# Backing up your WordPress site

> Back up your WordPress site with a plugin, cPanel backup tools or a manual copy of your files and database.

Source: https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/wordpress/guides/backing-up-your-wordpress-site/

Backing up your WordPress site is one of the most important steps in maintaining a secure and reliable website. A backup ensures that if your site is hacked, corrupted, or accidentally deleted, you can quickly restore it to normal operation. On **ruachost.com**, you can back up your WordPress site using plugins, cPanel tools, or manual methods.

## Why Back Up WordPress?

- Protects against data loss caused by updates, hacks, or server issues.
- Allows quick restoration of your site to its most recent state.
- Ensures business continuity and peace of mind.

## When Should You Back Up?

- Before publishing new content.
- Before installing or updating plugins/themes.
- Before making major site changes.
- Regularly (daily or weekly) depending on how often your site is updated.

## Methods to Back Up WordPress

### 1. Using a Plugin (Recommended)

- Install a backup plugin such as **UpdraftPlus** or **Jetpack**.
- Configure the plugin to back up both the **database** and **site files**.
- Store backups in a secure location (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, or local storage).
- Schedule automatic backups for convenience.

### 2. Using Softaculous (if WordPress was installed via Softaculous)

- Log in to **cPanel → Softaculous Apps Installer → WordPress**.
- Select your site → Click **Backup**.
- Softaculous will back up both files and database.

### 3. Manual Backup

- **Database Backup**:

  - Log in to **cPanel → phpMyAdmin**.
  - Select your WordPress database → Click **Export** → Save `.sql` file.
- **File Backup**:

  - Use **File Manager** or FTP to download the `public_html` directory.
  - Save files securely on your computer or external storage.

> **Note:**
- Always verify that backups are complete and restorable.
- Keep multiple backup copies in different locations.
- Remember the saying: *“Your site is only as good as your last backup.*