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How to Backup WordPress - Wordpress
$ cat /var/www/Wordpress/how-to-backup-wordpress.conf
Wordpress Guide

How to Backup WordPress

Step-by-step guide to Backup Wordpress. Learn best practices, tips, and techniques for web hosting success with our comprehensive tutorial.

12 min read Beginner Level

In This Article

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Step-by-Step Guide

1 Understand What to Backup

A complete WordPress backup includes your database (posts, settings, users) and your files (themes, plugins, uploads). Both are essential for full recovery.

Pro Tips:

  • Database backups are smaller but critical
  • Media uploads are often largest

2 Choose a Backup Solution

Use plugins like UpdraftPlus, BlogVault, or BackupBuddy for automated backups. Many managed hosts also provide daily backups.

Pro Tips:

  • UpdraftPlus has a great free version
  • Store backups on cloud storage like Google Drive or S3

3 Set Up Automated Backups

Configure your backup plugin to run automatically daily or weekly depending on how often you update your site. Always keep multiple backup copies.

Pro Tips:

  • Daily backups for active sites
  • Keep at least 30 days of backups
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Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I backup WordPress?
Daily for active sites with regular updates, weekly for static sites. Always backup before major changes.
Where should I store backups?
Store backups off-site on cloud storage, not just on your hosting server. This protects against server failures.
How long does it take to complete this guide?
This guide is designed to take approximately 12 to read through. Actual implementation time varies based on your experience level and the complexity of your specific situation. First-time practitioners should expect to spend additional time on hands-on steps.
Independently Tested Expert Reviewed Performance Verified
Last updated: January 18, 2026
Reviewed by HostScout Team, Web Hosting Experts
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