How to Backup WordPress Site Manually [Step-by-Step Tutorial]

Backing up your website is one of the most important tasks you can’t afford to ignore. If you want full control without relying on plugins, learning how to backup WordPress site manually is a skill that ensures your data is safe no matter what happens.

A manual backup means you can copy and store your files and database on your own terms, without depending on automated tools. This approach may take a few extra steps, but it gives you a stronger understanding of how WordPress works behind the scenes.

In this ultimate guide, we’ll cover everything from files to databases, from storage best practices to testing, and even restoring backups when disaster strikes.

Why You Must Backup WordPress Manually (Even If You Use Plugins)

Most site owners rely solely on backup plugins like UpdraftPlus or BackupBuddy. While those are useful, there are several reasons you should still know how to backup WordPress site manually:

• Plugins Can Fail: If a plugin update breaks or conflicts with another tool, your backup may stop running without you knowing.
• Dashboard May Be Inaccessible: In the case of a hack, white screen of death, or broken theme/plugin, you won’t even be able to log in to WordPress.
• Host Limitations: Some hosting providers restrict the size or number of backups you can store. Manual backups remove these limitations.
• Greater Security: Storing manual copies in multiple locations protects you if both your host and plugin backups fail.
• Learning Opportunity: Understanding where files and databases live gives you more confidence in managing your WordPress site overall.

Think of plugins as convenience tools, but manual backups as the ultimate insurance policy.

What Exactly Gets Backed Up in WordPress?

WordPress is not a single file or folder — it’s a system of interconnected parts. Missing even one can make your backup incomplete. Let’s break it down:

1. WordPress Files

• Core WordPress Files: These are the main files that power WordPress. They change when you update WordPress versions.
• Themes: Both parent and child themes. Losing this means losing your site’s design.
• Plugins: Every plugin adds functionality, from SEO to e-commerce.
• Uploads Folder: This is where all your media lives — images, videos, PDFs, etc.
• Configuration Files: Special files like wp-config.php and .htaccess that define critical settings.

2. WordPress Database

This is where your content lives:

• Posts, pages, and custom post types
• User data (admins, editors, subscribers)
• Site settings (permalinks, plugin settings, theme customizations)
• Comments and categories

👉 Both files and database are essential. If you only back up files, your content disappears. If you only back up the database, your site won’t load properly.

Step 1: Backup WordPress Files

You can do this using either FTP or File Manager in your hosting control panel.

Method 1: FTP (File Transfer Protocol)

1. Install an FTP client like FileZilla.
2. Enter your FTP credentials (host, username, password, port) provided by your hosting company.
3. Once connected, locate the public_html folder (or www depending on your server).
4. Select everything — especially wp-content, wp-includes, wp-admin, wp-config.php, .htaccess, and .htpasswd.
5. Download all the files to your computer.

💡 Pro Tip: Enable “show hidden files” in your FTP client. Some important configuration files (like .htaccess) are hidden by default.

Method 2: File Manager (via cPanel or Hosting Dashboard)

1. Log in to your hosting dashboard (cPanel, Plesk, or Hostinger’s hPanel).
2. Open File Manager.
3. Navigate to public_html.
4. Select all WordPress files and click Compress → choose .zip.
5. Download the compressed archive to your computer.

✅ This approach is faster than FTP, especially for large sites.

Step 2: Backup WordPress Database

The database contains your content, users, and settings. Without it, your site is just a blank WordPress installation.

Method 1: Using phpMyAdmin

1. Go to your hosting cPanel.
2. Open phpMyAdmin.
3. Select your site’s database from the left sidebar.
   • If you’re unsure which one is yours, open your wp-config.php file and check:
   define('DB_NAME', 'your_database_name');
4. Click Export at the top.
5. Choose Quick Export and format as SQL.
6. Click Go to download the file.

Method 2: Command Line (Advanced Users with SSH Access)

If your host supports SSH:

mysqldump -u username -p database_name > backup.sql

This is faster for very large sites and gives you more control.

Step 3: Organize and Store Your Backup

Now that you have both files and database, store them properly:

• Local Storage: Create a dedicated folder on your computer (e.g., WordPress_Backups/2025-09-12).
• External Drives: Copy to an external hard drive or USB stick.
• Cloud Storage: Upload to Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, or Amazon S3.
• Multiple Copies: Keep at least two separate locations (e.g., computer + cloud).

💡 Pro Tip: Always name backups clearly, such as site-name-files-Sept-2025.zip and site-name-database-Sept-2025.sql.

Step 4: Test Your Backup

A backup is only useful if it works. To test:

1. Install a local development tool (XAMPP, WAMP, or Local by Flywheel).
2. Place your files into the local server’s htdocs folder.
3. Import your .sql database via phpMyAdmin in your local environment.
4. Edit wp-config.php with the new local database credentials.
5. Open your local site in a browser.

If it loads correctly, your backup is good. If not, repeat the steps carefully.

Step 5: Create a Routine

Backups are not a one-time job. Create a schedule:

• Daily: For e-commerce stores or high-traffic sites.
• Weekly: For blogs or regularly updated sites.
• Monthly: For small static sites with rare updates.

Set reminders or use a calendar app. If possible, automate the compression and transfer steps using cron jobs.

Manual vs Plugin Backups

👉 The best approach is a hybrid strategy: use plugins for convenience, but maintain occasional manual backups as a safety net.

Hosting Providers That Simplify Backups

Some hosting providers include tools that make manual backups easier:

• SiteGround – Built-in backup manager + cPanel access.
• Bluehost – Easy-to-use dashboard with phpMyAdmin.
• Hostinger – File manager, SSH, and MySQL tools.
• A2 Hosting – Advanced features like SSH and command line backups.
• Kinsta – Offers automatic backups, but also allows manual via SFTP + database export.

Advanced Backup Tips

• Exclude Cache Files: When downloading files, exclude cache folders (/wp-content/cache/) to reduce size.
• Use Incremental Storage: Instead of full backups every time, you can keep older media files and only copy changes.
• Encrypt Backups: For sensitive sites, compress and password-protect your backups.
• Set Retention Policies: Don’t keep unlimited backups; delete very old ones to save space.

FAQs

1. Can I backup WordPress without cPanel?
Yes, by using FTP for files and SSH for the database.

2. What’s the safest way to store backups?
A combination of local + cloud is safest.

3. How long does a manual backup take?
Small blogs take ~10 minutes, large e-commerce stores may take an hour.

4. Do I need coding knowledge?
Not at all. It’s mostly clicking through hosting panels and copying files.

5. Can I restore my site entirely from a manual backup?
Yes. Upload your files via FTP, import your database, and adjust wp-config.php.

Conclusion

Knowing how to backup WordPress site manually is one of the most powerful skills for a site owner. While plugins and hosting backups are convenient, manual backups give you full control and peace of mind. By securing both your files and database, storing copies in multiple locations, and testing them regularly, you ensure your website is always recoverable.

Don’t wait until disaster strikes. Take 20 minutes today, make your first manual backup, and set a routine to keep your website safe for the long run.