UpdraftPlus is the most widely used free plugin for this task.
Install and activate from the WordPress Repository. Navigate to Settings > UpdraftPlus Backups . Click the Backup Now button. Once finished, you will see a list of "Existing Backups."
💡 Always test your backups. Every few months, try restoring a backup to a staging site to ensure the files aren't corrupted. To help you choose the right tools, How to restore a site using these downloaded files? A comparison of paid vs. free backup plugins? download backup wordpress
If you don’t want to install another plugin, you can download your files directly from your hosting control panel. Part A: The Files Log into your account. Open the File Manager . Locate your WordPress root directory (usually public_html ). Select all files, right-click, and choose Compress . Select Zip Archive .
While many hosting companies offer "daily backups," keeping your own copy is essential. UpdraftPlus is the most widely used free plugin
Once the zip is created, right-click it and select . Part B: The Database A WordPress site is nothing without its database (w In cPanel, click on phpMyAdmin . Select your site’s database from the left-hand sidebar. Click the Export tab at the top. Keep the method as Quick and format as SQL . Click Go to download the file. Method 3: Using FTP and phpMyAdmin
You can keep historical versions of your site before making major design changes. Method 1: Using a WordPress Backup Plugin (Easiest) Click the Backup Now button
This guide covers the most effective methods to secure your data, from beginner-friendly plugins to manual technical exports. Why You Must Download Local Backups