WordPress backups protect your website from data loss, hacking, server failures, and human errors. A solid backup strategy ensures you can restore your site quickly in any disaster scenario. Here’s your complete guide to backing up WordPress in 2026.
Why Backups Are Essential
Understanding backup importance helps you prioritize protection:
- Hacking Recovery: Restore from clean backup after attacks
- Update Failures: Roll back failed WordPress or plugin updates
- Human Error: Recover accidentally deleted content
- Server Issues: Restore after hosting problems
- Migration: Move site to new host or domain
- Testing: Create copies for staging environments
- Peace of Mind: Know your work is protected
- Legal Compliance: Meet data retention requirements
What to Backup
Complete WordPress Backup Components
Database: All content and settings | Files: Themes, plugins, uploads
Database Contains:
- Posts and pages content
- Comments and users
- Site settings and options
- Plugin configurations
- Theme customizer settings
Files to Backup:
- /wp-content/uploads/ (media files)
- /wp-content/themes/ (theme files)
- /wp-content/plugins/ (plugin files)
- wp-config.php (configuration)
- .htaccess (server rules)
Best WordPress Backup Plugins 2026
1. Developer Backup Pro
Best For: Complete Solution | Price: $99/year | Users: 500K+
Key Features:
- Automatic scheduled backups
- Cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, S3)
- Incremental backups
- One-click restore
- Site migration
- Staging sites
- Multisite support
- Real-time backup
- Encryption
- Priority support
2. Developer Backup Starter
Best For: Beginners | Price: Free | Users: 3M+
Key Features:
- Manual and scheduled backups
- Cloud storage options
- Database and files
- Email notifications
- Basic restore
- Cloning feature
- Migration assistant
- Retention settings
- Exclude files
- Compression
3. Developer Backup Cloud
Best For: Cloud Storage | Price: $79/year | Users: 200K+
Key Features:
- Offsite cloud backups
- 90-day archive
- Activity log
- Downtime monitoring
- One-click restore
- Malware scanning
- Security audit
- Site activity
- Spam protection
- Mobile app
4. Developer Backup Manual
Best For: Control | Price: Free | Users: 100K+
Key Features:
- Export to XML
- Content selection
- No plugin needed
- Posts and pages
- Categories and tags
- Comments export
- Media references
- Author data
- Custom fields
- Import tool
Comparison Table
| Plugin |
Price |
Automated |
Best For |
| Developer Backup Pro |
$99/year |
Yes |
Complete Solution |
| Developer Backup Starter |
Free |
Yes |
Beginners |
| Developer Backup Cloud |
$79/year |
Yes |
Cloud Storage |
| Manual Export |
Free |
No |
Simple Needs |
Backup Schedule Recommendations
Based on Site Activity
- Daily Updates: Daily backups with 7-day retention
- Weekly Updates: Weekly backups with 4-week retention
- E-commerce: Real-time or hourly backups
- Static Sites: Weekly or after changes
3-2-1 Backup Rule
- 3 Copies: Keep three copies of your data
- 2 Different Media: Store on two different storage types
- 1 Offsite: Keep one copy in a different location
Manual Backup Methods
Via cPanel/Hosting
Method: Hosting Control Panel
- Log into cPanel or hosting panel
- Go to Backup or Backup Wizard
- Select Full Backup or partial
- Choose destination (email/download)
- Wait for backup to complete
- Download and store safely
Via phpMyAdmin (Database Only)
- Access phpMyAdmin
- Select your WordPress database
- Click Export
- Choose Quick or Custom export
- Select SQL format
- Download the .sql file
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I backup my WordPress site?
Depends on update frequency. Daily for active sites, weekly for static sites, and real-time for e-commerce. Always backup before major changes.
Where should I store backups?
Never only on your web server. Use cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, S3), local storage, or dedicated backup services. Follow the 3-2-1 rule.
Do managed hosting providers backup my site?
Most managed hosts include automatic backups, but you should still maintain your own backups. Host backups may have limited retention or restore options.
How do I restore from backup?
Most backup plugins include one-click restore. For manual restore, upload files via FTP and import database via phpMyAdmin. Always backup current state before restoring.
Best Practices
- Test Restores: Periodically test that backups actually work
- Multiple Locations: Store backups in different places
- Encrypt Sensitive Data: Use encryption for backup files
- Document Process: Keep restore instructions accessible
- Automate: Don’t rely on manual backups
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Erik Keller
