How to Backup WordPress Files and Database

 

Finding out that you’ve lost the hours of labor you put into building your WordPress site due to an unanticipated error, attack, or failure is one of the worst feelings in the world. This might even keep you, as a developer, from meeting that crucial customer deadline.

Thankfully, WordPress makes backing up your WordPress site simple. You have the choice to manually perform this using cPanel, Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP), or special WordPress plugins.

We’ll discuss a WordPress backup’s operation and significance in this article. We’ll then discuss backing up your WordPress site after that. Let’s start now!

WordPress Backups: Where Are They Stored?

Your strategy for creating backups will determine where they are kept. For instance, your backup should be saved to your computer’s hard drive if you manually downloaded your files and database from cPanel and phpMyAdmin.

If you use a tool like UpdraftPlus, your backup will be kept in the cloud according to the setting you selected when installing the plugin. Your backup files are normally kept in your current WordPress database and file system if you didn’t go with a cloud option or are using a different plugin.

Restoring files from the compromised database may not be the ideal choice if you need to restore a backup. Therefore, it’s essential that you preserve numerous copies of your backups kept in other locations, regardless of your backup solution

Why is WordPress Backup Important?

WordPress advises that you back up everything when making a backup of your website. The files and database on your site are the two key parts of this.

The relevant plugin and theme files, code files, pictures, and static web pages are among the files you should back up. This is where all of your site’s content is stored in terms of your database. By backing it up, you can ensure that your posts, links, and comments are still there if you ever need to restore your website.

You cannot afford to lose your website data for even one day as a business. There are several potential causes for a significant data loss. The reasons for backing up your WordPress are provided here.

Human Error

Your site could fail due to even an apparent human error, which would result in data loss. Regular website backups might assist your company in recovering from a data loss swiftly and restoring operations.

Website Hack

Cybercriminals have carried out data breaches in recent years with success, resulting in the loss of crucial corporate data such as client records, payment transactions, and database entries. Your top goal in the event of a successful hack would be to retrieve this crucial data and quickly restore your website. A good backup plan can save your life even though there are numerous services available to eradicate malware.

Natural catastrophes

Natural disasters like floods or even cyclones can badly harm your hosting systems and cause the loss of corporate data, depending on where your business infrastructure is located. In this scenario, it would be simple to restore your website using a backup that was kept on storage devices that were situated in a different nation or region.

Server failure or crash

Data loss can also result from server failure or website breakdowns. Your backup data can be stored by backup systems on separate, cloud-based systems that are unaffected by server failure or crashes.

Ineffective Updates

Regular WordPress updates are published to enhance security and make new features available. Updates to WordPress’ core software or each of its installed plugins and themes are often required for this. The updating procedure, however, occasionally has the potential to damage or crash your company website.

How to Backup WordPress Files and Database?

Despite WordPress’ excellent level of security, there are always risks that could result in a content loss on your website. One of those things you’ll be happy to have is a WordPress backup.

Making a backup of your website’s database and files is similar to writing an insurance policy. You are able to use it as and when you need it. Having important components backed up enables you to swiftly restore your site to operation, whether the issue stems from a hack, attack, coding error, or any external cause.

Additionally, backing up website files can save you time and frustration. For instance, you can easily restore a recently backed-up version if you make a mistake while working on your website and can’t figure out the reason. As a result, it’s crucial to routinely backup your website using one of the three techniques listed below. Consequently, how do you backup a WordPress website?

Ways of WordPress Backups

There are numerous types of WordPress backups on the market. Let’s assess each category:

Backups from the web host you use

The majority of WordPress web host companies include backups as part of their hosting services. You as the owner of the website won’t have to worry about performing backups yourself or losing any data thanks to a dependable backup service from your web host provider. Ask your existing web host company what backup services are included in your hosting package.

Therefore, you don’t have much control over when, how, or where backups are taken and kept in this situation.

Manual backups

If you already have technical skills or knowledge, you can manually backup your website. Using an FTP program like FileZilla or the phpMyAdmin tool, you may manually backup your WordPress database and files.

A manual backup requires more time and effort than other backup types, and it can even require that you troubleshoot and fix any problems that may arise.

Automated backups using plugins

The quickest and easiest way to take website backups is by using plugins. If you don’t want to rely on your web host provider or lack the technical expertise to do manual backups, this is extremely helpful. WordPress backup plugins are simple to set up and may be used by even inexperienced users. Read More