October DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsSlow PC?RecommendedPC slow today? Run a repair scan before it gets worseResolve common Windows issues and optimize system performance.Scan NowOctober DealsAmazon USDeal season is back - check today's better picksAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
World desk4 min

How to Back Up a WordPress Site: 5 Methods to Protect Your Site

A complete WordPress backup needs both site files and its database. Compare five ways to create and store a backup, and understand what a restore may overwrite.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

A complete WordPress backup includes both your site’s files and its database. Use a host’s backup tools, a WordPress backup plugin, or a manual export to create that set; then keep an additional copy somewhere you can access independently. Before restoring, check what the process will replace—some restores overwrite newer database content.

What a complete WordPress backup includes

WordPress Developer Resources divides a site backup into two parts: “Database and Files.” The files include WordPress core, plugins, themes, uploads, configuration, and other site files. The database stores content such as posts, pages, comments, and settings. A files-only copy usually misses the separate database; a database-only export misses themes, plugins, media, and configuration. WordPress’s backup guide explains the distinction.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Keep the two parts together as a matched backup set, preferably created close together in time. That way, your database and files represent the same general point in the site’s history.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Five ways to back up a WordPress site

1. Use your hosting provider’s backup tools

Many hosting providers offer backup software. Check the provider’s documentation or control panel to find out whether its backups include both files and database, how often they run, how long copies are retained, whether they are stored separately from your hosting account, and how restoration works. These details vary by host, so do not assume a backup exists—or that it covers the whole site—until you verify it. WordPress’s backup guide notes that hosts commonly provide backup tools.

#1 Best Overall
Seagate Portable 1TB External Hard Drive HDD – USB 3.0 for PC, Mac, PlayStation, & Xbox, 1-Year Rescue Service (STGX1000400) , Black
  • 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.

2. Use a WordPress backup plugin

A plugin can automate backups and may provide a way to restore them. UpdraftPlus is one example documented for backup, restoration, and migration; its WordPress.org listing describes remote-storage integrations for the paid version. Confirm which features and storage destinations are available for the version you use. UpdraftPlus on WordPress.org lists the plugin, and UpdraftPlus’s restore guide describes its restoration process.

Jetpack VaultPress Backup is another service option. Its documentation describes daily backups and certain event-triggered backups, but requirements and available features depend on the applicable plan, plugin, and a working service connection. Check the current Jetpack backup documentation for the conditions that apply to your setup.

Rank #2
Seagate Portable 4TB External Hard Drive HDD – USB 3.0, 1-Year Rescue | Everyday HDD storage. Plug-and-play backup. Windows & macOS. Adobe CC trial included. 1-Year Warranty
  • 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.

3. Make a manual files-and-database backup

A manual backup means exporting the database separately and copying the site files separately. You can export a database through a hosting control panel, phpMyAdmin, or MySQL/MariaDB tools, then copy the WordPress files through a file manager or an SFTP/FTP client. Save the export and files together so you can identify them as one backup set.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
  1. Export the database. WordPress provides instructions for backing up the database.
  2. Copy the WordPress files, including the files needed for your site’s configuration, themes, plugins, and uploads. See WordPress’s file-backup guide.
  3. Store the database export and file copy together, with a clear date or other label to help you match them later.

Downloading the WordPress directory alone does not export a database stored separately. Likewise, a database dump alone does not contain your themes, plugins, or uploaded files. Learn WordPress’s backup lesson also walks through the files-and-database approach.

Rank #3
Sale
WD 2TB Elements Portable External Hard Drive for Windows, USB 3.2 Gen 1/USB 3.0 for PC & Mac, Plug and Play Ready - WDBU6Y0020BBK-WESN
  • High capacity in a small enclosure – The small, lightweight design offers up to 6TB* capacity, making WD Elements portable hard drives the ideal companion for consumers on the go.
  • Plug-and-play expandability
  • Vast capacities up to 6TB[1] to store your photos, videos, music, important documents and more
  • SuperSpeed USB 3.2 Gen 1 (5Gbps)

4. Keep an additional copy in remote storage

Cloud storage such as Google Drive or Dropbox can hold an extra copy of your backup, and some plugins offer integrations with remote storage. Treat the cloud service as a destination, not as the mechanism that creates a complete backup: first make sure the files and database are included, then confirm that the copy reached the remote location. Integration availability and requirements may vary by plugin version or plan.

5. Download a copy to your computer

Keep a copy on a computer you can access independently of your hosting account. An external drive can be another destination for that downloaded copy, but a drive does not create the backup on its own—you still need to export or download the files and database first. WordPress recommends keeping a local copy as one possible backup location in its backup guidance.

Rank #4
YOTUO 500GB External Hard Drive, Portable Storage Expansion HDD, USB 3.0 & USB-C for PC, Mac, Desktop, Laptop, Smartphone, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox 360, Office & Game Black
  • 【Versatile Storage Expansion – For Gaming, Work & Everyday Use】 Running out of space on your PS5 or Xbox Series X/S? This external hard drive lets you store and play PS4 / Xbox One games directly, instantly freeing up your console’s internal storage for next‑gen titles. At the same time, it handles work file backups, media libraries, and cross‑device data transfers with ease. One drive, all your needs. *(Note: PS5 / Xbox Series X|S games cannot be run or stored directly from the external hard drive. However, by offloading your PS4 / Xbox One games, you can free up valuable space for newer titles.)*
  • 【Patented Silicone Sleeve – Data Protection You Can Count On】 Worried about drops? We’ve got you covered. The patented built‑in silicone sleeve acts like a shock‑absorbing armor, cushioning your drive against bumps and falls. Whether it’s important work documents, precious family photos, or hard‑earned game saves, your data deserves this level of protection.
  • 【Plug & Play, Compatible with Computers & Consoles】 No complicated setup—just plug in and go. Works seamlessly with Windows, Mac, and Linux computers, as well as PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. Process files at the office, back up data at home, or enjoy gaming in your downtime—one drive handles all your devices, simply and hassle‑free.
  • 【USB 3.0 Ultra‑Fast Transfer – No More Waiting】 Tired of watching progress bars crawl? With USB 3.0 speeds up to 5Gbps, large files transfer in seconds. Whether you’re moving work documents, transferring hundreds of gigs of games, or backing up a year’s worth of photos, you get more done in less time.
  • 【Sleek, Lightweight, and Ready to Go】 Weighing just 0.16 kg—lighter than a can of soda—this compact drive features a stylish mirror‑and‑frosted finish. Toss it in your bag and go, whether you’re heading to the office, visiting a friend for a gaming session, or giving a presentation on the road.

How to check a backup before you need it

  • Confirm that the backup contains both site files and a database export.
  • Check that you can access the stored files and database export, whether they are on your computer, in remote storage, or available through your host or plugin.
  • Find out how your chosen method restores the backup and what that restoration replaces.

Having a backup file is not the same as having a usable recovery path. The restoration steps depend on whether the backup was made by your host, a plugin, or a manual export. In a manual restore, the database dump must be imported into MySQL or MariaDB; storing it beside the site files does not import it automatically. WordPress describes a typical sequence as backing up the database first and restoring the files first in its backup guide.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

What restoring a backup can overwrite

Restoring an older database can replace newer content, such as posts added after the selected backup. Jetpack’s documentation specifically says its restore replaces the database with the database from the chosen backup. If you need to preserve newer content, export it before restoring. Jetpack also says that its restore overwrites files with matching names but does not remove files with unique names. Those effects are specific to Jetpack’s documented restore behavior; check the instructions for your own restoration tool before proceeding. See Jetpack’s restore guide.

Which backup method should you choose?

Choose based on the workflow you can verify and maintain, rather than assuming one method is universally best.

  • Use host backups if your provider confirms that both files and database are covered and explains how to restore them.
  • Use a plugin if you want a plugin-managed backup and restore workflow; verify its included components, schedule or triggers, storage options, and plan requirements.
  • Use a manual backup if you are comfortable exporting a database and copying files as separate tasks.
  • Add remote or local copies as storage destinations for a backup set, not as substitutes for creating that set.

For any method, the practical test is whether you can locate both components and understand what restoring them will replace.

Quick Recap

Bestseller No. 1
Seagate Portable 1TB External Hard Drive HDD – USB 3.0 for PC, Mac, PlayStation, & Xbox, 1-Year Rescue Service (STGX1000400) , Black
Seagate Portable 1TB External Hard Drive HDD – USB 3.0 for PC, Mac, PlayStation, & Xbox, 1-Year Rescue Service (STGX1000400) , Black
This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable; The available storage capacity may vary.
$119.80
Bestseller No. 2
Seagate Portable 4TB External Hard Drive HDD – USB 3.0, 1-Year Rescue | Everyday HDD storage. Plug-and-play backup. Windows & macOS. Adobe CC trial included. 1-Year Warranty
Seagate Portable 4TB External Hard Drive HDD – USB 3.0, 1-Year Rescue | Everyday HDD storage. Plug-and-play backup. Windows & macOS. Adobe CC trial included. 1-Year Warranty
This USB drive provides plug and play simplicity with the included 18 inch USB 3.0 cable; The available storage capacity may vary.
$208.99
SaleBestseller No. 3

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More from the Wire

  1. World desk4 min
    How to Spot an AI Voice Scam Before Sending MoneyDon’t rely on how a caller sounds. Pause, call back through a known number, and verify the emergency with another trusted person before sending money.
  2. Mountain View desk4 min
    Google’s SynthID Detector: How to Check AI-Generated Images, Video and AudioGoogle’s SynthID Detector looks for an embedded watermark in supported images, video and audio. Here is what its results do—and do not—show.
  3. Redmond desk20 min
    How to create a link to File or Folder in Windows 11Windows 11 gives you several ways to point to a file or folder without moving or duplicating it. You can create a desktop shortcut,…
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.