How to Rollback Elementor to a Previous Version?

Elementor is among the most popular WordPress page builders, loved by millions of users for its intuitive drag-and-drop interface and versatile design features. However, sometimes after updating Elementor, unexpected issues can arise, such as broken layouts, plugin conflicts, or even site crashes. For beginners and seasoned users alike, knowing how to rollback Elementor to a previous version is a crucial skill to maintain site stability and performance.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the entire process with detailed explanations, so you can confidently restore an earlier Elementor version when needed.

Why You Might Need to Rollback Elementor

When Elementor releases updates, they usually include exciting new features, bug fixes, and security improvements. Despite this, updates can occasionally cause problems for your website. It’s important to understand why rolling back might become necessary.

Sometimes, an update introduces a compatibility conflict with your current WordPress theme or other plugins. Themes or plugins that haven’t been updated yet may not function well with the newest Elementor version, leading to broken page layouts or errors. For example, you might notice that widgets or sections that worked perfectly before no longer display correctly, or that your site’s appearance drastically changes.

Another common issue is bugs in the new release itself. Even well-tested updates can introduce unforeseen problems affecting site functionality or the Elementor editor’s usability.

Because Elementor plays a core role in building your pages, such issues can significantly impact your website’s usability and visitor experience. Rolling back to a stable previous version is often the fastest way to resolve these issues and buy time until a newer fix or update is released.

Step 1: Backup Your Website

Backing up your website before performing any plugin rollback or updates is an absolute must. This step protects your data and design, ensuring that you can restore your site to its current condition if anything goes wrong.

Backing up means saving copies of all your WordPress files, including your themes, plugins, uploads, and, importantly, your WordPress database, which contains all your posts, pages, and Elementor design data.

There are many ways to backup your site. One beginner-friendly option is using the free UpdraftPlus plugin, which lets you schedule automatic backups and store them on remote locations like Google Drive or Dropbox. Alternatively, many web hosts provide built-in backup tools in their control panels.

By taking a backup, you safeguard your site against unexpected data loss, corruption, or errors during the rollback process.

Step 2: Deactivate and Delete the Current Elementor Plugin

The next step is to deactivate and delete the current Elementor plugin version installed on your site. This is necessary because WordPress doesn’t allow you to install an older version over the existing plugin without first removing it.

To do this:

  1. Log into your WordPress dashboard.

  2. Navigate to Plugins > Installed Plugins to see a list of all active and inactive plugins.

  3. Find Elementor Page Builder in the list.

  4. Click Deactivate. This temporarily disables the plugin, so it no longer affects your site.

  5. Once deactivated, the option to Delete will appear below the plugin. Click Delete to remove the plugin files from your server.

It’s important to note that deleting the plugin does not erase your Elementor pages or content because all design data is saved in your WordPress database separately. So, your work remains safe.

By removing the current plugin, you clear the way for installing the previous stable version you want to rollback to.

Step 3: Download the Previous Version of Elementor

After deleting the latest version, you need to download the specific earlier version of Elementor to install it manually. Fortunately, WordPress.org stores all previous plugin versions.

Here’s how you can download it:

  • Visit the Elementor plugin page on WordPress.org.

  • Scroll down the page until you find the Advanced View link in the right sidebar; click it.

  • On the Advanced View page, scroll to the Previous Versions section near the bottom.

  • You’ll see a dropdown menu with all the available previous Elementor versions.

  • Select the version number you want to rollback to. It’s best to choose a version you know was stable for your site or recommended by Elementor support.

  • Click Download to save the plugin zip file to your computer.

Downloading the zip file lets you manually install that version on your WordPress site in the next step.

Step 4: Install the Previous Version of Elementor

Now that you have the older Elementor version downloaded, you can install it manually:

  1. In your WordPress dashboard, go to Plugins > Add New.

  2. Click the Upload Plugin button at the top.

  3. Select the Elementor zip file you downloaded.

  4. Click Install Now.

  5. Once installation completes, click Activate to enable the plugin.

Your Elementor plugin is now reverted to the previous version you selected. It’s a good idea to visit your site and verify that everything looks and works as expected.

This manual method requires deleting the current version first, so it’s slightly longer but fully controlled.

Step 5: Using Elementor’s Built-in Rollback Feature (Recommended)

For beginners and users looking for a safer and faster way, Elementor provides an official rollback tool inside the plugin’s dashboard interface. This tool allows you to switch between versions without manually deleting or uploading files.

To use this tool:

  • Go to your WordPress admin dashboard.

  • Navigate to Elementor > Tools.

  • Click on the Version Control tab.

  • You’ll see a dropdown list of Elementor versions available for rollback.

  • Select the version you want to switch to.

  • Click the Rollback button.

Elementor will automatically download and install the chosen version for you. This method is faster, less error-prone, and recommended if you prefer a hassle-free rollback.

Important Considerations When Rolling Back Elementor

While rolling back Elementor can quickly fix issues, there are some important things to keep in mind:

  • Compatibility Risks: Older versions may not fully support the latest WordPress version, themes, or plugins you use. This can cause new conflicts.

  • Security: Previous versions might lack critical security patches that protect your site from vulnerabilities.

  • Missing Features: You will lose any new features or performance improvements introduced in later versions.

  • Limited Support: Elementor’s official support and community may be less helpful if you use outdated plugin versions.

Therefore, a rollback should be a temporary measure to keep your site functional until the next stable release is available. After the problems are fixed, plan to update Elementor again to stay secure and benefit from new features.

How to Prevent Issues When Updating Elementor

To reduce the need for rollbacks, you can take steps to prevent problems before they happen:

  • Test updates on a staging site: Use a clone of your live website (called a staging site) to install Elementor updates first. This helps catch issues without risking your live site.

  • Keep all software updated: Regularly update WordPress core, themes, and other plugins to maximize compatibility with Elementor updates.

  • Choose reliable themes and plugins: Popular, well-maintained themes and plugins tend to work better with the latest Elementor versions.

  • Backup regularly: Keep automated backups so you can recover quickly from any update mishaps.

By following these best practices, you can enjoy Elementor’s latest improvements with fewer headaches.

Why Use Elementor?

Elementor remains one of the top WordPress page builders because it combines ease of use with powerful design flexibility. Whether you are a beginner or a professional, Elementor’s drag-and-drop editor allows you to create beautiful, responsive websites without any coding.

Some key reasons to use Elementor include:

  • Hundreds of pre-designed templates and blocks to jumpstart your design.

  • Responsive controls for mobile, tablet, and desktop views.

  • A large library of widgets like forms, sliders, galleries, and more.

  • Integration with popular marketing tools and WooCommerce.

  • Fast and continuous plugin improvements with a strong user community.

If you want to get started with Elementor or upgrade your website design, check out the official site here: Get Elementor Now.

Conclusion

Knowing how to rollback Elementor to a previous version is essential for WordPress users who want to maintain their website’s stability amid updates. Whether you face compatibility issues or bugs after updating, rolling back lets you restore a stable version quickly.

Always remember to backup your website before any changes, and whenever possible, use Elementor’s built-in rollback tool for a safer experience. After rolling back, monitor your site carefully and plan to update Elementor again when a fixed version is released.

Following these detailed steps will help you manage Elementor versions confidently and keep your WordPress site running smoothly.

FAQs

Q1: Is it safe to rollback Elementor to an older version?
A: Yes, rolling back Elementor is generally safe if you backup your website before starting and follow the official rollback procedures.

Q2: Will rolling back Elementor delete my page designs?
A: No, Elementor stores page designs in the WordPress database, so your content remains intact even if you change plugin versions.

Q3: Can I rollback Elementor without deleting the plugin first?
A: Yes, Elementor’s built-in rollback tool lets you switch versions without manually deleting or reinstalling the plugin.

Q4: Where can I find previous versions of Elementor?
A: You can download earlier versions from the Elementor plugin page on WordPress.org under the “Advanced View” section.

Q5: What should I do if issues persist after rolling back?
A: Restore your website backup and consider contacting Elementor support or seek help in WordPress support forums.

Q6: Will rolling back affect Elementor Pro?
A: The rollback affects only the core Elementor plugin. However, make sure your Elementor Pro version is compatible with the rolled-back version.

Q7: How often should I backup before updating Elementor?
A: It’s best to backup your site before every major plugin update or at least once a week.

Q8: Does Elementor notify me about plugin updates?
A: Yes, WordPress notifies you about plugin updates including Elementor through the dashboard.

Q9: Can I test Elementor updates before applying them on my live site?
A: Yes, it’s recommended to test updates on a staging site or local development environment first.

Q10: Where can I learn more about Elementor features and tutorials?
A: Visit the official Elementor website here: Elementor Official Site.

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