Media Library Recovery restores images that disappeared after a database reset or failure – it scans your wp-content/uploads folder for files still sitting on the server and reinserts them into the WordPress media library, without re-uploading anything.
Key Features
- Restore images after database failures – scans your uploads folder and reintegrates files a reset or corruption removed from the database
- Media Explorer – a dedicated interface for browsing your uploads folder and managing recovery
- Hide existing files – filter out files already in your media library so you can focus on what’s missing
- Visual status icons – see at a glance which files are existing, recoverable, selected, or unavailable
How It Works
- Install and activate the plugin
- Go to Media > Media Recovery in your WordPress admin menu
- Use the Media Explorer to locate recoverable files and select the ones you want to restore
- Click “Media Recovery…” and wait for the images to rebuild
- Return to the Media Library to confirm the images were recovered
Who It’s For
- Bloggers and small business owners recovering from a database reset or migration mishap
- Developers troubleshooting a site with missing media after a restore
- Sites with small to medium-sized media libraries needing a straightforward recovery tool
Free vs. Pro
The free version recovers images from the default uploads folder, up to 10 at a time. Media Library Recovery Pro adds:
- Recovery for all media types – videos, audio, and documents, not just images
- Unlimited file recovery, removing the free version’s 10-file limit
- Customizable uploads path for non-default folder locations
- WordPress Multisite compatibility
- Uploads backup folder and advanced Media Explorer search, filtering, and sorting
- Priority support and regular updates
Installation
- Go to Plugins > Add New, search “Media Library Recovery,” and click Install Now, then Activate
- Go to Media > Media Recovery to start scanning your uploads folder
Frequently Asked Questions
How many files can I recover at once?
The free version recovers up to 10 images per session. Media Library Recovery Pro removes this limit entirely.
Is there a file size limit?
Images larger than 2MB may fail to recover in the free version due to server time limits during processing.
Can I recover videos or documents?
The free version recovers images only. Video, audio, and document recovery is available in Media Library Recovery Pro.
Ready to rebuild your media library? Download Media Library Recovery free, or see everything Media Library Recovery Pro adds.

