How to Set Up Backups for Your Website with UpdraftPlus

 Today, I’ll walk you through the steps to set up backups of your WordPress website using the UpdraftPlus plugin. This tutorial is beginner-friendly, so let’s get started!

Why UpdraftPlus?

Before diving into the setup process, let me tell you why I recommend UpdraftPlus:

• Free: One of the best features!
• Reliability: It has never given me any problems.
• Ease of Use: Simple interface and setup process.

Step 1: Install and Activate UpdraftPlus

First things first, you need to install the UpdraftPlus plugin.

1. Log into the back end of your WordPress website.

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2. Navigate to Plugins > Add New.

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3. Search for UpdraftPlus and click on the “Install Now” button.

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4. Once installed, activate the plugin.

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Step 2: Configure Backup Settings

Now that you have activated UpdraftPlus, it’s time to set it up.

1. Access the Settings:
   • You can find UpdraftPlus at the top of your screen or in the sidebar under “Settings.” I prefer the top option because it’s faster.

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2. Set Up Backup Schedule:
   • In the settings, you can schedule your backups.
   • Options include Manual, Every 2 hours, 4 hours, 8 hours, Daily, Weekly, Fortnightly, and Monthly.
   • I set mine for weekly backups since my website is well-established.
   • If you’re still in the building phase, consider more frequent backups like every 4 to 8 hours.
   • Retention Setting: Keep the last ten backups. You can adjust this number based on your needs.

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   Here's how my setup looks:- Backup Frequency: Weekly- Retained Backups: Last 10- Database Backup: Same as file backup schedule

Step 3: Selecting Remote Storage

UpdraftPlus offers several remote storage options. In the free version, you can back up to one location.

1. Choose Your Storage:
   • Popular options include Amazon S3, Google Drive, Dropbox, and more.
   • I recommend Amazon S3 for its affordability and ease of use.

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2. Configure Remote Storage:
   • For Amazon S3, enter your access key and secret key from AWS.

   - **Access Key**: [Your AWS Access Key]- **Secret Key**: [Your AWS Secret Key]- **Location**: Name of your S3 bucket

   • After entering these details, click on “Test Settings”. You should see a “Success” message indicating the settings are correct.

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Step 4: Backing Up Your Website

After saving your settings, you’re ready to perform your first backup.

1. Navigate to Backup/Restore within UpdraftPlus.
2. Click on the “Backup Now” button.
3. Review the available backups:
   • You should see a list of your latest backups.

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   Example list of backups:- Latest Backup: April 1st- Previous Backup: March 25th- And so on...

Step 5: Restoring a Backup

Restoring a backup is as simple as backing up.

1. Go to Backup/Restore in UpdraftPlus.
2. Choose the backup you want to restore.
3. Click on the “Restore” button.

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Important Tips

• Regular Backups: Even though weekly backups are good, consider doing daily backups if your site updates frequently.
• Storage Space: Make sure your remote storage has ample space to store your backups.
• Check Backup Integrity: Periodically check your backups to ensure they are not corrupted.

Conclusion

Setting up backups using UpdraftPlus is straightforward and an essential step in maintaining your WordPress site. Follow these steps to ensure your data is secure. Hope you found this walkthrough useful. Take care, keep well, and be kind to one another!

“A website’s value is in its data. Don’t risk losing it!”

Disclaimer: While UpdraftPlus offers a lot in its free version, there are advanced features available in its premium version. Consider upgrading if your needs grow.

For more tips and tutorials, stay tuned to our tutorials. If you found this helpful, share it with your peers!

Thanks for reading!