introduction
WordPress site backup stands as one of the fundamental necessities although it fails to support excitement during execution. Everything you create in your WordPress site can vanish in seconds due to single mistakes combined with server issues and bad plugin updates. The process of backing up WordPress functions smoothly with appropriate tools and established habits.
This guide provides step-by-step information about WordPress backups that you need to understand.
Why backups are essential
Your decision about backing up your site should determine the frequency of these operations
You need to determine which elements of your site should be backed up
Where to store backups
The best backup plugins for WordPress
Free backup plugins allow users to establish automatic backups so this guide demonstrates their setup process.
Let’s dive in.
Every WordPress site demands backup solutions because of these essential reasons.
Under ideal conditions backups would be obsolete. Websites function in the actual world and certain unfavorable events occur including:
Docking into an Elementor layout or any website design through mistake counts as one of the common issues
Malware infections or hacking
Hosting server failures
Plugin or theme conflicts
Errors from updates
When you lack a recent backup any possible site problem can result in substantial site damage or complete destruction. The backup system allows site owners to quickly restore their site after a failure event to protect from total destruction.
Host your site exclusively on hosting services without implementing backup procedures.
Don’t Rely Only on Your Hosting Provider
Many hosts claim to offer backups, but those backups may not be frequent, complete, or easily accessible. Unless you’re using a premium managed WordPress host (like Kinsta, WP Engine, or Flywheel), assume you need to manage your own backups to be safe.
How Often Should You Back Up WordPress?
It depends on how often your site changes. Ask yourself: If I lost everything from the last X days (or hours), would it matter?
Here are some general guidelines:
- Static sites (e.g., a portfolio or brochure site): Weekly or monthly backups are usually fine.
- Blogs with regular posts or comments: Daily backups are safer.
- WooCommerce stores or community sites: Use real-time or incremental backups to avoid losing orders or user data.
Always consider both your own content and user-generated content (like comments or form submissions) when setting a backup schedule.
What to Back Up: Files vs. Database
There are two main parts of a WordPress site you need to back up:
- Files
- Theme and plugin files
- Media uploads (images, videos, documents)
- Database
- Blog posts and pages
- Elementor or other page builder designs
- Comments
- Form entries (if saved)
- Site settings and configurations
Some backup tools let you choose to back up only the database or just files. Depending on your site activity, you might choose to back up one more frequently than the other.
Where to Store Your Backups
Don’t store backups only on your server—if the server goes down, you’ll lose both your site and the backup.
Instead, store backups in multiple locations:
- Cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, Amazon S3)
- External hard drives
- Email (some plugins can send backups via email)
Ideally, use a plugin that allows automated off-site backups for the best protection.
Best WordPress Backup Plugins
Here are a few reliable backup plugins you can use:
- UpdraftPlus – Free, beginner-friendly, supports cloud storage.
- BackupBuddy – Premium, feature-rich, with scheduled backups.
- BlogVault – Real-time backups and easy site restores.
- Jetpack Backup – Great for WooCommerce, automatic backups included in plans.
- Duplicator – Handy for both backups and site migrations.
How to Back Up WordPress with a Free Plugin (Example: UpdraftPlus)
- Install and Activate UpdraftPlus
Go to Plugins > Add New, search for “UpdraftPlus,” then install and activate. - Go to Settings > UpdraftPlus Backups
Configure the plugin settings. - Choose Your Storage Location
Select where to store backups (e.g., Google Drive). - Set a Backup Schedule
- Database: Daily or weekly
- Files: Weekly or monthly
- Click “Backup Now”
That’s it! You can also schedule automatic backups from this dashboard.
Final Thoughts
Backing up your WordPress site is like having insurance. You hope you never need it—but if something goes wrong, you’ll be glad you have it.
By setting up regular backups and using a trusted plugin, you can protect your site, your content, and your peace of mind.