How to Backup WordPress Website [Prevent Data Loss]

Updated on February 12, 2025 by Editorial Team

Backing up your WordPress website becomes important to safeguard your valuable content.

Doing regular backups helps protect against data loss due to crashes, hacks, or accidental deletions.

Knowing how to effectively backup your WordPress site ensures that you can restore it quickly if something goes wrong.

There are several methods to backup your WordPress site, whether you prefer using a plugin, your web hosting service, or manual techniques like FTP.

Each approach has its own benefits, making it easier to choose a method that fits your needs and comfort level.

This article will take you through the methods to securely back up your WordPress website and will also provide tips for maintaining backup health.

Let’s dive in!

Why Should You Backup Your WordPress Website?

Backing up your WordPress website helps maintain its security and functionality. Here are some reasons to consider for why you should backup your site:

Wordpress how to backup wordpress website [prevent data loss] from the plus addons for elementor

Data Loss Prevention: Websites can crash or face technical issues. A backup allows you to restore your site to a functional state quickly.
Protection from Hacks: Cyberattacks can compromise website data. If your site is hacked, you can restore it using a backup.
Accidental Changes: Mistakes happen. You might delete important files or change settings that affect the site. A backup helps you revert to a previous version.
Updates Gone Wrong: When you update plugins or themes, things may break. Having a backup lets you undo these updates if necessary.

Creating a backup routine will save time and stress, keeping your WordPress site secure.

How Can You Prepare for a Successful Backup?

Before you start backing up your WordPress website, make sure you’re ready.

Here are some key preparations:

Choose a Backup Method: Decide if you want to use a plugin or do it manually. For manual methods, you can use FTP or your hosting control panel.
Check Hosting Options: Review your web hosting platform. Many provide built-in backup options. This can save you time and effort.
Gather Your Files: Make sure you know where your important files are. This includes your WordPress files, themes, and plugins.
Backup Your Database: Always back up your database. This contains all your posts, comments, and settings. You can use tools like phpMyAdmin for this.
Create a Schedule: Decide how often you will back up your site. Frequent updates may require daily backups, while less frequent changes could be weekly.
Verify Backup Storage: Choose a safe storage location. You can use cloud storage, external drives, or your hosting service. Ensure the storage option is reliable.
Testing Your Backup Plan: After setting everything up, run a test backup. Confirm that you can restore from your backup if needed. This ensures your plan works when necessary.

How to Backup WordPress Website (Working Methods)

There are several effective methods to do this, each with its own advantages. Here are three key methods you can use to back up your site.

Method 1: Manual Backups via FTP

To manually backup your WordPress site, you can use FTP (File Transfer Protocol).

FTP is a standard method used to transfer files between your computer and a server over the internet. It’s commonly used to manage website files stored on a hosting server.

Using an FTP client like FileZilla, you can access, download, upload, and modify files on your website without needing to log in to your hosting control panel.

This makes it a handy tool for tasks like backups, troubleshooting, or updating your site files.

First, download an FTP client like FileZilla. Then, connect to your server using the FTP credentials.

Once connected, navigate to the root directory of your WordPress site.

Here, you’ll see core and configuration files like wp-admin, wp-content, .htaccess, and wp-config.php.

Select the files and folders and then click on the Download option.

Backup wordpress how to backup wordpress website [prevent data loss] from the plus addons for elementor

You can save the files in a local folder on your computer.

FTP only backs up the files of your WordPress site. To create a full backup, you must also back up the database, which stores your content (posts, pages, and settings).

To do so, log in to your hosting control panel, find phpMyAdmin, and select your WordPress database.

Wordpress database how to backup wordpress website [prevent data loss] from the plus addons for elementor

Next, click on “Export” to download a copy.

How to backup wordpress website [prevent data loss] from the plus addons for elementor

The export format is usually SQL. Make sure it’s selected, then click “Go.”

Usually sql how to backup wordpress website [prevent data loss] from the plus addons for elementor

Your database file will download to your computer, ensuring your posts, comments, and settings are saved securely.

This combination of files and database represents your complete site backup.

Struggling with the database connection issue? Here’s how to fix error establishing database connection issues on your site.

Method 2: Using Hosting Panel Backup Features

Most hosting providers offer built-in backup features. Sign into your hosting control panel, often called cPanel or a custom dashboard.

Look for the backup option, which may be labeled “Backup” or “Backup Wizard.”

You can usually choose to create a full backup or back up specific components, like files or the database. Follow the prompts to download the backup file to your computer.

Check with your host about the frequency of automatic backups.

Some hosts might provide daily backups, but others may focus on weekly options. Knowing this can help you understand your site’s data resilience.

Method 3: Using Backup Plugins

Using a backup plugin is one of the easiest ways to manage backups. Several plugins are available, such as

Using backup plugins how to backup wordpress website [prevent data loss] from the plus addons for elementor

Once you decide on the backup plugin, you then need to install and activate the plugin.

To do so, go to your WordPress dashboard and click on Plugins > Add New Plugin.

Add new plugin how to backup wordpress website [prevent data loss] from the plus addons for elementor

Then, search for the chosen plugin, install it, and finally activate it.

After activating the plugin, configure your backup settings. You can choose automatic scheduling, file locations, and what to back up: your files, database, or both.

Most plugins also allow you to send backups directly to cloud storage services like Google Drive or Dropbox.

Plugins simplify backing up your site regularly without manual intervention.

Make sure to test your backups periodically to ensure they work when needed.

Here’s a detailed video on how you can automate WordPress backups using a plugin:

Verifying Your Website After Restoration

Once the restoration is complete, check your site for errors.

Clear Your Cache: Use your caching plugin to clear any cached data to ensure you see the latest changes.
Test Your Pages: Navigate through your website and check key pages to confirm they load correctly. Pay special attention to images and links.
Check for Plugins and Themes: Ensure that all your plugins and themes are functioning as expected. Update or reactivate any that might have been disabled during the restore process.
Monitor for Issues: Keep an eye on your site for any unexpected behavior. Address any errors that might appear promptly to avoid bigger issues.

Must-read guide on how to remove malware from your WordPress site to protect your site from malware attacks in the future.

Tips for Maintaining Backup Health

To keep your WordPress backups effective, you need to regularly test them and update your backup strategy.

You should restore backups to a test environment to verify they work.

This ensures that your files and database are intact and that no issues arise during the restoration process.

Choose a Test Environment: Use a staging site or local server to run your tests.
Restore Process: Follow your regular backup restoration process. This can include importing your database and uploading files.
Verify Functionality: Check that your site runs smoothly after the restore. Look for missing content or broken links.

By consistently testing your backups, you can confidently rely on their effectiveness when needed.

Regular updates to your backup strategy will help maintain your site’s integrity and security over time.

Recommended Read: Check the complete checklist of WordPress website maintenance for the additional security of your website.

Do you Manage WordPress Websites? Download Our FREE E-Book of 20+ Checklist for WordPress Site Maintenance.

Wrapping Up

Backing up your WordPress website is essential for maintaining its security, functionality, and long-term success.

However, a backup is only effective if it’s easily accessible and fully functional when you need it.

To ensure this, test your backups regularly, store them in multiple secure locations, and automate the process whenever possible to save time and minimize errors.

With the different methods on how to backup your WordPress website and best practices shared in this blog, you can have peace of mind knowing your hard work is always protected.

We have something for Elementor users who want to make their website stand out while adding a unique touch – The Plus Addons for Elementor.

With powerful widgets, it improves both the design and functionality of your site, while also helping protect your content through widgets like Elementor Protected Content.

And that is just one of the 120+ widgets and 1000+ templates available in The Plus Addons for Elementor.

Check out the Complete List of 120+ Widgets and Extensions here. Start building your dream website without coding!

FAQs on How to Backup WordPress Website

Can I Backup My Website Without a Plugin?

Yes, you can manually back up your site using an FTP client and phpMyAdmin. This method requires more effort but gives you full control over the process.

How Often Should I Back Up My Site?

The frequency depends on your site’s activity level. For dynamic sites with frequent updates, daily backups are recommended. For less active sites, weekly or monthly backups may be enough.

Where Should I Store My Backups?

Store backups in secure locations like cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox), external drives, or your hosting account. Using multiple storage options increases reliability.

How to Backup WordPress Website [Prevent Data Loss]

Why Should You Backup Your WordPress Website?

How Can You Prepare for a Successful Backup?