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To protect a typical self-hosted WordPress site, back up both its files and its database, keep them together as a dated set in more than one location, and make sure you know how to restore them. A copy of the WordPress directory alone usually misses the separately stored database, which contains posts and other site data.
What you need to back up
A WordPress backup has two parts: the site files and the database. The files include WordPress core, themes, plugins, uploads such as images, configuration, and any custom code. The database stores posts, comments, links, and other site information. Because the database generally sits outside the WordPress directory, downloading that directory alone is not a complete backup. See the WordPress Developer Resources backup handbook and Learn WordPress: Backing Up Your WordPress Site.
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Keep the two parts together as a matched set. Label both with the same date so you can identify which database export belongs with which files. WordPress’s typical backup process handles the database and then the files; its typical restore sequence is files first, then the database import.
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Set the schedule according to how often the site changes and how much recent work you could afford to lose. WordPress’s handbook suggests backing up smaller sites with fewer posts once a week and high-activity sites daily. These are operational recommendations, not measured guarantees; choose a more frequent schedule if you publish or update often.
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- Easily store and access 2TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
- Make an additional backup before upgrades. Learn WordPress also advises backing up before installing a plugin or theme, before migrating, and after significant content changes.
- Keep several recent versions rather than relying on one. WordPress recommends 3–5 recent backups stored in different places.
How to create and store a matched backup set
Manual backups
You can copy site files over SFTP and export the database using a database administration tool such as phpMyAdmin. Learn WordPress recommends SFTP rather than FTP because SFTP encrypts credentials during transfer. Name the file copy and database export with the same backup date, then confirm both are present before considering the backup complete.
Automated host or plugin backups
A hosting provider’s backup tools or a WordPress backup plugin may automate the work. Before relying on one, check whether it captures both files and database, how frequently it runs, how many versions it retains, where those copies are stored, and how you would restore them. Do not assume a host backup is instantly available: WordPress notes that obtaining a server backup from a host can take time.
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- Easily store and access 5TB of content on the go with the Seagate portable drive, a USB external hard Drive
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
Keep copies in separate locations
WordPress gives the hosting server, cloud storage, and a local downloaded copy as examples of different backup locations. A downloaded copy can also be kept on an external hard drive, but it should include both parts of the matched set. A backup stored only in the hosting account may be inaccessible during a hosting or account problem, so keep at least one copy somewhere you can access independently.
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- Choose a usable backup set. Find the latest dated set from before the data loss, and verify that it contains both the site files and database export.
- Check your host’s restore instructions. Hosting control panels and restore tools differ, so follow the provider’s procedure where applicable.
- Restore the files, then import the database. This is the typical order in the WordPress backup handbook.
- Check the database connection. If the database credentials have changed, update
wp-config.phpto match them. - Verify the site. Check that pages load and that expected content and functionality are present before treating recovery as complete.
The WordPress handbook establishes the usual restore order and the need for matching database credentials, but it does not give one universal click-by-click procedure for every host. If you cannot access a host backup immediately, use the independently stored copy you retained.
Rank #3
- Easily store and access 1TB to content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop. Reformatting may be required for Mac
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
When Recovery Mode helps—and when it does not
WordPress Recovery Mode can help regain access when WordPress detects certain fatal PHP errors, often caused by a plugin, theme, or custom code. It is a troubleshooting feature, not a way to recover missing or corrupted files or database records; those require a usable backup.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Choose a backup method you can actually restore
No single approach is established as best for every small site. Compare a host backup, a plugin, or a manual process using the practical checks below.
Rank #4
- Easily store and access 4TB of content on the go with the Seagate Portable Drive, a USB external hard drive.Specific uses: Personal
- Designed to work with Windows or Mac computers, this external hard drive makes backup a snap just drag and drop
- To get set up, connect the portable hard drive to a computer for automatic recognition no software required
- This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable
- The available storage capacity may vary.
- Does it include both files and the database?
- How often does it run, and how many recent copies are kept?
- Are copies stored outside the hosting account, and can you obtain one independently?
- Do you understand the restore steps and likely time to regain access?
- Have you confirmed that the backup can be restored successfully?
These steps apply to a typical self-hosted WordPress site. Static sites, website builders, and other content management systems may package or restore site data differently; follow the platform’s official backup instructions rather than applying WordPress-specific steps to them.
Quick Recap
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