How to Test Your Backups with ShieldBACKUPS (Without Breaking Your Site)

Backups are only helpful if they work when you need them. With ShieldBACKUPS, you can safely confirm that your backups contain everything required—without risking your live WordPress site.

Why Should You Test Backups?

Most backup tools assume everything is fine once the backup is created. But unless you've tested it, you can't be sure.

Restoring a backup to a live site can feel risky. What if it breaks something?

ShieldBACKUPS offers safer ways to verify your backup data without impacting your production site.

Step 1: Check the Contents of Your Backup

Each ShieldBACKUPS archive includes:

  • Your WordPress database
  • Your site files (themes, plugins, uploads, etc.)
  • Metadata like plugin versions and the active theme

Important: Please also check what's excluded and why.

To inspect your backup contents:

  1. Activate ShieldBACKUPS by following steps in Backup Activation guide here.
  2. Manually download your most recent backup archive.
  3. Unzip the file and browse its contents.

This lets you confirm that your site data is being backed up as expected.

Step 2: (Optional) Test a Restore on a Staging Site

For a full backup test:

  1. Use a staging site or a local development environment.
  2. Restore your backup files and database there.

This lets you:

  • Simulate a real restore
  • Confirm plugin/theme functionality
  • Ensure everything works before disaster strikes
  • Especially helpful if you’re running WooCommerce or other complex setups.

To practice restoration without risk, see our guide on How To Restore Your WordPress Site With ShieldBACKUPS. If you have questions, our FAQs for ShieldBACKUPS may also help.

Need Help Downloading or Testing a Backup?

If you’re unsure how to access your ShieldBACKUPS files or need any help, contact us any time. We are always here to guide you.