How to Take Backup of WordPress Site Without Plugin: A Comprehensive Guide

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. What is a WordPress Backup?
3. Why Regular Backups Are Important
4. Types of Backups: Full vs. Partial
5. Making a Backup Without a Plugin
6. Best Practices for Backing Up a WordPress Website
7. Conclusion
8. FAQ

Introduction

Did you know that nearly 30,000 websites are hacked every day? As website owners, the thought of losing our hard work and valuable data can be terrifying. The stakes are particularly high for WordPress users, as vulnerabilities in plugins, themes, or even the core WordPress software can lead to catastrophic data loss. That’s where the importance of regular backups comes into play.

At Premium WP Support, we understand the urgency of safeguarding your online assets, which is why today, we are diving deep into how to take a backup of your WordPress site without relying on plugins. We believe in empowering our clients with knowledge, so whether you’re a business owner, a developer, or a DIY enthusiast, this guide will walk you through the essential steps for creating a robust backup strategy.

We’ll cover everything you need to know, from what constitutes a backup to the best practices for storing and managing your backups efficiently. So, let’s get started and ensure your WordPress site remains secure, allowing you to focus on growing your business.

What is a WordPress Backup?

A WordPress backup is essentially a complete copy of everything that makes up your website. This includes:

• WordPress Core Files: The essential files that run your WordPress installation.
• Themes and Plugins: Any custom designs or functionalities you’ve added.
• Media Files: All images, videos, and documents uploaded to your site.
• Database: This contains all your content, such as posts, pages, comments, and settings.

Think of it as creating a safety net for your online presence. If anything goes wrong—be it a hack, a server crash, or an accidental deletion—having a backup allows you to restore your site to a previous state without starting from scratch.

Why Regular Backups Are Important

The importance of regular backups cannot be overstated. Here are some compelling reasons to prioritize this practice:

1. Prevent Data Loss: Mistakes happen, and data can be accidentally deleted or corrupted. Regular backups ensure you have a copy to revert to.
2. Security Breaches: If your site is hacked, a clean backup allows you to restore it to a state before the intrusion, effectively wiping out any malicious changes.
3. Updates and Changes: Plugin or theme updates can sometimes lead to unexpected issues. With a backup, you can quickly roll back to a stable version.
4. Migration: If you’re moving to a new host or changing your domain, having a backup simplifies the process, reducing the risk of data loss during migration.
5. Peace of Mind: Knowing that you have a reliable backup can help alleviate the stress associated with managing a website.

At Premium WP Support, we emphasize the importance of having a robust backup strategy as part of our commitment to professionalism and reliability.

Types of Backups: Full vs. Partial

Before diving into the backup process, it’s essential to understand the two primary types of backups:

Full Backup

A full backup captures everything on your WordPress site, including core files, themes, plugins, media uploads, and the database. This is the most comprehensive form of backup and allows for a complete restoration.

Partial Backup

A partial backup focuses on specific components, such as just the database or just your theme files. This might be sufficient if you’re only making minor changes or if you’re trying to recover a specific section of your site.

Making a Backup Without a Plugin

Now that we understand the importance of backups and the types available, let’s explore how to back up your WordPress site manually without using a plugin. This method involves two primary steps: backing up your files and backing up your database.

Step 1: Backup Your WordPress Files

To manually back up your WordPress files, you can use either an FTP client or cPanel. Here, we’ll cover both methods.

Option A: Using FTP Client

1. Choose an FTP Client: Download and install an FTP client, such as FileZilla.
2. Connect to Your Server: Open the FTP client and enter your FTP credentials, which are usually found in your hosting account.
3. Navigate to the Root Directory: Locate the public_html or root directory of your WordPress installation.
4. Download Your Files: Select all files and folders within this directory (including wp-content, wp-includes, and wp-admin) and download them to your local machine. This may take some time depending on your site size.

Option B: Using cPanel

1. Log into Your cPanel: Access your hosting account and navigate to cPanel.
2. Find File Manager: Click on the File Manager icon.
3. Locate Your WordPress Directory: Go to the public_html folder.
4. Compress the Files: Select all the files and folders, then compress them into a zip file.
5. Download the Zip File: Now, download the compressed file to your local machine.

Step 2: Backup Your WordPress Database

Your database contains all your content, settings, and user information, making it crucial to back it up.

Option A: Using phpMyAdmin

1. Access phpMyAdmin: Log into your cPanel and look for the phpMyAdmin icon.
2. Select Your Database: In the left sidebar, click on the database associated with your WordPress site.
3. Export the Database: Click on the ‘Export’ tab at the top. Choose the ‘Quick’ export method and select ‘SQL’ as the format. Click on ‘Go’ to download the database file.

Option B: Using cPanel

1. Log into Your cPanel: Similar to the previous steps, access your hosting account.
2. Navigate to Backup Wizard: Look for the Backup or Backup Wizard option.
3. Download Database Backup: You can select the database backup option and download it to your local machine.

Best Practices for Backing Up a WordPress Website

To maximize the effectiveness of your backup strategy, consider the following best practices:

• Backup Regularly: Depending on how frequently you update your site, you may want to back up daily, weekly, or monthly. Regular backups ensure you are always protected against recent changes.
• Store Backups Securely: Keep your backups in a safe location, separate from your main site. This could be an external hard drive, cloud storage, or even a different server.
• Test Your Backups: Regularly test your backups by restoring them on a staging environment. This ensures that your backup process is working correctly and that you can successfully restore your site when needed.
• Encrypt Backup Files: For added security, consider encrypting your backup files, especially if they contain sensitive information.
• Maintain Multiple Copies: Follow the 3-2-1 rule: keep three copies of your data, store two on different devices, and keep one offsite. This redundancy ensures that you’re covered in various scenarios.

Conclusion

Backing up your WordPress site without a plugin is not only possible but also offers you complete control over your data. While plugins can simplify the backup process, knowing how to do it manually empowers you to safeguard your site and maintain its integrity. At Premium WP Support, we are committed to helping you protect your online presence through professionalism, reliability, and expert guidance.

If you find yourself overwhelmed or simply wish to focus on growing your business rather than managing backups, we encourage you to book your free, no-obligation consultation today. Our team of WordPress experts is here to assist you with all your WordPress needs.

Don’t forget to explore our comprehensive WordPress services, designed to provide you with the peace of mind that comes from knowing your website is secure and well-managed.

FAQ

How often should I back up my WordPress site?

The frequency of backups depends on how often you update your site. Generally, if you make daily changes, consider daily backups; for less frequent updates, weekly or monthly may suffice.

Where should I store my WordPress backups?

Store your backups in multiple locations, such as local drives, external hard drives, and cloud storage solutions. This redundancy protects against data loss.

What files do I need to back up in WordPress?

You need to back up your WordPress core files, themes, plugins, media uploads, and the database that contains your content.

Can I restore my site from a backup if it’s hosted on a different server?

Yes, as long as the new server is compatible with your WordPress setup, you can restore your site from a backup.

Why is it important to test backups regularly?

Testing backups ensures they are functional and that you can restore your site successfully in case of emergencies. Regular testing helps catch any issues before they become critical.

What should I do if my site gets hacked?

If your site is hacked, you should immediately restore it from a clean backup made before the attack. Change all passwords and consider installing security plugins to prevent future attacks.

Are there any risks to manual backups?

Manual backups can be time-consuming and leave room for human error. It’s essential to follow the steps carefully to ensure all necessary files are backed up successfully.

By taking the necessary steps to back up your WordPress site without plugins, you are actively protecting your online presence. For further assistance and expert support, do not hesitate to contact us or explore our service offerings. Your website’s security is our top priority!