How to backup a WordPress website

Method 1: Using a WordPress Backup Plugin #

Backup plugins like UpdraftPlus, All-in-One WP Migration, or BackupBuddy offer an easy way to create a complete backup of your WordPress site.

Step 1: Install a Backup Plugin #

1. Log in to your WordPress dashboard.
2. Go to Plugins > Add New.
3. Search for UpdraftPlus (or your preferred backup plugin).
4. Click Install Now, then Activate.

Step 2: Configure the Backup Settings #

1. Go to Settings > UpdraftPlus Backups.
2. Click on “Settings” and choose a backup schedule (e.g., daily, weekly).
3. Select the components to include in the backup (e.g., database, plugins, themes, uploads).

Step 3: Create a Backup #

1. Click “Backup Now”.
2. Choose the options to include both files and database.
3. Click “Backup Now” again to start the process.

Step 4: Download the Backup #

1. Go to the Existing Backups tab.
2. Click “Download” for the database and website files.

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Method 2: Manual Backup via cPanel #

If you have access to cPanel, you can manually back up your WordPress files and database.

Step 1: Backup Website Files #

1. Log in to cPanel.
2. Go to File Manager and navigate to the public_html directory.
3. Select all files and click “Compress”.
4. Choose ZIP Archive and click “Compress Files”.
5. Download the .zip file to your computer.

Step 2: Backup the Database #

1. In cPanel, go to phpMyAdmin.
2. Select your WordPress database.
3. Click on the “Export” tab.
4. Choose Quick Export and select SQL format.
5. Click “Go” to download the .sql file.

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Method 3: Using FTP for Backup #

FTP clients like FileZilla allow you to download your entire WordPress site manually.

Step 1: Connect via FTP #

1. Open FileZilla and enter your FTP credentials (host, username, password, port).
2. Click Quickconnect.

Step 2: Download Website Files #

1. Navigate to the public_html directory.
2. Select all WordPress files and drag them to a folder on your local computer.

Step 3: Backup the Database via phpMyAdmin #

1. Log in to cPanel and open phpMyAdmin.
2. Select the database, click “Export”, and download the .sql file.

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Method 4: Using Hosting Provider’s Backup Tool #

Many hosting providers (e.g., Bluehost, GoDaddy, SiteGround) offer integrated backup tools.

Step 1: Log In to Your Hosting Account #

1. Access your hosting dashboard (e.g., cPanel, hPanel).
2. Look for the Backup or Backup Wizard option.

Step 2: Create a Full Backup #

1. Click on “Full Backup”.
2. Choose the Home Directory as the destination.
3. Click “Generate Backup” and download the file once it’s ready.

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Additional Tips: #

• Schedule Regular Backups: Automate backups to ensure you always have an up-to-date copy.
• Store Backups Safely: Save backups in multiple locations (local computer, cloud storage).
• Verify Backups: Check the backup files to ensure they are complete and not corrupted.