How to Backup a WordPress Site Using cPanel

Backing up your WordPress site is essential for protecting your data and ensuring you’re prepared for unexpected issues like hacks, crashes, or server failures. Losing your data can be devastating, but with cPanel, you can create a full backup quickly and easily. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to back up your entire WordPress site using cPanel the right way.

Step 1: Log Into Your cPanel Account

The first step is to access your hosting account’s cPanel dashboard, where all the backup tools are located.

How to Access cPanel:

• Log into your web hosting provider’s account.
• Locate the cPanel option (often under “My Account” or “Dashboard”).
• If you can’t find it, refer to your hosting welcome email or contact support for the cPanel link.

✅ Tip: The cPanel URL is often formatted as yourwebsite.com/cpanel or yourwebsite.com:2083.

Once you’re logged in, you’ll be able to access all the necessary tools for creating a backup.

Step 2: Locate the Backup Tool in cPanel

cPanel offers multiple tools for backing up your WordPress site. The Backup Wizard is the most beginner-friendly option.

How to Find the Backup Tool:

• Scroll down to the Files section in cPanel.
• You will see two options:
  • Backup Wizard – Recommended for beginners as it provides step-by-step instructions.
  • Backup – A manual backup tool for advanced users.

✅ If you’re new to cPanel, stick with the Backup Wizard for a more straightforward experience.

Step 3: Backup Your WordPress Files

WordPress consists of two critical parts: the site files and the database. Your site files include themes, plugins, media uploads, and core WordPress files. The database stores posts, comments, and settings.

How to Backup WordPress Files Using cPanel:

1. Click on Backup Wizard and choose Backup.
2. Select Full Backup for a complete site backup.
3. Choose the Home Directory as the backup location.
4. Click Generate Backup.

The system will create a compressed .tar.gz file containing all your WordPress files. This file can be downloaded and stored safely for future restoration if needed.

✅ Best Practice: Always download the file and store it in multiple locations, such as your local computer and a cloud storage service like Google Drive.

Step 4: Backup Your WordPress Database

The database is equally important since it holds all your site’s content, user data, comments, and configurations.

How to Backup the Database Using cPanel:

1. Go back to Backup Wizard.
2. Click MySQL Databases under the partial backup section.
3. Select the database associated with your WordPress site.
4. Click Download Database Backup.

The database will be downloaded as a .sql file, which you can use to restore your content in case of data loss.

✅ Pro Tip: If you’re unsure which database belongs to your site, check the wp-config.php file for the DB_NAME value.

Step 5: Verify the Backup Files

After completing both the file and database backups, it’s crucial to verify that your backup is complete and functional.

How to Verify Your Backup:

• File Backup: Confirm the .tar.gz file is not empty and matches your site’s approximate size.
• Database Backup: Open the .sql file in a text editor and look for tables like wp_posts and wp_users to ensure the data is intact.

✅ Important: Double-check both backups before storing them permanently. Corrupt or incomplete backups won’t help during a site crash.

Step 6: Automate WordPress Backups in cPanel

Manual backups can be effective, but they can also be time-consuming and easy to forget. Automating your backups ensures your site is always protected without manual effort.

How to Automate Backups:

• Use the JetBackup tool (if available in cPanel).
• Set up scheduled backups directly in Backup Wizard under the automation settings.
• Consider premium tools like BackupBuddy or UpdraftPlus for even more automation flexibility.

✅ Set backups to run daily for frequently updated sites and weekly for less active websites.

Step 7: Store Backups Securely in Multiple Locations

A backup is only helpful if it’s stored safely and can be accessed when needed. Keeping multiple copies across different locations is recommended.

Where to Store Your Backups:

• Local Storage: Keep a copy on your personal computer for immediate access.
• Cloud Storage: Upload backups to services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive.
• External Drives: Use an external hard drive for additional physical storage security.
• Offsite Storage: Consider professional offsite backup services for mission-critical websites.

✅ Golden Rule: Follow the 3-2-1 backup strategy:

• 3 Copies of your backup
• 2 Stored in different formats
• 1 Stored offsite

Step 8: How to Restore Your WordPress Backup from cPanel

If your site crashes, you’ll need to restore it from your cPanel backup quickly.

Restoring WordPress Files:

1. Go to cPanel > File Manager.
2. Delete the current WordPress files.
3. Upload the previously downloaded .tar.gz backup file.
4. Extract the backup archive in the root directory.

Restoring Your Database:

1. Open phpMyAdmin from your cPanel dashboard.
2. Select your WordPress database.
3. Click Import and upload the .sql file.

✅ Once restored, check your site to ensure everything is functioning properly.

Step 9: Perform Regular Backup Maintenance

Maintaining a well-organised backup system ensures you’re always prepared for unexpected issues.

Backup Maintenance Best Practices:

• Delete Old Backups: Remove outdated backups to free up server space.
• Label Backups: Use clear labels like “WP-Backup-2025-Jan-01” for better organisation.
• Test Backups: Periodically test your backup files by restoring them on a staging site.

✅ Consistent maintenance keeps your backup system reliable.

Step 10: Hire a WordPress Backup Expert for Peace of Mind

If managing backups manually feels overwhelming or you run a mission-critical site, hiring a professional can help you automate the entire process and ensure zero downtime.

FAQs About Backing Up WordPress Using cPanel

How Often Should I Back Up My WordPress Site?

It depends on how often your site updates. For busy blogs or eCommerce stores, daily backups are recommended. For smaller sites with fewer updates, weekly backups should suffice.

Can I Restore My Site from a cPanel Backup?

Yes, you can restore both the files and the database through the cPanel Backup Wizard or manually via File Manager and phpMyAdmin.

Where Should I Store WordPress Backups?

For optimal security:

• Use a mix of local storage (computer, external drive).
• Store copies in cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox).
• Keep an offsite backup with your hosting provider if available.

Does cPanel Provide Automated Backups?

No, cPanel itself does not provide automated backups by default. Some hosts offer JetBackup integration for scheduled backups, or you can use plugins like UpdraftPlus.

Can I Backup My Site Without a Plugin?

Yes! cPanel lets you manually back up both the database and site files without a plugin. However, plugins offer better automation.

What’s the Difference Between Full and Partial Backups in cPanel?

• Full Backup: Includes all site files, databases, and settings.
• Partial Backup: Lets you back up either files or the database individually.

Backing up your WordPress site through cPanel ensures you’re prepared for the unexpected. Protect your hard work by making backups a routine part of your website management!