How to Back Up and Restore a WordPress Site Manually

How to Back Up and Restore a WordPress Site Manually

While Hostking's JetBackup handles automatic daily backups, there are times when you may want to create your own WordPress backup — particularly before a major update or site migration. This guide covers three methods.

Method 1: Export Content from WordPress Admin (Quickest)

This method exports your posts, pages and media — useful for content but does not include your theme, plugins or settings.

Step 1 — Log into your WordPress dashboard at yourdomain.com/wp-admin.

Step 2 — Go to Tools → Export.

Step 3 — Select All Content and click Download Export File.

WordPress will download an XML file containing all your posts, pages, categories and media. To restore, go to Tools → Import on a WordPress installation and upload this file.

Method 2: Back Up Using a Plugin (Most Complete)

For a full backup including files, databases, themes and plugins, use a backup plugin.

Recommended free plugin: UpdraftPlus

Step 1 — In your WordPress dashboard, go to Plugins → Add New, search for UpdraftPlus and install and activate it.

Step 2 — Go to Settings → UpdraftPlus Backups.

Step 3 — Click Backup Now. Select to include both files and the database.

Step 4 — Once complete, click Existing Backups and download the backup files to your computer. Store them somewhere safe.

To restore: In UpdraftPlus, go to Existing Backups, upload your backup files and click Restore.

Method 3: Manual Backup via File Manager and phpMyAdmin

This method requires no plugins and gives you the raw files.

Backing up files:

1. Log into DirectAdmin and open File Manager
2. Navigate to public_html (or the folder your WordPress is installed in)
3. Select all files, right-click and choose Compress to create a zip file
4. Download the zip file to your computer

Backing up your database:

1. In DirectAdmin, open phpMyAdmin
2. Select your WordPress database from the left panel
3. Click Export → Go to download the .sql file

To restore files:

1. Upload your zip file to the same folder via File Manager
2. Extract it, overwriting existing files

To restore database:

1. In phpMyAdmin, select your database
2. Click Import, choose your .sql file and click Go

Which Method Should I Use?

For most customers, UpdraftPlus is the easiest option. For a quick backup before a small update, the WordPress Export is sufficient.

Need Help?

Our support team is available every day from 7am to 10pm via live chat at hostking.host or by opening a ticket at my.hostking.host.