How do I back up a WordPress site?

Backing Up a WordPress Site

To back up a WordPress site, follow these steps:

1. Backup the Database

The database contains all your site's content, including posts, pages, and settings. Use phpMyAdmin (available in most hosting control panels) to:

• Select the database
• Click Export
• Choose Quick export method
• Select SQL format
• Download the file

For detailed steps, see the WordPress Backup Guide.

2. Backup the Files

WordPress files include themes, plugins, and media. Access your site's files via:

• FTP (File Transfer Protocol)
• cPanel File Manager
• SSH (if available)

Once connected, select all files and folders (Ctrl+A), then download them to your local machine. Ensure you back up:

• wp-content/ directory
• .htaccess file
• wp-config.php file

3. Combine and Verify

Place the database export file in the same folder as your site files. Compress everything into a ZIP file. To verify:

• Extract the ZIP locally
• Import the SQL file into a local database (using XAMPP or MAMP)
• Test the backup by browsing the site

4. Automate with Plugins

Plugins like UpdraftPlus or Jetpack simplify backups:

• Schedule automatic backups
• Store backups in cloud services (Google Drive, Dropbox)
• Restore backups with one click

For plugin-specific instructions, see the UpdraftPlus documentation.

5. Store Backups Safely

• Keep at least three copies in different locations (local, cloud, offsite)
• Test backups regularly
• Use versioning for critical changes

For more on backup strategies, see the WordPress Backup Best Practices.