A WordPress backup is a copy of your website’s files and database, which is essential for safeguarding your content. Knowing how to back up a WordPress site is crucial to prevent data loss while ensuring a quick recovery from unforeseen issues.
In this guide, we’ll cover the different ways to back up a WordPress site, the steps to restore a backup, and best practices for maintaining reliable copies of your website.
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4 Main Ways To Back Up a WordPress Site
There are different ways to back up a WordPress site, including cloud enablement methods, that can help protect data effectively. Knowing about these techniques is essential for choosing the right backup strategy for your needs.
The following are the four main ways to back up a WordPress website today:
1. Manual Backups
Manual backups involve downloading your WordPress files and database directly from your hosting provider. This method gives you complete control over your backup process.
However, it can be time-consuming and requires a basic understanding of file transfer protocol (FTP) and database management. This method is a reliable option for users who prefer hands-on management of their data.
Here’s how to back up a WordPress site manually:
- Log in to your hosting control panel.
- Access the file manager and download all WordPress files.
- Export the WordPress database using phpMyAdmin.
- Store the downloaded files and database securely.
2. Plugin-Based Backups
Using plugins for backups is a convenient and popular method. Plugins like UpdraftPlus, BackWPup, and VaultPress automate the backup process, allowing you to schedule regular backups with ease.
These tools often include options for both local and cloud storage. They also simplify the WordPress backup and restore process, making it accessible even for beginners.
These are the steps to back up a WordPress website using a plugin:
- Install and activate a backup plugin like UpdraftPlus.
- Configure the plugin settings to your preference.
- Schedule regular backups and choose your storage location (local or cloud).
- Run an initial backup to ensure everything is working correctly.
3. Hosting Provider Backups
Many WordPress web hosting providers offer built-in backup services as part of their plans. These backups are typically automated and can be managed directly from your hosting control panel.
This method reduces the workload on your end, but it’s crucial to ensure your host provides reliable and frequent backups. It’s an excellent option for those looking for a set-and-forget solution.
Here are the steps to use hosting provider backups:
- Log in to your hosting control panel.
- Navigate to the backup section.
- Set up the automatic backup schedule.
- Verify that backups are being created and stored properly.
4. Cloud Service Backups
You can use cloud services like Dropbox and Google Drive to store your WordPress backups. This approach provides an additional layer of security by keeping your backups offsite, which is crucial for Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliance.
Many backup plugins support direct integration with these cloud solutions. Using cloud storage ensures your data is safe from local hardware failures and breaches.
Steps to perform a cloud service backup:
- Choose a cloud storage service like Dropbox.
- Install a compatible backup plugin on your WordPress site.
- Configure the plugin to connect with your chosen cloud service.
- Schedule regular backups to have them stored in the cloud.
Why Is a WordPress Site Backup Essential?
A WordPress site backup is essential because it protects your website from data loss due to unforeseen events. Whether it’s a hacking attempt or an update gone wrong, having a recent backup ensures quick restoration to its previous state. This minimizes downtime and prevents the loss of valuable content.
Regular backups also safeguard against human error. Accidental deletions or changes can happen, and without a backup, recovering your data can be challenging.
Besides that, backups give peace of mind. Knowing that your site’s data is stored securely allows you to focus on other aspects of managing and growing your online presence.
How Often Should You Backup Your WordPress Website?
How often you should back up your WordPress website depends on how frequently your site is updated. Regular backups are crucial for ensuring that the most recent changes and additions to your site are preserved. If your site updates daily, such as with blogs or eCommerce websites, consider backing up daily or even multiple times a day.
For sites that are updated less frequently, a weekly or bi-weekly backup might be sufficient. The key is to make sure your backup frequency aligns with your update schedule to minimize data loss.
Here are some general guidelines to follow:
- Low-traffic sites: Bi-weekly or monthly backups
- Moderate-traffic sites: Weekly backups
- High-traffic sites: Daily backups
Apart from regular backups, it’s wise to do an overall backup before making any significant changes to your site, such as updates to WordPress themes and core files. Having a fresh backup before implementing changes guarantees a quick restoration in case anything goes wrong.
How To Restore a WordPress Backup
Restoring a WordPress backup involves several key steps to ensure your website returns to its previous state. Here’s a concise guide:
- Choose a backup method
- Open your hosting control panel
- Restore files via file manager or FTP
- Restore the database
- Update config file
- Verify site functionality
1. Choose a Backup Method
Identify your backup type (full, database-only, or files-only) and the tool or plugin used (e.g., UpdraftPlus, BackupBuddy). This will determine the specific restoration process.
2. Open Your Hosting Control Panel
Log in to your hosting account’s control panel (such as cPanel or Plesk). This is where you will manage file uploads and database restoration.
3. Restore Files via File Manager or FTP
Use the File Manager or an FTP client to upload your backup files to the WordPress root directory (public_html or www). Ensure all files are correctly placed to match the original structure.
4. Restore the Database
Open phpMyAdmin from your control panel, select the relevant database, and import its backup file (.sql). This step restores your site’s content and settings.
5. Update Config File
Ensure the wp-config.php file contains the correct database name, username, password, and host details. This file connects your WordPress installation to the restored database.
6. Verify Site Functionality
Log in to the admin dashboard of WordPress and click Settings > Permalinks, then click Save Changes to refresh permalinks. Thoroughly test your website to confirm all content and functionalities are working correctly.
3 WordPress Backup Best Practices
Performing WordPress backups the right way is crucial to ensure your data is secure and can be restored without issues. Doing it the right way can minimize mistakes that can end up costly for your organization.
Here are the top three best practices to follow when backing up your WordPress site.
Automate Your Backups
Automating your backups ensures that they are performed regularly without manual intervention. Use a reliable backup plugin to schedule automatic backups to reduce the risk of forgetting to perform it. Automation guarantees consistency and keeps your data up to date.
Store Backups in Multiple Locations
Storing backups in multiple locations, such as local and cloud storage services, adds an extra layer of security. This redundancy protects your data from local hardware failures, server issues, or other events. Ensure that at least one backup copy is kept offsite to maximize safety.
Test Your Backups Regularly
Regularly testing your backups is essential to confirm that they are complete and can be restored without problems. Conduct periodic test restorations to verify the integrity and functionality of your backups. This practice helps you identify and resolve potential issues before they become critical.
How To Backup WordPress Site: Key Takeaways
Backing up your WordPress site is a necessity. Whether you opt for a manual backup, an automated solution, a built-in WordPress backup tool, a cloud-based solution, or a reliable backup plugin, the most critical aspect is the efficiency of the system you choose and how it addresses your business’s needs.
Remember to update and check your backup solutions regularly to guarantee optimal functionality. With your data secure, you’re free to focus on what matters: creating an engaging and user-friendly website.
How To Backup WordPress Site FAQs
1. Where can I find my WordPress backup?
WordPress backups are typically stored in the backup plugin’s designated directory or an external storage service, such as a cloud storage provider like Dropbox, Google Drive, or an FTP server. Check your backup plugin settings to identify the storage location or consult your hosting provider if they handle backups.
2. Does WordPress have automatic backups?
Yes, various plugins can automate the backup process.
3. What is the best free backup for WordPress?
UpdraftPlus is widely considered one of the best free backup plugins for WordPress. It offers reliable backup and restore functionalities, along with the option to store backups in various cloud services.
