Backing up your WordPress site is essential for data security. Use plugins like UpdraftPlus, manual methods via cPanel, or managed hosting for automatic backups. Regularly verify backups and store copies in multiple locations to protect your data.

Wondering why you need backups?

Imagine you’ve stored all your life’s work on WordPress but never prepared backups.

Before you know it, you lose all your precious data, site, and an online presence you took years to build. This can be significantly avoided by making sure you’re aware of your backup plans and diligently backing up your site in case of server failures.

This blog will provide insights into how to back up your WordPress site. Keep reading!

How to Backup WordPress Site

Here’s a step-by-step to backup your WordPress site:

Step 1: Choose a Backup Method

There are many easy ways how to back up WordPress sites to keep your data safe. For example, you can opt for manual backup, use a plugin, or select a managed WordPress hosting service that provides you with automatic backup plans.

Pro Tip: If you’re a small business owner or a startup, using a reliable backup plugin is often an easy and budget way to ensure your online business remains uninterrupted. You can avail WordPress hosting services and automate everything from backups to website management.

Step 2: Backup Using a Plugin

There are various backup plugins, including a WordPress plugin, that help you automate your backup processes. However, you might need to pay a minimal amount to purchase the plugin. Some plugins also provide real-time backup, especially for e-commerce websites.

Popular plugins for maximum reliability are UpdraftPlus, BackWPup, and VaultPress. You can follow the following steps to use UpdraftPlus:

  • Install the Plugin first: Open your WordPress dashboard, select Plugins > Add New, and search for UpdraftPlus. Click ‘Install Now’ and ‘Activate’.
  • Configure Settings: Go to your Settings > UpdraftPlus Backups. Choose a backup time that you’re okay with (daily or weekly), and select the files and data that you wish to backup.
  • Choose a Storage Location: Select a remote storage location like Google Drive, Dropbox, or Amazon S3 to store your backups securely.
  • Initiate Backup: Click the ‘Backup Now’ button to initiate your first backup process.
Pro Tip: Always check your backups’ schedules to ensure they’re all being backed up timely and secure. Opting for backup automation can rid you of this extra responsibility.

Step 3: Manual Backup Using cPanel

In manual backups, you can backup your data regardless of your access to the WordPress dashboard. You can manually backup data with more control using cPanel. Usually, WordPress files and databases are backed up separately.

Backing Up Files:

  • Log into cPanel: Log into your cPanel account on your hosting provider’s interface.
  • File Manager: Navigate to File Manager and locate the root directory of your WordPress site ( usually ‘public_html).
  • Compress Files: Select all files and directories, right-click, and choose the option ‘Compress’. Download the compressed file to your preferred computer location.

Backing Up Database:

  • phpMyAdmin: In your cPanel, select phpMyAdmin and go ahead with selecting your WordPress database.
  • Export Data: Click the ‘Export’ option and select the ‘Quick’ export method. Click ‘Go’ to download the database files on your local computer.
Pro Tip: Choose multiple locations for storing your data, whether it’s hard drives or cloud storage, for maximum data security.
Also read – How to Set Up WordPress using cPanel?

Step 4: Backup Using Managed WordPress Hosting

Many managed WordPress hosting providers offer you built-in tools for automatically backing up your site, typically an everyday backup initiation. This option also gives you more features like one-click restores, staging environments, and reliable security.

  • Check your hosting plan: Make sure you verify if your hosting plan offers you automatic backups. Widely used managed WordPress hosts like WP Engine, SiteGround, and Kinsta offer excellent backup solutions.
  • Configure your backups: In order to set your backup schedules and retention periods, log in to your hosting dashboard and navigate to the backup section.
  • Restore backups: Get more familiar with the entire backup process, which includes selecting a backup and clicking a ‘Restore’ button.
Pro Tip: Is your host’s backup tool not storing the backups separately? In that case, always download a copy of your backups to your local computers for more security.

Testing and Maintaining Your Backups

Creating backups is an easy process, but there’s more to it. You need to make sure the backup you’re relying on is actually functional and secured. Furthermore, you can also encrypt your data and use password protection for stronger data safety.

Pro Tip: You must schedule regular tests of your backups, especially after any site changes or updates. This makes sure your backups work after a site failure.

Wrapping Up

Learning how to back up WordPress sites is important for your continued online presence. For startups or entrepreneurs, prioritise your backups for the site’s longevity and security. Regular backups ensure your data is never lost and your years of hard work remain intact.

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