Regular backups protect your site from data loss due to hacks, failed updates, or accidental deletion. This guide covers backup options for WordPress.
Backup with UpdraftPlus Plugin
UpdraftPlus is the most popular WordPress backup plugin. Install it, go to Settings > UpdraftPlus Backups, and click Backup Now. Configure remote storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, S3) for off-server backups. Schedule daily or weekly automatic backups.
Backup with Softaculous
In cPanel, open Softaculous > Installations, find your WordPress site, and click the Backup icon. Softaculous creates a complete backup of files and database. Download the backup file for off-server storage.
Restoring a Backup
With UpdraftPlus: go to Settings > UpdraftPlus > Existing Backups, find the backup you want, and click Restore. Select what to restore (database, plugins, themes, uploads). With Softaculous: go to Installations, find the site, and click Restore.
Backup Schedule Recommendations
- E-commerce sites: daily database backup, weekly full backup
- Blogs/informational sites: weekly full backup
- Before any major update: always backup immediately beforehand