Frequently Asked Questions
This FAQ addresses the most common questions about WP Rollback and provides quick answers to help you get the most out of the plugin.
General Questions
What is WP Rollback?
WP Rollback is a WordPress plugin that allows you to safely rollback any WordPress plugin or theme to a previous version with just a few clicks. It automates the entire rollback process with built-in safety checks.
Is WP Rollback safe to use?
Yes, WP Rollback is designed with safety as the top priority. It includes version preservation (Pro only), integrity checks, and permission validation to ensure rollbacks are performed safely.
Does WP Rollback work with all plugins and themes?
WP Rollback works with plugins and themes from the WordPress.org repository. The Pro version extends support to premium plugins and themes from various marketplaces.
Will rolling back affect my settings and data?
No, rollbacks typically preserve your plugin/theme settings and data. Only the code files are replaced with the previous version.
Installation and Setup
How do I install WP Rollback?
- Download from WordPress.org or upload the plugin files
- Activate the plugin through WordPress admin
- Navigate to Tools > WP Rollback to get started
What are the system requirements?
- WordPress 6.0 or higher
- PHP 7.4 or higher
- Write permissions to wp-content directory
- Stable internet connection
Can I use WP Rollback on multisite?
Yes, both WP Rollback Free and Pro fully support WordPress Multisite installations. The plugin must be network activated and is accessed through Network Admin → Settings → WP Rollback. Only Super Administrators can perform rollbacks, which affect all sites in the network. See our Multisite Guide for complete details.
Using WP Rollback
How do I rollback a plugin?
- Go to Plugins > Installed Plugins
- Click Rollback next to the plugin
- Select the version you want to rollback to
- Click Rollback to start the process
How do I rollback a theme?
- Go to Appearance > Themes
- Click Theme Details on the theme
- Click Rollback button
- Select the version and confirm
Can I rollback multiple plugins at once?
No, WP Rollback processes one plugin or theme at a time to ensure safety and prevent conflicts.
How do I know which version to rollback to?
Look for the version you had before the problematic update, or choose the most recent stable version. Check release notes for guidance.
Troubleshooting
What if a rollback fails?
- Check error logs for specific error messages
- Verify file permissions and disk space
- Try a manual rollback if automatic fails
- Contact support if issues persist
Why can't I see the rollback option?
- Check that WP Rollback is properly activated
- Verify you have sufficient permissions
- Navigate to WP-Admin > Tools > WP Rollback
What if my site breaks after a rollback?
- Check if the rolled-back version is compatible with your WordPress version
- Verify all dependencies are present
- Check for plugin conflicts
- Restore from backup if absolutely necessary
Can I undo a rollback?
Yes, you can rollback to a newer version using the same process. With the Pro version, preserved versions of premium assets can be used to restore. Note: WP Rollback does not modify the database in the rollback process. It restores the theme and plugins files and directories to the specified version.
Free vs Pro Version
What's the difference between Free and Pro?
- Free: WordPress.org plugins and themes only, community support, full multisite support via Network Admin, premium assets are stored but not accessible through the UI for rollbacks.
- Pro: Premium plugins/themes, activity logging across the network, enhanced multisite features, customer dashboard at customer.paidcommunities.com, priority support, subscription management
Can I upgrade from Free to Pro?
Yes, you can upgrade at any time. Your existing rollback history and settings will be preserved. After purchasing, you'll receive two welcome emails with your license key and access to your customer dashboard.
Do I need Pro for basic rollbacks?
No, the free version is sufficient for rolling back plugins and themes from WordPress.org repository.
Technical Questions
Does WP Rollback create backups?
Both free and pro versions preserve current versions of premium assets by creating zip archives before updates. The free version stores these archives but doesn't provide UI access to them (they can be accessed via SFTP). The Pro version adds a UI to view, manage, and rollback to these archived versions. This does not include database backups - only the plugin/theme files are preserved.
Where are backups stored?
Premium asset archives are stored in the WordPress uploads directory within the wp-rollback directory. You can control the number of versions stored and the length of storage in the pro version.
Can I rollback WordPress core?
No, WP Rollback does not support WordPress core rollbacks due to complexity and security concerns.
Does WP Rollback affect my database?
Generally no, rollbacks only affect files. However, database updates made by newer plugin versions are not automatically undone.
Premium Plugin Support
Which premium plugins are supported?
Both WP Rollback free and pro versions create zip archives when an update occurs for any plugin or theme not on WordPress.org. The difference is that the Pro version provides a UI to access and rollback to these archived versions.
Supported premium plugins and themes include those from almost any source. For instance:
- Envato/ThemeForest
- Kadence Pro
- Astra Pro
- GeneratePress Pro
- Divi/Elegant Themes
- Gravity Forms
- WooCommerce
- Custom sources
How do I set up premium plugin rollbacks?
- Install WP Rollback: Install either free or Pro version BEFORE updates occur
- Archives Created Automatically: When premium plugins/themes update, archives are created automatically
- Pro for UI Access: Activate Pro license to access the rollback UI for premium assets
Why don't I see rollback options for my premium plugins/themes?
The most common reasons are:
- No updates occurred after installing WP Rollback: Archives are only created when updates occur, so WP Rollback (free or pro) must be installed BEFORE an update happens
- Using free version: The free version creates archives but doesn't show them in the UI - only Pro provides the rollback UI for premium assets
- Check archive directory: Look in
wp-content/uploads/wp-rollback/to see if archives exist - Verify Pro activation: If archives exist but you can't see them, ensure WP Rollback Pro is properly activated
Important: WP Rollback can only serve as an "escape hatch" if it was installed BEFORE the problematic update occurred. It must be installed before updates happen to capture the previous version. If you're experiencing issues from a recent update and didn't have WP Rollback installed beforehand, you'll need to restore from a backup or manually downgrade.
Does WP Rollback Pro work with all premium plugins and themes?
WP Rollback Pro works with any premium plugin or theme that updates through the WordPress update system. This includes plugins and themes from Envato, Kadence Pro, Astra Pro, GeneratePress Pro, Divi, and any other premium asset that integrates with WordPress's built-in update mechanism.
How does WP Rollback Pro work with premium plugins?
Both WP Rollback free and pro integrate directly with the WordPress update system. When WordPress updates a premium plugin or theme, WP Rollback automatically preserves the current version before the update occurs. The key difference is that Pro provides a user interface to view, manage, and rollback to these archived versions, while the free version only stores them (accessible via SFTP). No additional configuration is required - it works seamlessly with any plugin or theme that updates through WordPress.
Security and Safety
Is it safe to rollback to older versions?
Generally yes, but older versions may have known security vulnerabilities. Monitor for security updates and patches.
Should I test rollbacks on staging first?
Yes, always test rollbacks on a staging environment before applying them to production sites.
What if I rollback a security update?
Be cautious when rolling back security updates. Only do so temporarily and monitor for alternative security patches.
Performance and Optimization
Will WP Rollback slow down my site?
No, WP Rollback has minimal impact on site performance. It only loads when needed for rollback operations.
Can I schedule rollbacks?
Yes, the Pro version supports scheduled rollbacks for maintenance windows and automated operations.
Multisite Questions
How does WP Rollback work with multisite?
WP Rollback fully supports WordPress Multisite installations. When network activated, it provides centralized rollback capabilities through the Network Admin panel. All rollbacks affect the entire network since all sites share the same plugin and theme files. See our comprehensive Multisite Guide for details.
Can site administrators perform rollbacks?
No, for security reasons only Super Administrators can perform rollbacks from the Network Admin panel. Individual site administrators cannot access rollback features, preventing accidental changes that would affect all sites in the network.
Can I rollback network-activated plugins?
Yes, Super Administrators can rollback both network-activated and site-activated plugins from the Network Admin → Plugins page. Remember that any rollback affects all sites in the network, regardless of activation type.
Developer Questions
Does WP Rollback have an API?
Yes, WP Rollback provides REST API endpoints for programmatic access to rollback functionality.
Can I integrate WP Rollback with other tools?
Yes, the Pro version includes webhook support and custom integration hooks for external tools.
Are there developer hooks available?
Yes, WP Rollback provides various hooks for customization and integration with other plugins.
Licensing and Support
What happens after I purchase WP Rollback Pro?
After purchasing, you'll receive two welcome emails:
- WP Rollback Pro email: Contains your license key, download link, getting started guide, and subscription details
- PaidCommunities email: Provides access to your customer dashboard at customer.paidcommunities.com where you can manage your subscription
How do I access my customer dashboard?
Your customer dashboard is available at customer.paidcommunities.com. Log in using the email address you used during purchase. This dashboard allows you to:
- View and copy your license key
- Download the latest version
- Manage your subscription
- Update payment methods
- Access invoices and purchase history
How does licensing work for Pro?
Pro licenses are site-based with different tiers available. For multisite installations, a single network license covers all sites when network activated. You can manage all aspects of your license through your customer dashboard. See our Multisite Guide for network-specific details.
Where can I find my license key?
Your license key is sent in your WP Rollback Pro welcome email and is always available in your customer dashboard. Simply log in and copy it from the main dashboard page.
What support is available?
- Free: Community support through WordPress.org forums
- Pro: Priority support accessible through your customer dashboard or via [email protected]
How do I manage my Pro subscription?
All subscription management is handled through your customer dashboard:
- View your current plan and renewal date
- Update payment methods
- Upgrade or downgrade plans
- Cancel your subscription
- Download invoices for tax purposes
What if I lose my welcome emails?
No worries! You can always access everything through your customer dashboard. Use the "Forgot Password" option if needed, entering the email address you used for purchase.
Compatibility
Is WP Rollback compatible with page builders?
Yes, WP Rollback works with popular page builders like Elementor, Divi, and others.
Does it work with WooCommerce?
Yes, but be careful with database schema changes between WooCommerce versions.
What about PHP and WordPress versions?
WP Rollback is compatible with PHP 7.4 - 8.4 and WordPress 6.5+.
Best Practices
When should I use WP Rollback?
- When updates break functionality
- When new versions cause compatibility issues
- As a temporary measure while waiting for fixes
What should I do before rolling back?
- Create a full site backup
- Test on staging environment
- Review version changelog
- Document the reason for rollback
How can I prevent update issues?
- Always test updates on staging first
- Monitor plugin/theme changelogs
- Keep regular backups
- Use proper code management for custom code
Migration and Maintenance
How do I maintain WP Rollback?
- Keep the plugin updated
- Review activity logs regularly (Pro)
- Monitor rollback performance
- Ensure WordPress updates are working properly for premium assets
Can I use WP Rollback offline?
No, WP Rollback requires internet connectivity to download plugin/theme versions from repositories and perform other operations.
Advanced Features
What are rollback steps?
Rollback steps are the individual processes that make up a rollback: validation, backup, download, installation, and cleanup.
What is activity logging?
Activity logging (Pro feature) records all rollback activities with timestamps, user information, and success/failure status.
Getting Help
How do I report bugs?
- Free: Report bugs on WordPress.org plugin page or GitHub
- Pro: Contact support through email [email protected]
Can I suggest new features?
Yes, feature suggestions are welcome through the appropriate support channels for your version.
What information should I provide when asking for help?
- WordPress version
- PHP version
- Plugin version
- Error messages
- Steps to reproduce the issue
- Debug logs if available
Next Steps
- Read the Getting Started guide
- Learn about How Rollbacks Work
- Explore Pro Features for advanced functionality
- Pro users: Access your Customer Dashboard
- Check the Troubleshooting Guide for specific issues