How to Backup WordPress Site (Complete Step-by-Step Guide)

Saving a copy of your WordPress site is definitely among the top security measures required of any website owner. In fact, if you are running a blog, a business website, or even an eCommerce store, a dependable backup plan will keep you safe from losing your data, attacks, mistakes in the software, or problems with your ​server.

 In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to back up your WordPress site, the tools you need, and how to automate the process.

Why Is Backing Up Your WordPress Website Essential?

Before diving into step-by-step methods, here’s why backups are mandatory:

1. Protection Against Hacking & Malware

Since WordPress is the platform of millions of websites, it becomes a favorite target for brute-force attacks, malware infections, and security breaches.

2. Hosting Failure or Server Crash

There are still times when the top hosting providers have to suffer from unexpected outages, hardware failures, or data corruptions.

3. Accidental File or Database Deletion

People make mistakes, for example, in some cases, deleting a plugin or file that can cause your site to be ​‍​‌‍​‍‌non-functional.

4. Update-Related Issues

Conflicts ‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌or crashes of the site can sometimes be caused by updates to a theme, plugin, or WordPress core.

5. Peace of Mind

If you have a full backup, you are able to make your site the way it was right away, and thus your business remains ​‍​‌‍​‍‌uninterrupted.

What Should a Full WordPress Backup Include?

A proper WordPress backup should contain:

1. WordPress Files

These include:

• wp-content folder (themes, plugins, uploads)
  
• WordPress core files
  
• Configuration file (wp-config.php)
  
• .htaccess file
  

2. WordPress Database

The database contains:

• Posts & pages
  
• User accounts
  
• Comments
  
• Site settings
  
• WooCommerce orders (for online stores)
  
• SEO metadata
  

A Complete Backup = Files + Database

How to Back Up Your WordPress Site (3 Proven Methods)

By far, this is the easiest method and a perfect fit for those who have just started working with WordPress. There is an option to make your backups completely ​automatic.

Best WordPress Backup Plugins

• UpdraftPlus​‍​‌‍​‍‌: the best free backup plugin in the WordPress repository
• Jetpack Backup: a premium, real-time, and secure backup
• BlogVault: perfect for big sites and WooCommerce
• Duplicator: awesome for backups & site migrations

Below is a step-by-step guide using UpdraftPlus, the most widely used plugin.

How to Back Up WordPress with UpdraftPlus

Step 1: Install and Activate UpdraftPlus

Go to WordPress Dashboard → Plugins → Add New → Search “UpdraftPlus” → Install → Activate

Step 2: Open UpdraftPlus Backup Settings

Navigate to:
Settings → UpdraftPlus Backups

Step 3: Create a Manual Backup

Click “Backup Now”
Select:
✔ Include your database
✔ Include your filesClick Start Backup.

Step 4: Choose a Remote Storage Location (Important)

Store backups externally to keep them safe.

Options include:

• Google Drive
  
• Dropbox
  
• Amazon S3
  
• OneDrive
  
• Updraft Vault
  
• Remote FTP/SFTP
  

Step 5: Set Automatic Backup Schedules

Recommended settings:

• Files Backup: Weekly
  
• Database Backup: Daily
  
• Retention: 5 copies
  

Click Save Changes.

Your WordPress site is now safely automated!

Method 2: Back Up WordPress Through Your Hosting Provider

Many modern web hosts offer 1-click automatic backups, making this process extremely easy.

Hosting Companies That Provide Auto-Backups

• SiteGround
  
• Bluehost
  
• Hostinger
  
• WP Engine
  
• Kinsta
  
• A2 Hosting
  

How to Back Up Using Hosting (cPanel Example)

1. Log in to cPanel
   
2. Open Backup Wizard
   
3. Select Full Backup
   
4. Download backup to your local computer
   
5. Optionally, store it in cloud storage
   

Managed WordPress Hosting

Services like WP Engine and Kinsta include daily automatic backups with one-click restore features.

Method 3: Manually Back Up WordPress (Advanced Users)

If you prefer full control, you can manually back up files and databases.

Step 1: Back Up WordPress Files via FTP

You’ll need an FTP client such as FileZilla.

1. Connect to your site with FTP credentials
   
2. Download the entire public_html or www folder
   
3. Store the files in a safe location
   

Step 2: Back Up WordPress Database via phpMyAdmin

1. Log in to your hosting cPanel
   
2. Open phpMyAdmin
   
3. Select your WordPress database
   
4. Click Export
   
5. Choose Quick + SQL
   
6. Download the file
   

This manually gives you a complete WordPress backup.

How to Restore a WordPress Backup

Knowing how to restore your backup is just as important.

1. Restore with UpdraftPlus

• Go to Settings → UpdraftPlus Backups
  
• Choose a backup
  
• Click Restore
  

Select what you want to restore: database, files, themes, plugins

2. Restore via Hosting

Hosts like SiteGround, Bluehost, and WP Engine allow single-click restore.

3. Manual Restore

• Upload files using FTP
  
• Import the database via phpMyAdmin
  
• Update your wp-config.php if needed
  

Best Practices for WordPress Backup Strategy

Follow these guidelines for maximum safety.

1. Store Backups in Multiple Locations

Use the 3-2-1 backup rule:

• 3 copies
  
• 2 different storage types
  
• 1 off-site location
  

2. Automate Everything

You can use daily or weekly schedules so that it is impossible for you to forget.

3. Test Your Backups Regularly

Backing up ineffectively is almost as bad as not backing up at all.

4. Keep Only Necessary Backup Copies

Try to stay away from clutter and lower your storage ​costs.

5. Backup Before Big Changes

Always back up before:

• Major updates
  
• Installing plugins
  
• Changing themes
  
• Migrating hosting providers