Restore Customizer Backup – Starter Templates

Overview

Every time you import a complete site using Starter Templates, the plugin automatically creates a backup of your existing Astra Customizer settings before overwriting them. No popup or manual action is needed, the backup happens silently in the background.

This guide explains where those backups are stored and how to restore them if you want to go back to your previous settings.

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Where Are Backups Stored?

Backup files are saved automatically on every import at:

/wp-content/uploads/st-importer/

Files are named with a timestamp so you can identify when each backup was created:

astra-sites-backup-22-Jun-2026-10-30-45.json

Multiple backups accumulate over time, one per import. The most recent import’s backup will have the latest date in the filename.

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How to Restore Your Customizer Backup

Step 1 – Download the Backup File

Connect to your website via FTP (e.g. FileZilla) and navigate to:

/wp-content/uploads/st-importer/

Download the .json file that matches the date before your last import. Do not download the .txt or .log files — only the .json file is the settings backup.

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Step 2 – Install the Import / Export Customizer Settings Plugin

1. Go to WordPress Admin → Plugins → Add New
2. Search for Import / Export Customizer Settings (by Brainstorm Force)
3. Install and activate the plugin

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Step 3 – Import the Backup File

1. Go to Appearance → Astra → Settings
2. Locate the Import Settings section
3. Click Choose File and select the .json backup file you downloaded in Step 1
4. Click Import

Your previous Astra Customizer settings will be restored immediately.

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Frequently Asked Questions