and configurations

How It Works:

1. Download the Full backup from cPanel.
2. Upload and restore it using the Backup section in cPanel.

For VPS and Dedicated Hosting, please refer to the following articles:

• VPS & Dedicated Hosting: Restore a Server Backup
• VPS & Dedicated Hosting: Restore or Transfer cPanel Accounts

Restore a Home Directory Backup

A Home Directory backup restores your website files (such as public_html) but does not include databases.

Use this option if:

• Website files were deleted or modified
• Images, themes, or plugins are missing
• You do not need to restore the database content

How It Works:

1. Download the Home Directory backup from cPanel.
2. Upload and restore it using the Backup section in cPanel.

Restore a MySQL Database Backup

Databases store dynamic website content such as posts, pages, and settings—especially important for WordPress sites.

You can restore a MySQL database using:

• Backup (Partial Backups) in cPanel
• phpMyAdmin
• Site Backup & Restore (if available on your plan)

Common Use Cases:

• Website content is missing or reverted
• WordPress site errors after updates
• Corrupted database tables

Related Article: How to Restore a MySQL Database

Restore a WordPress Site from a Backup

If your WordPress site is broken or inaccessible, you may restore it using:

• Database backups
• Uploaded WordPress files
• Manual reinstallation combined with a database restore

Related Article: How to Restore a WordPress Site

Restore Backups Using Bluehost Automated Backup Services

New Bluehost plans include Basic Weekly Backups or paid premium backup Services such as:

• CodeGuard – Advanced automated and manual backup controls.
• Jetpack – Real‑time WordPress backups and quick restores.

These tools allow you to:

• Restore files
• Restore databases
• Perform full site restores (plan‑dependent)

Related Article: Bluehost Portal Websites Backups Tab

Restore Data Using Bluehost Paid Restore Service

The Bluehost Paid Restore Service provides assisted recovery when you are unable to restore data yourself and a backup exists on Bluehost systems.

You can restore data using the Paid Restore Service for:

• Website files or directories
• MySQL databases
• Email data

Common Use Cases:

• No downloadable backup available
• Unable to restore files or databases manually
• Website, database, or email data accidentally deleted
• Site issues requiring professional restoration assistance

Related Article: Bluehost Paid Restore Service

Restore Backups from Third‑Party Services

If your backup was created using a third‑party service (such as a plugin or external provider), the restoration process varies.

Recommended Action:

• Follow the restore instructions provided by the backup service
• Contact the third‑party provider directly for support

Bluehost Support cannot restore backups created outside Bluehost systems.

Summary

You can restore a backup in Bluehost using multiple methods, depending on how the backup was created:

• Full Account Backups (Support‑assisted)
• Home Directory Backups
• MySQL Database Backups
• Automated Backup tools
• WordPress‑specific restores
• Paid Restoration service
• Third‑party Backup services

Choosing the correct restore method ensures faster recovery and prevents unintended data loss.