How to Back Up Your WordPress Site

Regular backups are one of the most important parts of maintaining a WordPress website. A recent backup allows you to quickly recover your site after accidental changes, software failures, malware infections, or server issues.

This guide explains what should be included in a WordPress backup, the available backup methods, and best practices for protecting your website data.

Before You Begin

Before creating a backup, ensure you have:

• Administrator access to WordPress
• Access to your hosting control panel or file manager
• Sufficient storage space for backup files
• A secure location to store backups

If your hosting provider offers automatic backups, verify that the feature is enabled before making significant changes to your website.

What Should a WordPress Backup Include?

A complete backup should contain both your website files and database.

Website Files

Your backup should include:

• WordPress core files
• Themes
• Plugins
• Media uploads
• Configuration files
• Custom scripts

Database

The database stores:

• Posts and pages
• Comments
• User accounts
• Website settings
• Menus
• Plugin configuration
• WooCommerce orders and customer data (if applicable)

A backup is only complete when both the files and database are included.

Backup Methods

Method 1: Use Your Hosting Provider’s Backup System

Many hosting providers include automatic backups as part of their hosting plans.

Typical features include:

• Daily backups
• One-click restore
• Off-site storage
• Scheduled backup retention

If available, this is usually the simplest and most reliable backup method.

Method 2: Use a WordPress Backup Plugin

Backup plugins allow you to automate backups directly from the WordPress dashboard.

Common features include:

• Scheduled backups
• Database backups
• File backups
• Cloud storage integration
• One-click restoration

After configuring your backup schedule, periodically verify that backups are being created successfully.

Method 3: Create a Manual Backup

Manual backups provide full control over the backup process.

Step 1: Back Up Website Files

Download your website files using one of the following methods:

• File Manager
• FTP
• SFTP
• SSH

Be sure to include all files in your website’s root directory.

Step 2: Export the Database

Use your hosting control panel or database management tool to export the WordPress database.

Save the exported database file in a secure location along with your website files.

Step 3: Verify the Backup

After downloading the files:

• Confirm that the archive is complete.
• Verify the database export was successful.
• Ensure the backup file is not corrupted.
• Store a copy in a secure location.

Store Backups Securely

Never keep your only backup on the same server as your website.

Recommended storage locations include:

• Cloud storage
• External hard drives
• Remote backup servers
• Secure offline storage

Maintaining multiple backup copies reduces the risk of permanent data loss.

Create a Backup Schedule

Backup frequency depends on how often your website changes.

More frequent changes require more frequent backups.

Test Your Backups

Creating backups is only part of the process.

Regularly verify that backups can be restored successfully by:

• Checking archive integrity
• Confirming database files are complete
• Testing restoration in a staging environment

An untested backup may not be usable during an emergency.

Protect Backup Files

Backup files often contain sensitive information.

To improve security:

• Encrypt backups when possible.
• Restrict access to backup locations.
• Use strong account passwords.
• Remove outdated backups that are no longer needed.

Verify Backup Success

After creating a backup, confirm that:

• Website files were downloaded successfully.
• Database export completed without errors.
• Backup size appears reasonable.
• Backup files open correctly.
• Backup copies exist in multiple secure locations.

Common Backup Issues

Incomplete Backup

An incomplete backup may be missing:

• Media files
• Plugins
• Themes
• Database tables

Always verify that both files and the database are included.

Backup Stored on the Same Server

If the hosting server fails, locally stored backups may also be lost.

Store backups on a separate system whenever possible.

Corrupted Backup Files

Interrupted downloads or storage failures can damage backup archives.

Verify backup integrity after each backup.

Outdated Backups

Old backups may not contain recent website content.

Follow a regular backup schedule based on how frequently your website changes.

Best Practices

• Create backups before updating WordPress.
• Back up both files and the database.
• Store backups in multiple secure locations.
• Automate backups whenever possible.
• Test backup restoration regularly.
• Keep backup software updated.
• Remove outdated backup files securely.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I back up my WordPress website?

The ideal frequency depends on how often your content changes. Business websites should typically be backed up daily, while eCommerce websites may require multiple backups per day.

Does updating WordPress require a backup?

Yes. Always create a backup before updating WordPress core, plugins, or themes.

Can I back up only the database?

A database backup protects your content and settings, but it does not include themes, plugins, uploads, or configuration files. A complete backup should include both the database and website files.

Where should I store backups?

Store backups in secure, off-site locations such as cloud storage, remote servers, or external storage devices.