# Backing up a Softaculous-installed application to Dropbox

> Connect Dropbox to Softaculous and send backups of your installed applications there for safe off-site storage.

Source: https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/apps/softaculous/backing-up-a-softaculous-installed-application-to-dropbox/

Softaculous allows you to back up your applications (like WordPress, Joomla, Magento, etc.) directly to **Dropbox**. This ensures you have secure, off‑site backups of your site’s files and databases.

## Why Use Dropbox for Backups?

- Provides **off‑site storage** in case your hosting server is compromised.
- Easy access to backups from anywhere.
- Integrates seamlessly with Softaculous for automated or manual backups.

## Step 1: Add Dropbox as a Backup Location

1. Log in to **cPanel**.
2. Go to **Softaculous Apps Installer** under the Tools page.
3. Click the **Edit Settings** icon (top‑right).![Softaculous - Edit Settings icon](https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/kb-images/8a930d2bc254.webp)
4. On the **User Settings** page, click **Add Backup Location**.\
   ![Softaculous - Add Backup Location button](https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/kb-images/ecd4ac7c6dac.webp)
5. Fill in the details:

   - **Location Name** → e.g., “Dropbox Backup.”\
     ![Softaculous - Dropbox - Add Backup Location page](https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/kb-images/703cc3eeacf0.webp)
   - **Protocol** → Select **Dropbox**.
   - **Backup Location (Optional)** → Specify a folder (e.g., `/wordpress`). If left blank, backups go to the default `Apps/Softaculous Auto Installer` folder in Dropbox.
6. Click **Authorize** and sign in to your Dropbox account.
7. Grant access when prompted.
8. Copy the authorization code and paste it into the **Auth Code** field in Softaculous.
9. Click **Add Backup Location**.
10. You’ll see a confirmation message: *“Backup Location added successfully.”*

## Step 2: Configure Automatic Backups

1. In **Softaculous Apps Installer**, click the **All Installations** icon.
2. Locate the application you want to back up and click **Edit Details**.
3. Under **Backup Location**, select your Dropbox location.
4. Choose **Automated Backup Frequency** (daily, weekly, monthly).
5. Set **Backup Rotation** (number of backups to keep).

   - Example: If set to 2, the oldest backup is deleted once the third is created.
6. Click **Save Installation Details**.

## Step 3: Perform a One‑Time Backup

1. In **Softaculous Apps Installer**, click **All Installations**.
2. Locate the application and click the **Backup** icon.
3. Select what to back up:

   - **Directory** (site files)
   - **Database** (site data)
4. Add an optional **Backup Note**.
5. Choose **Dropbox** as the backup location.
6. Click **Backup Installation**.
7. Softaculous will upload the backup to Dropbox.

> **Note:**
- If your application doesn’t use a database, the **Backup Database** option won’t appear.
- Always verify backups in Dropbox to ensure they are stored correctly.
- For frequently updated sites, set backups to run daily.