Backup & Restore

45-90 minIntermediate

A complete WordPress backup requires TWO components: website files and the MySQL database. Unlike static HTML sites, WordPress pages are generated dynamically from both. This guide covers manual backup methods (FTP, cPanel, phpMyAdmin), automated solutions (WP-DBManager, UpdraftPlus), and complete restoration procedures.

Prerequisites

FTP/SFTP credentials or cPanel access
phpMyAdmin access for database operations
Sufficient local storage for backup files

Step-by-Step Guide

Understand What Must Be Backed Up

A WordPress site has two critical components:

WEBSITE FILES: Located on server, accessed via FTP or cPanel File Manager

MYSQL DATABASE: Accessed via phpMyAdmin, stores all content and settings

BOTH are required for a complete, restorable backup

Files without database = empty site structure

Database without files = no themes, plugins, or media

Backing up only one component results in a non-restorable site

Identify Essential Files for Backup

/wp-content/ folder (HIGHEST PRIORITY): Contains uploads, plugins, themes

wp-config.php (CRITICAL): Database credentials, security keys, cannot be regenerated

.htaccess (ESSENTIAL): Permalink rules, redirects, security rules

WordPress core files (/wp-admin/, /wp-includes/) can be re-downloaded and are optional

The wp-content folder contains everything unique to YOUR site

Manual File Backup via FTP (FileZilla)

Connect to your web host using FTP client (FileZilla)

Create a local folder: Website Backups > [site-name] > [date]

Navigate to WordPress root directory (usually public_html)

Download: .htaccess, wp-config.php, and entire wp-content folder

Verify all files exist locally before proceeding

This method offers maximum transparency and control

Manual File Backup via cPanel

Navigate to WordPress installation directory

Right-click wp-content > Compress > Create zip archive

Select and download: .htaccess, wp-config.php, wp-content.zip

Important: Downloaded .htaccess may be renamed to "htaccess" - fix during restore

Database Backup via phpMyAdmin

Identify correct database (check DB_NAME in wp-config.php)

Click the database name in the left panel

Click Export tab > Quick export method > Format: SQL

Click Go to download the .sql file

Store in your backup folder alongside the files

Example

// To find your database name, check wp-config.php for:
define( 'DB_NAME', 'your_database_name' );

Set Up Automated Database Backups (WP-DBManager)

Install plugin: WP-DBManager by Lester Chan

Go to Database > DB Options

Configure backup schedule (weekly recommended)

Enable email delivery of backups

Database backups are small (2-10MB) and easy to store

This is your safety net even if nothing else is backed up

Database-only backups do not include media files

Set Up Full Automated Backups (UpdraftPlus)

Install plugin: UpdraftPlus (free version)

Go to Settings > UpdraftPlus Backups

Click "Backup Now" for immediate backup

Configure remote storage: Dropbox, Google Drive, etc.

Set schedule matching your update frequency

Note: wp-config.php is NOT included - backup manually once

Restore Files via FTP

Connect to server via FTP

Navigate to WordPress root directory

Upload backup files: wp-content, .htaccess, wp-config.php

Choose Overwrite when prompted

After restore: plugins may appear but be inactive (normal)

Media Library will be empty until database is restored

File restore without database restore = partially working site

Restore Database via phpMyAdmin

Select the correct database

Click "Check all" to select all tables

From dropdown, choose "Empty" to clear existing data

Click Import tab > Choose File > select your .sql backup

Click Go and wait for success message

Site should now be fully restored to backup state

Restoring database also restores old usernames and passwords

Verification Checklist

Backup includes: wp-content, wp-config.php, .htaccess, and .sql database
Backup files are stored in multiple locations (local + cloud)
Automated backups are scheduled and running
Test restore on staging site to verify backup integrity
Media Library and plugins fully functional after restore

Pro Tips

Follow the 3-2-1 rule: 3 copies, 2 different media, 1 offsite
Match backup frequency to update frequency: daily updates = daily backups
Keep backups for at least 3 months
Use WP-DBManager for emailed database backups + UpdraftPlus for full cloud backups
Test your restore process before you actually need it
WordPress reinstall + restore is the nuclear option for infected sites

Common Issues & Fixes

Problem: .htaccess file missing or renamed after cPanel download

Solution: Rename "htaccess" back to ".htaccess" before uploading during restore

Problem: Plugins inactive after file restore

Solution: This is normal. Plugin activation states are in the database. Restore database to fix.

Problem: Media Library empty but images show on pages

Solution: Files exist in /uploads/ but database records are missing. Restore database.

Problem: Cannot log in after database restore

Solution: The restored database has old credentials. Use the username/password from when backup was made.