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 roll back 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 checks that you have permission to update plugins or themes before a rollback runs. Both versions back up premium plugins and themes before they update, and Pro can restore those backups. Pro also validates each package before installing it.

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 Free?

1. In your WordPress admin, go to Plugins → Add New Plugin
2. Search for "WP Rollback"
3. Click Install Now, then Activate
4. Navigate to Tools > WP Rollback to get started

Alternatively, download the plugin from WordPress.org and upload the ZIP file via Plugins → Add New Plugin → Upload Plugin.

How do I install WP Rollback Pro from the ZIP file in my email?

WP Rollback Pro is delivered as a .zip file (not available on WordPress.org). Here's how to install it:

1. Download the ZIP — Click the download link in your WP Rollback Pro Welcome Email to save the .zip file to your computer. Do not unzip it.
2. Upload the Pro ZIP — Go to Plugins → Add New Plugin, click the Upload Plugin button at the top, click Choose File, select your .zip file, then click Install Now
3. Activate — Click Activate Plugin after the install completes. If WP Rollback (Free) is active, Pro switches it off for you, and your rollback history and backups carry over.
4. Enter your license key — Go to Tools → WP Rollback Pro. Paste your license key from the welcome email into the Activate your license card and click Activate License. The Pro Dashboard loads once the license is active.
5. Delete the free version (optional) — Once Pro is active, you can delete WP Rollback (Free) from Plugins → Installed Plugins

For the full walkthrough, see our Getting Started guide.

Do I need to uninstall WP Rollback Free before installing Pro?

No. Install and activate Pro first. Activating Pro switches the free version off for you (network-wide if it was network-activated), and your rollback history and backups carry over. After that, you can delete WP Rollback (Free) from Plugins → Installed Plugins if you like. Having both installed is fine.

Don't delete the free version before Pro is installed. If Pro isn't installed, deleting the free version also deletes your rollback history and the setting that points to your backup folder.

If you reactivate the free version later, Pro pauses and shows "WP Rollback Pro is paused while WP Rollback (Free) is active." Click Deactivate WP Rollback (Free) in that notice to turn Pro back on.

I get an error when uploading the Pro ZIP file. What do I do?

The most common upload errors and fixes:

• "The link you followed has expired" — Your hosting has a small upload file size limit. Contact your host and ask them to increase upload_max_filesize and post_max_size to at least 64MB.
• "The package could not be installed" — Make sure you're uploading the original .zip file exactly as downloaded. Don't unzip and re-zip it.
• WP Rollback Pro is already installed — WordPress asks what to do with the upload. Choose Replace current with uploaded. Don't delete Pro to reinstall it. Deleting Pro removes its settings, including your license.

As an alternative, you can unzip the file on your computer, then upload the extracted wp-rollback-pro folder to /wp-content/plugins/ on your server using FTP or your hosting file manager, and activate from the Plugins page.

What are the system requirements?

• WordPress 6.5 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 (or WP Rollback Pro). 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 roll back a plugin?

1. Go to Plugins > Installed Plugins
2. Click Rollback next to the plugin
3. Select the version you want to roll back to
4. Click Rollback to start the process

How do I roll back a theme?

1. Go to Appearance > Themes
2. Click Theme Details on the theme
3. Click Rollback button
4. Select the version and confirm

Can I roll back 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 roll back 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?

1. Read the message in the "Rollback Failed" window. If a PHP error stopped the rollback, it shows the error or where to find it (see A PHP fatal error stopped the rollback)
2. Check error logs for specific error messages
3. Verify file permissions and disk space
4. Try a manual rollback if automatic fails
5. Contact support if issues persist

WP Rollback turns maintenance mode off when a rollback fails. If visitors still see a maintenance page, see Site Shows "Maintenance Mode" After a Rollback.

Why can't I see the rollback option?

• Check the menu name. The free version is at Tools → WP Rollback. Pro is at Tools → WP Rollback Pro.
• Check your permissions. The menu needs the capability to update plugins (update_plugins) or themes (update_themes). Administrators have both by default. If DISALLOW_FILE_MODS is set to true in wp-config.php, WordPress removes both, and the menu disappears.
• On multisite, only Super Admins can roll back. When the plugin is network-activated, its menu is under Network Admin → Settings, not on individual sites.
• Pro is paused while the free version is active. Look for the "WP Rollback Pro is paused while WP Rollback (Free) is active." notice and click Deactivate WP Rollback (Free).
• Pro needs an active license. Until you activate it, Pro's screens show only the Activate your license card.

What if my site breaks after a rollback?

1. Check if the rolled-back version is compatible with your WordPress version
2. Verify all dependencies are present
3. Check for plugin conflicts
4. Restore from backup if absolutely necessary

Can I undo a rollback?

Yes, you can roll back 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: Rolls back plugins and themes from the WordPress.org repository. Also backs up premium plugins and themes before they update (5 per plugin or theme), which Pro can restore later. Community support. Full multisite support via Network Admin.
• Pro: Everything in Free, plus rollback of premium plugins and themes via Plugin Vault (a shared library of verified ZIPs available immediately after activation) and local backups (25 per plugin or theme by default). A Dashboard with your rollback history, an Archives screen, email status reports, WP-CLI commands, package validation, rollback notes, enhanced multisite features, customer dashboard at customer.paidcommunities.com, priority support, and subscription management.

Can I upgrade from Free to Pro?

Yes, you can upgrade at any time. After purchasing Pro, install and activate it from the ZIP file in your welcome email. Activating Pro switches the free version off, and your rollback history and backups carry over. You can then delete the free version. See How do I install WP Rollback Pro from the ZIP file in my email? for the full steps.

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?

Yes, for premium plugins and themes. Before a premium (non-WordPress.org) plugin or theme updates, and before a rollback, WP Rollback saves a ZIP of the current version. Plugins and themes from WordPress.org aren't backed up, since you can roll them back from WordPress.org.

The free version keeps the 5 most recent backups for each plugin or theme. Pro keeps 25 by default, and you can change this in Settings → Archives (1 to 100). Backups appear as Local versions in Pro's rollback UI. Only Pro can restore them.

This does not include database backups. Only plugin and theme files are saved.

Where are local backups stored?

In a private folder inside wp-content/uploads/. The folder name is wp-rollback- followed by 32 random characters, which makes it hard to guess. Older versions stored backups in wp-content/uploads/wp-rollback/. From WP Rollback 3.2.0 and WP Rollback Pro 2.0.0, existing backups are moved to the new folder automatically when you update.

In Pro, the Archives screen lists every backup and lets you download it. Backups also appear in the rollback UI with a Local badge.

Can I roll back 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?

WP Rollback Pro can roll back premium plugins and themes from virtually any source via Plugin Vault and local backups. You must hold a valid license for any plugin or theme you roll back. This includes:

• Envato/ThemeForest
• Kadence Pro
• Astra Pro
• GeneratePress Pro
• Divi/Elegant Themes
• Gravity Forms
• WooCommerce
• Any other premium plugin or theme

Plugin Vault coverage grows as more Pro users contribute versions. If a specific version isn't in the Vault yet, it may appear after the community contributes it.

How do I set up premium plugin rollbacks?

1. Activate WP Rollback Pro and your license — No additional setup is required
2. Open the rollback UI — Navigate to the plugin or theme and click Rollback
3. Select a version — Choose from Vault versions or local backups, as available

Plugin Vault versions are available immediately after activation — you do not need to run any updates first. Remember: you must hold a valid license for the plugin or theme you are rolling back.

Why don't I see rollback options for my premium plugins/themes?

The most likely reasons:

1. Using free version — Plugin Vault and local backup UI are Pro-only features. Upgrade to Pro to access them.
2. Version not yet in the Vault — Vault coverage depends on community contributions. If a specific version isn't available, check back later or look for a local backup.
3. No local backup exists — Local backups are only created when an update runs with WP Rollback active. If WP Rollback wasn't installed when the last update occurred, no local backup will exist for that version.
4. Pro license not properly activated — Verify your license is active under Tools → WP Rollback Pro → Settings → Pro License.

Does WP Rollback Pro work with all premium plugins and themes?

Yes, as long as the version exists in Plugin Vault or was captured as a local backup. The Vault is community-contributed and grows over time. Local backups are created for any premium plugin or theme that updates while WP Rollback is active.

Security and Safety

Is it safe to roll back 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 roll back 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 doesn't add any scripts or styles to your site's front end, so visitors aren't affected. In wp-admin, it loads its scripts for administrators.

Does Plugin Vault make network calls on every page load?

No. Plugin Vault makes zero network calls during normal browsing — whether on the front end or in wp-admin. The Vault is only contacted in two specific situations:

1. When the rollback UI is opened for a premium plugin or theme — a single request fetches the available versions for that asset. The result is cached locally for 5 minutes, so re-opening the UI for the same asset does not generate another call.

2. During the daily background contribution task — WP Rollback uploads up to 3 new backup ZIPs per day via WordPress's built-in scheduler (WP-Cron). This runs in the background and is never triggered by a visitor or admin page load.

Authentication with the Vault works the same way: the token is cached locally for up to an hour and silently refreshed when it expires. If authentication fails (for example, due to an inactive license), WP Rollback waits 30 minutes before trying again — no looping.

Can I schedule rollbacks?

No. Rollbacks run when you start them, either in wp-admin or, with Pro, from WP-CLI.

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 roll back network-activated plugins?

Yes, Super Administrators can roll back 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. WP Rollback fires WordPress action hooks when a rollback succeeds or fails, and Pro adds WP-CLI commands. See the Developer Guide.

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:

1. WP Rollback Pro email: Contains your license key, download link, getting started guide, and subscription details
2. 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 support@wprollback.com

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?

1. Create a full site backup
2. Test on staging environment
3. Review version changelog
4. 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 the Rollback history on the Dashboard regularly (Pro)
• 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 rollbacks and restore points with timestamps, user information, and success/failure status. You'll find it under Rollback history on the Pro Dashboard.

Pro Dashboard

What does the Pro Dashboard show?

The Dashboard is the first screen at Tools → WP Rollback Pro. It shows a Restore a previous version search, Available updates, Recently rolled back, and a Rollback history table. See the Dashboard page for details.

Why doesn't the Rollback history show plugin installs or updates?

The history records rollbacks and restore points only. Routine installs, updates, and activations aren't logged.

How does the dashboard relate to the email status reports?

They share the same underlying data but serve different purposes. The Dashboard is for checking in when you log into wp-admin. The Status Report Emails are a periodic recap sent to your inbox (and other recipients you configure).

Who can see the dashboard?

Any user with the manage_options capability — i.e. the standard administrator role — can view the dashboard. The REST endpoint that powers it (/wp-rollback-pro/v1/dashboard/overview) enforces the same permission check.

Status Report Emails

How do I disable the status report emails or change the frequency?

Go to Tools → WP Rollback Pro → Settings → Email Reports. You can disable the feature with one toggle or pick a different cadence (Weekly, Monthly, or Quarterly). Changes take effect on the next save — the cron is rescheduled automatically.

Why are the status report emails landing in my spam folder?

WordPress's default mailer (PHP mail()) often has poor deliverability. We strongly recommend installing WP Mail SMTP or FluentSMTP and configuring an authenticated SMTP provider (Postmark, Mailgun, Amazon SES, SendGrid, etc.). Make sure your sending domain has SPF, DKIM, and DMARC records configured. Unless your SMTP plugin sets its own sender, reports are sent from your site's Administration Email Address (Settings → General), so that address's domain needs SPF and DKIM records. See the Status Report Emails deliverability guide for full details.

Can I send the status reports to people who don't have a WordPress admin account?

Yes. Add any email address to the External email addresses field on the Email Reports tab — they don't need a WordPress account. Each report includes a one-click unsubscribe link so external recipients can opt out themselves. WP Rollback Pro nudges you every 90 days to review the external list to make sure off-boarded contractors are removed.

Getting Help

How do I report bugs?

• Free: Report bugs on WordPress.org plugin page or GitHub
• Pro: Contact support through email support@wprollback.com

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
• Read the Plugin Vault documentation for coverage, verification, and license requirements
• Pro users: Access your Customer Dashboard
• Check the Troubleshooting Guide for specific issues