In the dynamic and ever-evolving landscape of the internet, safeguarding your WordPress website from unforeseen disasters is paramount. A WordPress website is more than just a collection of digital pages; it represents your brand, your hard work, and the essence of your online presence. However, the digital realm is not immune to threats like hacking, crashes, or accidental deletions, which could lead to irreversible data loss. This is where the significance of regular backups comes into play. This article will guide you on how to take backup of WordPress site without plugin.

This comprehensive guide will delve into manual backups, exploring why they have emerged as a compelling alternative for users seeking complete control, enhanced customizability, and tailored backup strategies. We will unravel the reasons behind their growing popularity, especially among those with unique website requirements and advanced backup needs. Through step-by-step instructions, we will equip you with the knowledge to take charge of your WordPress website’s destiny and fortify it against any eventuality without relying on plugins. 

Understanding the Need for Manual Backups

While backup plugins offer convenient solutions, they may not always cater to every website owner’s diverse and intricate backup requirements.

The Limitations of Backup Plugins: 

While many users rely on backup plugins for ease of use, these solutions may have limitations regarding customization and features. Backup plugins often prioritize simplicity over advanced functionalities, which might restrict users with specific backup requirements.

Tailoring Backups for Special Needs: 

Manual backups offer a distinct advantage for website owners with unique backup needs. In cases where specialized settings and further customization are necessary, manual backups provide ultimate control and flexibility, allowing users to craft backup strategies tailored to their preferences.

Greater Control and Customizability: 

Manual backups empower website administrators to take complete control of the backup process. Unlike plugin-based solutions, where certain aspects may be automated or predetermined, manual backups allow for meticulous selection and inclusion of specific files and database contents.

Ideal for Advanced Backup Requirements: 

Websites with complex structures, large databases, or high traffic volumes may require more comprehensive backup solutions. Manual backups offer the versatility to handle sophisticated backup tasks, ensuring no crucial data is left out and enabling seamless restoration when needed.

Preparing for Manual Backups

To embark on the journey of manual backups and fortify the security of your WordPress website, thorough preparation is key. Storing backups on multiple media and locations is not merely a precaution but an essential measure to ensure enhanced security and safeguard against data loss. Here’s how to take backup of WordPress site without plugin and to effectively prepare for manual backups:

Emphasize Redundancy with Multiple Copies:

When it comes to backups, redundancy is your ally. Relying on a single copy of your website’s backup is akin to placing all your eggs in one basket. To mitigate risks, maintain multiple copies of the latest backup files. Consider storing backups on various external devices, such as hard drives, USB flash drives, or network-attached storage (NAS) systems. Additionally, utilizing cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or Amazon S3 offers an extra layer of protection, protecting your data even if physical storage devices are compromised.

Utilize the “3-2-1” Backup Rule:

Adhering to the “3-2-1” backup rule ensures a robust backup strategy. This rule entails having at least three copies of your data (the original data and two backups) stored on two different media (e.g., local storage and cloud storage), with one copy located off-site (cloud storage or a remote location). Following this rule provides a safety net that guards against various scenarios, such as hardware failures, theft, or natural disasters.

Beware of Sole Reliance on Backup Plugins:

While backup plugins offer convenience and simplicity, relying solely on them may present potential risks. Some backup plugins may not offer the level of customizability and control that manual backups provide. Additionally, plugin-based backups might be limited by the plugin’s functionalities and could encounter compatibility issues with WordPress updates or other plugins. In contrast, manual backups empower you to tailor the backup process precisely to your website’s requirements.

Test the Reliability of Backups:

Mere possession of backup files does not guarantee their efficacy. Periodically, perform restoration tests to ensure your backup files are complete and usable. This proactive approach allows you to detect any issues with the backup process and address them before an actual crisis occurs.

Set a Backup Schedule:

Consistency is vital in ensuring comprehensive protection for your website. Set a backup schedule that aligns with your website’s update frequency. If your website undergoes frequent changes, consider more frequent backups, while less active websites may benefit from less regular backups.

Also Read: Best WordPress Migration Plugins in 2023

Backing Up WordPress Site Files Manually

A WordPress website is a dynamic amalgamation of elements, including themes, plugins, media files, and core files. Each component is crucial in shaping your website’s appearance and functionality. To safeguard this intricate web of data, manually backing up your WordPress site files is imperative. Here’s a step-by-step guide to accomplishing this task:

Step 1: Using FTP Clients like FileZilla to Connect to the Website:

FTP (File Transfer Protocol) clients like FileZilla facilitate the seamless transfer of files between your computer and the website’s server. They offer a user-friendly interface, making connecting to your website quick and efficient.

Step 2: Downloading and Installing FileZilla FTP Client:

Begin downloading FileZilla, a reliable and open-source FTP client, from its official website. Install the software on your computer, following the on-screen instructions.

Step 3: Connecting to the Site Using FTP Credentials:

Before proceeding, ensure you have the FTP credentials from your hosting provider. These credentials typically include the server’s hostname or IP address, FTP username, and FTP password.

Launch FileZilla and navigate to the “File” menu. From here, select “Site Manager.” In the Site Manager window, click “New Site” and provide a name for your website. Enter the FTP credentials in the appropriate fields, choosing the “FTP – File Transfer Protocol” as the protocol. Click “Connect” to establish a connection with your website’s server.

Step 4: Locating and Copying All the Site’s Files:

After a successful connection, FileZilla will display two main panels: the local site (your computer’s file system) on the left and the remote site (your website’s server) on the right. Navigate through the remote site’s directories to reach the root directory of your WordPress website, typically named “public_html” or “www.”

Right-click on the root directory and select “Download” from the context menu. This action initiates the transfer of all files from the website’s server to your local computer. Depending on the size of your website, this process might take some time.

Step 5: Downloading the Files into a Folder on the Computer and Verify the Transfer:

Choose a suitable location on your computer where you want to store the backup files. Create a new folder and name it accordingly to identify it as your website’s backup.

Once the download is complete, open the folder to verify that all the files have been correctly transferred. This confirmation ensures that your backup is comprehensive and ready for restoration.

Creating a Copy of the WordPress Database

While backing up your WordPress website’s files is vital, preserving the essential data stored in the MySQL database is equally critical. The database contains crucial site information, including posts, pages, comments, user details, and settings. Creating a copy of the WordPress database ensures no valuable content is left behind. Here’s a simple guide to walk you through the process:

Step 1: Accessing PHPMyAdmin in the Hosting Panel:

To initiate the database backup process, log in to your hosting panel and navigate to the section where PHPMyAdmin is accessible. PHPMyAdmin is a popular and user-friendly web-based application used for managing MySQL databases.

Step 2: Utilizing the Export Tab and Selecting the SQL Format for a Quick Export:

Upon accessing PHPMyAdmin, locate the “Export” tab at the top navigation menu. This is where you’ll begin the process of exporting the database. Select the database associated with your WordPress website from the list displayed.

Opt for the default export method, the SQL format, for quick and straightforward export. This format is compatible with most database management systems and ensures seamless restoration when needed.

Step 3: Exporting the Database to Create a Backup File:

With the appropriate database and SQL format chosen, click the “Go” button to initiate the export process. PHPMyAdmin will generate a backup file of the selected database and prompt you to download it to your computer.

Choose a location on your computer where you wish to store the backup file. Naming the file appropriately with a date stamp or a descriptive label can prove helpful for easy identification later.

Determining Backup Frequency

The frequency of website backups plays a pivotal role in ensuring the safety and recoverability of your WordPress site. The backup schedule should be tailored to match your website’s activity level and frequency of content updates. Let’s delve into how different factors influence the determination of backup frequency and explore the benefits of more frequent backups.

Website Activity and Content Updates: 

Websites that experience regular content updates, user interactions, and modifications to design elements necessitate more frequent backups. If you run a blog with daily or weekly posts, an online store with regular product updates, or a dynamic website with continuous user-generated content, consider adopting a more rigorous backup schedule. Frequent backups help capture the latest changes and additions, ensuring that no valuable data is lost in the event of a crash or unexpected issue.

Guidelines on Backup Frequency: 

To strike the right balance between data protection and resource utilization, consider the following guidelines for backup frequency:

1. High Activity Websites: A daily backup schedule is recommended for websites with high activity levels and regular content updates. This approach minimizes the risk of data loss, providing a safety net that captures each day’s changes.
2. Moderate Activity Websites: Websites with moderate content updates, such as weekly blog posts or periodic product additions, can benefit from a weekly backup routine. This frequency strikes a balance between data preservation and resource allocation.
3. Low Activity Websites: A bi-weekly or monthly backup may suffice if your website experiences minimal content updates or is static. However, even low-activity websites are not entirely immune to potential threats, and periodic backups remain essential.

Benefits of More Frequent Backups: 

Embracing a more frequent backup schedule offers several advantages, including:

1. Minimizing Data Loss: The more frequently you back up your website, the closer the backup version will be to the latest changes. This reduces the risk of losing valuable data, such as recent posts, comments, or customer interactions, in the event of an unexpected crash.
2. Faster Recovery: A recent backup allows quicker restoration if your website encounters any issues. This ensures minimal downtime and disruption to your online presence.
3. Enhanced Peace of Mind: Knowing that your website’s data is frequently backed up provides peace of mind, allowing you to focus on other aspects of website management confidently.

The Bottom Line

Regular backups are indispensable for safeguarding WordPress websites against potential data loss and unexpected crashes. While plugin-based solutions offer convenience, manual backups present distinct advantages, allowing for greater customization and control over the backup process. By adopting manual backup strategies, website owners can ensure the preservation of both files and the essential MySQL database, empowering them to restore their sites promptly in emergencies. With the ability to store backups on multiple media and locations, manual backups offer enhanced security and peace of mind. Embrace the proactive manual backup approach to fortify your website’s resilience and protect your valuable online presence.