How to Download and Restore a Website Backup

Published on 17 August, 2026
How to Download and Restore a Website Backup

Backups are snapshots of your website. Download one before a big change. Restore it later if you need that version back.

Restoring does not overwrite your current site. It creates a new website from the file.

1. Open Backups

Log in and open your website.

Website backups
Dashboard view: Backups can be downloaded and restored from this screen.

Go to Advanced, then click Backups.

2. Review the list

Each row shows when the backup was created, its size, and its status.

If the list is empty, wait until a backup has been generated.

3. Download a backup

Click Download on the snapshot you want.

Save the .zip or .tar.gz file somewhere safe, not only on the computer you use every day.

4. Restore the backup

Go back to Websites (My Websites).

Click New website.

Open the split menu next to Create from scratch.

Click From backup.

Upload the backup file. Accept .zip, .tar, or .gz.

SDP shows the original website name and how many templates, pages, and posts are in the file.

Enter a New Website Name and a Website Description.

Submit. You should see Website restored successfully.

SDP opens the new website’s pages. The old site is still there.

5. When to download

Download a copy before you change templates, custom CSS, or a custom domain.

Keep periodic copies if the site is important to your business.

Pro-Tip

Check that a recent backup exists before you publish a large redesign. Restoring always makes a new website, so rename it clearly, such as “Acme Restore March”.