Nayan Dhumal
A WordPress backup is a copy of your site’s database and files that you can restore if something goes wrong. This guide explains what to back up, how often, the three main ways to do it and how to test that your backup actually works.
Most bloggers think about backups only after something breaks: a plugin update goes wrong, a theme change leaves a blank screen or the site gets hacked. By then it is too late to make one.
Setting up backups takes less than an hour, and then it runs in the background.
Key takeaways
- A full backup has two parts: the database and the files.
- WordPress recommends weekly backups for smaller sites and daily for very active ones.
- Always back up before updates and big changes.
- Keep several recent backups, stored in different places.
- Use your host’s backup tool, a backup plugin, or both.
- Test a restore occasionally so you know the backup works.
What a WordPress backup includes
WordPress’s own documentation explains that there are “two parts to backing up your WordPress site: Database and Files.” You need both.
| Part | What it contains |
|---|---|
| Database | Posts, pages, comments, settings, users and most plugin data |
| Files | WordPress core, themes, plugins and the uploads folder with your images |
A database backup alone is not enough, because your images and theme live in the files. A files backup alone misses your posts.
How often to back up
The WordPress documentation suggests:
- “For smaller websites with fewer posts, backups should be made once a week.”
- “For high-activity websites with a lot of posts, backups should be made daily.”
It also advises you to back up “always before an upgrade.” Add theme changes, plugin installs and big edits to that list.
Where to store backups
WordPress recommends keeping at least three to five recent backups, with copies stored in different locations. In practice:
- Your hosting account: convenient for quick restores.
- Cloud storage: such as Google Drive or Dropbox, so a copy survives if your hosting account has a problem.
- Your own computer: an occasional extra copy.
A backup stored only on the same server as your site can be lost along with the site.
Method 1: Your host’s backup tool
Most hosts include backups. WordPress notes that “most website hosts provide software to back up your site.”
- Log in to your hosting control panel.
- Find the backups section. It may be called Backups, Backup Wizard or similar.
- Check how often backups run and how long they are kept.
- Create a manual backup before any big change.
- Download a copy occasionally and store it elsewhere.
Host backups are a good first layer, but check the details. Some plans keep backups for a short time only, and some charge for restores.
Method 2: A backup plugin
WordPress also notes that “various plugins exist to take automatic scheduled backups.” A typical setup:
- Install a reputable backup plugin from the WordPress plugin directory.
- Choose what to back up: database and files.
- Set a schedule, such as weekly for files and more often for the database if you post a lot.
- Connect cloud storage so copies are kept away from your server.
- Run your first backup manually and check it finishes.
Pro tip
Use both: your host’s backups for quick restores, and a plugin that sends copies to cloud storage. If one fails, you still have the other.
Method 3: Manual backup
You can also back up by hand: export the database with phpMyAdmin from your hosting panel and download the files over FTP or the host’s file manager. This works, but it is easy to forget. It is best used as an occasional extra check, which WordPress also suggests, to confirm that your automatic backups are working.
How to test a backup
A backup you have never restored is a guess. Every few months:
- Check that the latest backup file exists and is a sensible size.
- If your host offers staging, restore the backup to a staging site.
- Open a few pages to confirm posts, images and settings are there.
When a backup saves you
- A plugin update causes an error and you cannot reach the dashboard.
- A theme change breaks your layout. My guide on changing your WordPress theme safely starts with a backup for this reason.
- You delete content by mistake.
- Your site is hacked and needs a clean restore.
For other emergencies, my guide to common WordPress errors explains what the usual error messages mean.
Backup checklist
- Database and files are both included.
- Backups run automatically on a schedule.
- At least three recent backups are kept.
- At least one copy is stored away from your hosting server.
- You take a manual backup before updates and big changes.
- You have tested a restore at least once.
Frequently asked questions
How often should I back up my WordPress site?
WordPress suggests weekly for smaller sites and daily for very active sites, plus a backup before every update.
Is my host’s backup enough?
It is a good start, but keep at least one copy elsewhere, such as cloud storage, in case of a problem with your hosting account.
What is the difference between a database and a files backup?
The database holds posts, pages and settings. The files hold WordPress, themes, plugins and images. You need both for a full restore.
Do backup plugins slow down my site?
Backups use server resources while they run. Scheduling them at quiet times, such as at night, reduces the effect.
How do I restore a WordPress backup?
Use the restore option in your host’s backup tool or your backup plugin. If you are unsure, ask your host’s support to help.