Backup
Quick Definition
A WordPress backup is a complete copy of your site — files, database, themes, plugins, and media — stored separately so you can restore your site if something goes wrong. Regular automated backups are the most important safety net for any WordPress site.
What Is a Backup?
A restorable copy of your entire site. Two parts: files (themes, plugins, uploads, wp-config.php) and database (content, settings, users). Need both.
Types
| Type | Saves | Speed | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full | Everything | Slowest | Largest |
| Incremental | Changes since last backup | Fastest | Smallest |
| Differential | Changes since last full | Medium | Medium |
Gold standard: weekly full + daily incremental.
Backup Plugins
- UpdraftPlus (free) — Most popular. Google Drive, Dropbox, S3. Our guide
- BlogVault ($89/yr) — Real-time incremental. Best for WooCommerce.
- Jetpack Backup ($5/mo) — Real-time by Automattic
- Hosting provider — SiteGround, Kinsta, WP Engine include daily backups
Best Practices
- Automate — never rely on manual backups
- Store off-site — cloud storage, not same server
- Test restores periodically
- Backup before major changes
- Keep 30+ days of history
Why It Matters
Without backups: hack = start over. Bad update = hours debugging. With backups: worst case = lose one day of work. UpdraftPlus is free and takes 10 minutes to set up.
Sources: Developer.WordPress.org, Jetpack
Related Terms
DatabaseA database is where WordPress stores all your content — posts, pages, comments, settings, and user data. WordPress uses MySQL or MariaDB as its database system.MalwareMalware (malicious software) is code designed to damage, steal data from, or gain unauthorized access to your WordPress site. Common types include backdoors, spam injections, redirect hacks, and cryptominers.Web HostingWeb hosting is a service that stores your website files on a server and makes them accessible to visitors on the internet. Without hosting, your WordPress site has nowhere to live online.
Related Articles
How to Remove Malware from WordPress (Emergency Step-by-Step Guide)Your WordPress site got hacked — don't panic. I've cleaned malware from more sites than I can count over the past 20 years, and most infections can be fixed in an afternoon. Here's exactly what to do, step by step.WordPress Security Guide: 12 Steps to Protect Your SiteWordPress doesn't get hacked because it's insecure — it gets hacked because people skip basic precautions. Here are the 12 security steps I follow on every site I build, ranked by importance.How to Backup Your WordPress Site (3 Methods, Step by Step)I lost a client's entire website once because nobody set up backups. It was a $15,000 WooCommerce store, gone overnight after a botched plugin update. That was the day I learned that WordPress backups aren't optional. Here's exactly how to protect your site.