How to Downgrade WordPress

Sometimes you need to go back to an older version of WordPress. This might happen when a new update causes problems with your website.

Why You Might Need to Downgrade

There are a few good reasons why you might want to use an older version of WordPress:

• Plugin or Theme Problems: Your plugins or themes might not work with the newest WordPress version
• Website Not Working Right: Updates can sometimes bring bugs that make your site behave strangely
• PHP Version Issues: If your website uses an older PHP version, you might need an older WordPress version too

Important: Make a Backup First!

Before you change anything, make a complete backup of your website[3]. This is very important! If something goes wrong, you can use your backup to fix it.

You can use backup plugins like UpdraftPlus or Duplicator, or ask your hosting company for help with backups.

Ways to Downgrade WordPress

1. Using a Plugin (Easiest Way)

This is the simplest method if you can still access your WordPress dashboard:

1. Install and activate the WP Downgrade plugin
2. Go to Settings → WP Downgrade
3. Type the version number you want to use
4. Click Save Changes
5. Go to Dashboard → Updates
6. Click the button to reinstall the older version

2. Manual Downgrade Using FTP

If you can’t access your dashboard, you can use FTP:

1. Download the WordPress version you want from the WordPress Release Archive
2. Extract the files on your computer
3. Connect to your website using an FTP program like FileZilla
4. Go to your website’s main folder (often called “public_html”)
5. Important: Delete only the wp-admin and wp-includes folders. DO NOT delete the wp-content folder or wp-config.php file
6. Upload the new files from the WordPress version you downloaded

3. Using WP-CLI (For Advanced Users)

If you’re comfortable using command lines:

1. Connect to your site using SSH[1]
2. Check your current WordPress version with: wp core version
3. Downgrade with this command: wp core update --version=5.6 --force (Replace “5.6” with the version you want)

Risks of Downgrading

Be aware that using an older WordPress version can cause problems:

• Security Risks: Older versions might not have important security updates[3][7]
• Data Loss: If not done correctly, you might lose information[7]
• Missing Features: You won’t have access to newer WordPress features[7]

After Downgrading

After you’ve changed to an older version:

1. Check that your website works properly
2. Turn your plugins back on one at a time
3. Remember this is usually a temporary fix until your plugins or themes are updated

When to Consider Other Options

Sometimes it’s better not to downgrade:

• Try fixing the specific plugin or theme causing problems
• Contact the developers of your theme or plugins for help
• Use a test site to try updates before putting them on your main site

Remember: Downgrading should be a short-term solution while you wait for your plugins and themes to be updated