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  3. Create a WordPress full backup: Database and files

Create a WordPress full backup: Database and files

Backing up your WordPress website is crucial for securing your data. With BackWPup, you can easily and automatically back up your WordPress files and database. Whether you need a full backup or just specific sections, the process is simple, thanks to the new, user-friendly interface.

Getting Started: Set Up Your First Backup

Once you’ve installed BackWPup, head to the onboarding page to set up your first backup. The process is divided into three straightforward steps:

Step 1: What to Backup?

First, decide what parts of your site you need to backup:

  • Files: Select this option to back up all your WordPress files, including your themes, plugins, and uploads. You can click on ‘Advanced Settings’ to choose specific files or directories you either want to include or exclude from the backup.
  • Database: This includes all your WordPress database tables. Use ‘Advanced Settings’ here as well if you need to exclude certain tables or customize what gets backed up.

Step 2: When to Backup?

Choose how often you want your backups to run. You can set different schedules for your files and your database:

  • Backup Frequency: Select how often each backup should occur—hourly, daily, weekly, or monthly.

In the ‘Advanced settings,’ you can fine-tune the schedule if you need backups to happen at specific times. This helps ensure that your backups are always up-to-date, and they’re done automatically using WP-Cron, so you don’t have to worry about manually starting them.

Step 3: Where to Store Your Backup?

Choose the storage location for your backups to ensure your data is safe:

  • Website Storage: Store the backup files directly on your server for easy access.
  • Cloud Storage: You can select from several cloud storage services like Dropbox, Amazon S3, Microsoft Azure, and more. This provides an offsite storage solution that adds an extra layer of security.

After setting your preferences, click Save & Continue to initiate your first backup immediately.

Managing Your Backups

Once your setup is complete, you can manage your backups from the BackWPup settings. Here’s how you can keep your site’s data secure and easily manageable:

File Backup & Database Backup: Each backup type allows you to toggle schedules on or off, edit settings like frequency, data inclusion/exclusion, and storage options.

  • Edit Backup Name: Use the pencil icon to rename your backup for better identification.

  • Delete Backup: Use the trash icon to permanently remove a backup.

  • Add New Backup: Click “+ Add a new backup” to configure new file or database backups with similar settings.

Manual Backup

There are two ways to manually trigger a backup:

  • The Backup Now button at the top of the page lets you manually run a complete backup (Files and Database together). This backup is stored on your site’s server, allowing you to download it to your computer whenever needed. It’s particularly useful for making sure your data is safe before implementing any significant changes to your site.

  • Each scheduled Files or Database backup shows a small backup icon next to it. Clicking this icon immediately triggers a manual backup for that specific backup setup, using the same data selection and storage location that you have configured for that schedule.

    This method is different from the main “Backup Now” button at the top of the page, which saves the backup only to the local server regardless of the selected storage. Using the per-job backup icon ensures the backup follows your configured external storage settings (like Dropbox, Amazon S3, etc.).

Backup History

  • This section displays a list of all existing backups, including details like the creation time, backup type, storage location, and the data covered.

  • Actions for Each Backup:

    • Download: Save a backup locally.

    • Restore Full Backup: Revert your site to the exact state it was when the backup was taken.

    • Delete: Remove the backup from your storage destination.

This streamlined interface ensures that managing your backups is straightforward, keeping your data secure and accessible whenever needed.