How to Manually Backup a WordPress Website Using cPanel

A manual backup of your WordPress site ensures you have full control over your data. If your site gets hacked, crashes, or needs migration, a cPanel backup can save you.

This guide covers:
✅ Why manual backups are essential
✅ Step-by-step cPanel backup process
✅ How to download & store backups securely
✅ Restoring WordPress from a backup

1. Why Manual Backups Matter for WordPress

Risks of Not Backing Up

🔴 Hacking & malware attacks (WordPress is a common target)
🔴 Plugin/theme conflicts breaking your site
🔴 Server crashes or hosting issues
🔴 Accidental deletions or failed updates

What’s Included in a WordPress Backup?

✔ All WordPress files (Themes, plugins, uploads)
✔ Database (Posts, pages, users, settings)
✔ Email accounts & configurations

Without a backup, recovery is costly or impossible.

2. Step-by-Step: Manual WordPress Backup via cPanel

Step 1: Log in to cPanel

Go to:
yourdomain.com/cpanel
Or your host’s login (e.g., Bluehost, SiteGround)

Step 2: Backup WordPress Files

Go to “File Manager” (under Files).
Navigate to public_html (or where WordPress is installed).
Right-click the root folder (usually public_html or your site name).
Select “Compress” → Choose .zip or .tar.gz → Click “Compress”.
Once compressed, right-click the file → “Download”.

Step 3: Backup the WordPress Database

Go to “phpMyAdmin” (under Databases).
Select your WordPress database (usually starts with wp_).
Click “Export” → Choose “Quick” → “Go”.
The .sql file will download automatically.

Step 4: Backup Emails (Optional)

Go to “Backup” (under Files).
Under “Partial Backups”, click “Email Forwarders & Filters”.
Click “Download” to save email settings.

3. Where to Store Your Backup (Best Practices)

🚫 Never keep backups only on your server! (If hacked, backups are gone.)

Recommended Storage Options:

🔹 Google Drive / Dropbox (Cloud storage)
🔹 External Hard Drive / USB (Local copy)
🔹 Amazon S3 / Backblaze (Secure cloud backup)

✅ Follow the 3-2-1 Backup Rule:

3 copies (Local + Cloud + External)
2 different storage types
1 offsite backup

4. How to Restore WordPress from a Backup

Restoring WordPress Files

Delete corrupted files via File Manager or FTP.
Upload your backup .zip file.
Extract files into public_html.

Restoring the Database

Go to phpMyAdmin → Select your database.
Click “Import” → Upload your .sql file.

5. Automating Backups (Optional but Recommended)

Option 1: cPanel Auto-Backups

Go to “Backup” → “Backup Configuration”.
Enable “Automatic Backups” (if available).

Option 2: WordPress Backup Plugins

UpdraftPlus (Backs up to Google Drive, Dropbox)
Jetpack Backup (Real-time backups)

6. Common Backup Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Only storing backups on the server
❌ Not testing backups (Always verify!)
❌ Ignoring database backups
❌ Using weak passwords

Final Thoughts

Manually backing up WordPress via cPanel gives you full control over your site’s safety. Follow this guide to:

Backup files & database today.
Store backups in multiple locations.
Test restoring backups before an emergency.

💡 Pro Tip: Schedule weekly backups for maximum security!

📌 Bookmark this guide for future reference!
🔄 Share it to help other WordPress users!

Need help? Ask in the comments! 🚀