How Do You Backup a WordPress Site (Easy & Secure!)

Ever had that sinking feeling when your website crashes out of nowhere? It’s like waking up to find your house keys missing—pure panic. That’s why knowing how do you backup a WordPress site is a lifesaver. I’ve been there, staring at a blank screen, wishing I had a backup ready. Whether you run a blog, an online store, or a business site, losing your data isn’t an option. In this guide, I’ll show you how to backup WordPress site and database easily—no tech skills needed. From cPanel backups to manual methods, we’ll cover it all. Stick with me, and by the end, you’ll have a foolproof backup system in place! 🚀 

1. What Does a WordPress Backup Include?

Think of your WordPress site like a puzzle—if a piece goes missing, the whole picture falls apart. A full backup isn’t just about saving your posts or images; it includes two essential parts:

1. Website Files – These are your themes, plugins, media uploads, and core WordPress files. They shape how your site looks and functions. Without them, your site is just an empty shell.
2. Database – This is where all the magic happens. Your posts, pages, user accounts, comments, and settings live here. If you lose it, your content disappears, even if your files are intact.

Backing up just one? That’s like saving only half your puzzle—you won’t be able to restore the full picture. That’s why, when learning how do you backup a WordPress site, you need both files and the database. Whether you’re using cPanel, a plugin, or a manual method, always make sure you’re backing up everything. That way, no matter what happens, you can restore your site like nothing ever went wrong.

2. How Often Should You Backup Your WordPress Site?

Imagine spending hours crafting the perfect blog post, setting up an online store, or tweaking your website’s design—only to lose it all in an instant. That’s why backups are non-negotiable. But how often should you back up your WordPress site? The answer depends on how frequently your content changes.

• Small blogs – If you publish new content once in a while, a weekly backup should be enough. It ensures you don’t lose your latest updates without overloading your storage.
• Business websites – Running a service-based or informational site? A daily backup is the sweet spot. It protects your customer interactions, form submissions, and updates.
• E-commerce stores – Every sale, review, and order counts. A single glitch can cost you money. That’s why hourly or real-time backups are essential for online stores.

Manually backing up your site this often? Sounds exhausting. That’s where automated backups come in. Whether you use a plugin, cPanel, or a manual method, automating backups keeps your site safe—without you having to think about it. Set it, forget it, and sleep easy knowing your data is secure. 🚀

3. How Do You Backup a WordPress Site? (The Easy Way!)

Ever lost an important file and wished you had saved a copy? Yeah, we’ve all been there. Now, imagine losing your entire website—years of work gone in seconds. Scary, right? That’s why learning how do you backup a WordPress site is crucial. But don’t worry, I’ve got your back. The easiest way? Use a backup plugin!

Using a Plugin (Recommended for Beginners)

If you’re thinking, “I’m not tech-savvy enough for this,” trust me, you don’t need to be. Backup plugins make the process a breeze—just install, set up, and let them do the heavy lifting.

Best WordPress Backup Plugins

Here are some of the best backup plugins to keep your WordPress site safe:

• UpdraftPlus (Most popular and beginner-friendly)
• BackupBuddy (Great for scheduled backups)
• Jetpack (Includes security features alongside backups)

Among these, UpdraftPlus is my go-to choice. It’s easy to use, reliable, and—best of all—free (with premium options if you want extra features). Let me show you exactly how to set it up.

Step-by-Step Guide to Setting Up UpdraftPlus

Step 1: Install & Activate the Plugin

1. Log into your WordPress dashboard.
2. Go to Plugins > Add New.
3. In the search bar, type UpdraftPlus and click Install Now.
4. Once installed, hit Activate.

Step 2: Configure Backup Settings

1. Navigate to Settings > UpdraftPlus Backups.
2. Click on the Settings tab.
3. Choose how often you want backups (daily, weekly, or real-time based on your site’s needs).

Step 3: Choose Storage Options

Backups are useless if they’re stored on the same server that crashes. Instead, save them in the cloud. UpdraftPlus lets you store backups on:

• Google Drive
• Dropbox
• Amazon S3
• OneDrive
• Email (not recommended for large sites)

Select your preferred option, follow the authentication steps, and save changes.

Step 4: Run Your First Backup

1. Go back to the Backup/Restore tab.
2. Click the Backup Now button.
3. Select Include database and files (both are essential!).
4. Click Backup Now and wait for the process to complete.
5. Once done, download the backup files to your computer for extra security.

And That’s It!

You’ve officially backed up your WordPress site—no stress, no coding, no headaches. Now, even if disaster strikes, you can restore everything in a few clicks. But don’t stop here! Set up automatic backups so you never have to worry about losing your site again.

Next up, I’ll show you how to backup WordPress site from cPanel for those who prefer a more hands-on approach. Stay tuned! 🚀

4. How to Backup a WordPress Site from cPanel

Ever felt that sudden jolt of panic when something goes wrong on your website? Maybe an update crashes everything, or worse—hackers mess things up. I’ve been there, and trust me, it’s not fun. That’s why knowing how to backup a WordPress site from cPanel is a must. It’s like having an emergency parachute—you hope you’ll never need it, but if you do, you’ll be glad it’s there.

Most web hosting providers offer built-in backup tools inside cPanel, making it easy to create a full copy of your site. You don’t need to be a tech guru—just follow these steps, and you’ll have your WordPress site backed up in no time.

Step 1: Log into cPanel

First things first, log into your hosting account and access cPanel. If you’re unsure how, your hosting provider should have sent you login details when you first signed up. Once you’re in, look for the Backup Wizard or a similar backup tool.

Step 2: Find the Backup Wizard

cPanel’s Backup Wizard makes the process super simple. Here’s how to find it:

• Scroll down to the Files section.
• Click on Backup Wizard (or just Backup if your cPanel version looks different).
• Select Backup to create a new backup.

Step 3: Choose What to Backup

Now, you’ll see two options:

1. Full Backup – This includes everything: website files, databases, email accounts, and settings. Perfect if you plan to migrate your site or need a complete snapshot.
2. Partial Backup – You can choose to back up only specific parts, like the Home Directory (website files) or MySQL Databases (your site’s content and settings).

For a full website backup, go with the Full Backup option.

Step 4: Download Database & Website Files

Once you’ve started the backup process, cPanel will generate a file. This may take a few minutes, depending on your site’s size. When it’s ready:

• Click Download to save the backup to your computer.
• Store it securely on an external hard drive or cloud storage like Google Drive or Dropbox.

If you ever need to restore your site, you can simply re-upload this backup via the Backup Wizard or manually using phpMyAdmin and File Manager.

Pro Tip: Automate Your Backups

Manually backing up your WordPress site is great, but let’s be real—you might forget. That’s why automating backups is a lifesaver. Many hosting providers let you schedule automatic backups from cPanel, or you can use a plugin like UpdraftPlus for extra peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

Backing up your WordPress site from cPanel isn’t complicated, and it’s one of the smartest things you can do to protect your hard work. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned website owner, knowing how do you backup a WordPress site properly can save you from a major headache down the road.

Now that you’ve got your site backed up, you’re one step closer to complete website security. Stay tuned for the next section, where I’ll show you how to restore your site if disaster strikes! 🚀

5. How to Backup a WordPress Site Manually

Sometimes, you just want full control. Maybe you’re the kind of person who likes to double-check everything, or maybe you just don’t trust plugins to do the job right. I get it. There’s something satisfying about knowing exactly where your files are stored and how to restore them if needed. If that sounds like you, learning how to backup a WordPress site manually is the way to go.

Now, don’t worry—this isn’t rocket science. It’s just a few simple steps. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Download Your Website Files via FTP

Think of your website like a house. Your theme, plugins, and media files are like the furniture, decorations, and everything inside. To back them up, you’ll need to download them using FTP (File Transfer Protocol).

Here’s how:

1. Install an FTP client like FileZilla (it’s free and easy to use).
2. Log into your website by entering your FTP credentials (your hosting provider should have given you these when you signed up).
3. Once connected, find the public_html folder (this is where all your WordPress files live).
4. Select everything inside the folder and download it to your computer.
5. Store these files securely—on an external hard drive or in cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.).

And just like that, you’ve saved all your website files! But we’re not done yet. There’s another crucial part of your site that needs backing up.

Step 2: Export Your WordPress Database Using phpMyAdmin

If your files are the furniture of your house, then your database is the foundation. It holds all your posts, pages, comments, and settings. Without it, your website wouldn’t function.

To back up your WordPress database manually, follow these steps:

1. Log into cPanel (or your hosting dashboard).
2. Find phpMyAdmin under the Database section and click on it.
3. Select your WordPress database from the left panel (if you’re unsure which one it is, check your wp-config.php file for the database name).
4. Click the Export tab at the top.
5. Choose Quick Export and SQL format, then hit Go.
6. A .sql file will be downloaded—this is your database backup. Store it safely!

And just like that, you have a full backup of your WordPress site. But where should you keep it?

Step 3: Store Your Backup Securely

A backup isn’t really a backup unless it’s stored safely. Imagine your house burns down, and your spare keys were inside—kind of defeats the purpose, right? Same goes for your website backups.

Here’s where you can store them:

• External hard drives – Good for local backups, but risky if lost or damaged.
• Cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, Amazon S3) – Accessible from anywhere, safer than local storage.
• USB flash drives – Portable but limited in space.
• A secondary web server – Some advanced users prefer this method.

💡 Pro Tip: Keep multiple copies in different locations. If one backup fails, you’ll have a backup for your backup!

Final Thoughts

Manually backing up your WordPress site takes a little more effort, but it gives you full control and peace of mind. If you ever need to restore your site, you’ll have everything saved and ready to go.

That being said, if this feels like too much work, consider automating your backups with a plugin like UpdraftPlus or using your hosting provider’s backup system. Either way, the most important thing is having a backup in the first place—because when disaster strikes, you’ll be glad you did! 🚀

6. Best Practices for WordPress Backups

Alright, so you’ve got your backup system in place—awesome! But let’s be real, a backup isn’t much use if it’s outdated, lost, or, worse, corrupted. I’ve learned this the hard way (yes, I once had a backup that refused to restore—pure nightmare fuel!). To make sure you never have to experience that horror, let’s go over some backup best practices.

1. Keep Multiple Backups (Local + Cloud Storage)

Imagine this: You store your only backup on your laptop, and then one fateful day, coffee meets keyboard. Boom—backup gone. 😱 That’s why you need multiple copies in different locations.

Here’s my personal rule of thumb: ✔ Local Backup – Keep a copy on your computer or an external hard drive. ✔ Cloud Backup – Store another copy on Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, or Amazon S3. ✔ Host Backup (if available) – Many hosting providers offer automatic backups. Use them as an extra safety net.

That way, if one backup fails, you have another to fall back on. Trust me, redundancy is your best friend here!

2. Automate Backups to Avoid Forgetting

Let’s be honest—manually backing up your site is a chore, and you will forget at some point. (I did, and of course, that’s when my site crashed. Lesson learned!)

Instead of relying on your memory, let automation do the heavy lifting. Plugins like UpdraftPlus, BackupBuddy, or Jetpack let you schedule backups daily, weekly, or even in real-time, depending on your site’s needs.

Set it up once, and let it run in the background. It’s like having an insurance policy for your website—except you don’t have to think about it until you actually need it.

3. Test Your Backups to Ensure They Work

This one’s a biggie. Imagine having a backup, thinking you’re safe, and then—BAM—it doesn’t work when you need it. 😭 Don’t let that happen!

Every now and then, do a test restore on a staging site or a local WordPress environment (you can use Local by Flywheel or XAMPP). Here’s a simple test plan: ✔ Restore a backup to a test site. ✔ Check if all files, images, and settings are intact. ✔ Make sure the database is working properly. ✔ Click around to see if everything functions as expected.

If anything breaks, fix it now rather than when you’re in full-on panic mode.

4. Secure Backups with Encryption or Strong Passwords

A backup is basically a copy of your entire website. If a hacker gets their hands on it, they can access all your data—including customer info, admin credentials, and more. Scary, right?

To keep your backups secure: ✔ Use strong passwords – If you’re storing backups in the cloud, make sure they’re password-protected. ✔ Enable encryption – Some backup plugins let you encrypt your files for extra security. ✔ Restrict access – Keep backups in a private folder, and don’t leave them sitting on your public server. ✔ Use two-factor authentication (2FA) – If you’re storing backups online, enable 2FA for an added layer of security.

Final Thoughts

Backing up your WordPress site is one of the smartest things you can do. But having a backup isn’t enough—you need to store it safely, automate the process, test it regularly, and keep it secure.

If you haven’t set up backups yet, don’t wait for disaster to strike. Take a few minutes now to get it done, and future-you will thank you. 🚀

7. How to Restore Your WordPress Site from a Backup

Website issues can arise unexpectedly—whether due to hacking, crashes, or accidental changes. In such cases, restoring your WordPress site from a backup ensures you get back online quickly. Here’s a quick guide on how to do it:

1. Restoring Using a Plugin (UpdraftPlus or Jetpack)

• Navigate to your WordPress dashboard and open the backup plugin (UpdraftPlus, Jetpack, or your preferred tool).
• Locate the most recent backup and select the restore option.
• Choose the components to restore (files, database, themes, plugins) and confirm the process.
• Once completed, clear your cache and verify the site’s functionality.

2. Restoring Manually via cPanel & phpMyAdmin

• Log into your web hosting cPanel and access File Manager.
• Upload and extract your backup files in the correct directory (usually public_html).
• Open phpMyAdmin, select your WordPress database, and import the backup .sql file.
• Update wp-config.php if database credentials have changed.

3. Restoring via FTP (For Advanced Users)

• Connect to your server using an FTP client (FileZilla, Cyberduck).
• Upload your backup files to overwrite the existing site.
• Access phpMyAdmin to restore your database if needed.
• Test your website to ensure everything is functioning properly.

No matter which method you use, always verify that your website is restored correctly and working as expected.

Related Article you may like: 

1. Drupal to WordPress Migration: An Exhaustive Manual
2. how to find out wordpress version Instantly (4 Easy Steps)
3. Who Owns WordPress: The Facts You Need to Know
4. How to Change WordPress Featured Image Size

8. Conclusion

Backups are your safety net! When you ask yourself, how do you backup a WordPress site, remember that a good backup plan keeps your work safe, even if things go wrong. I’ve seen sites crash and lost work vanish in seconds, so I always set up automated backups to keep my peace of mind. Whether you’re wondering how do I backup my WordPress website or need to know how to backup WordPress site and database, a little preparation goes a long way.

Take that first step today. Set up your backup—whether using a plugin like UpdraftPlus, backing up through cPanel, or even learning how to backup a WordPress site manually. It’s like having a spare key to your home when the door locks unexpectedly. Automated backups are a game changer; they work in the background so you never have to worry about forgetting.

I’d love to hear your backup stories or answer any questions you might have about how do you backup WordPress. Feel free to drop a comment or reach out if you need a hand. Your website deserves the best care, and a solid backup plan is a great place to start.

Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ 1: How do you backup a WordPress site?

To back up a WordPress site, you can use plugins like UpdraftPlus, cPanel, or manually back up files and the database. Each method ensures you save both your website files and database for full restoration.

FAQ 2: What does a WordPress backup include?

A WordPress backup includes two main parts: your website files (themes, plugins, media) and your database (posts, pages, comments). Both are necessary for a complete site recovery.

FAQ 3: How often should I back up my WordPress site?

How often you back up your WordPress site depends on how frequently you update it. Blogs can back up weekly, business sites daily, and e-commerce stores should consider hourly or real-time backups.

FAQ 4: What is the easiest way to back up a WordPress site?

The easiest way to back up a WordPress site is by using a plugin like UpdraftPlus. It automates the backup process and stores backups in the cloud, providing a hassle-free solution for beginners.

FAQ 5: How do I back up my WordPress site using cPanel?

To back up a WordPress site using cPanel, log into cPanel, use the Backup Wizard, and choose whether to back up a full or partial version of your site. Download and store the backup securely.

FAQ 6: Can I manually back up my WordPress site?

Yes, you can manually back up your WordPress site by downloading website files via FTP and exporting your database through phpMyAdmin. Store the backup files securely for later use.

FAQ 7: How do I restore a WordPress site from a backup?

To restore a WordPress site, use your backup plugin to restore the backup, or manually upload your files via cPanel or FTP. Make sure your database is also restored properly for full recovery.

FAQ 8: What are the best WordPress backup plugins?

Some of the best WordPress backup plugins include UpdraftPlus, BackupBuddy, and Jetpack. These plugins offer simple setups, automatic scheduling, and cloud storage options.

FAQ 9: Why should I store my backups in multiple locations?

Storing backups in multiple locations (cloud and local storage) ensures extra safety. If one copy is lost or corrupted, you have another backup ready to restore your WordPress site.

FAQ 10: How can I secure my WordPress backups?

To secure your WordPress backups, use strong passwords, enable encryption, and store backups in private locations. Consider using two-factor authentication for additional protection.