How to Back Up Your Website

Regular backups protect you from data loss, hacking, and accidents. Here's how to back up your website.

Why Backups Matter

• Recover from hacking or malware
• Undo accidental changes
• Restore after failed updates
• Migrate to a new server
• Peace of mind

cPanel Backup Methods

Full Backup

Creates a complete backup of your entire account.

1. Log in to cPanel
2. Go to Files → Backup
3. Click Download a Full Account Backup
4. Choose backup destination
5. Enter email for notification
6. Click Generate Backup

Partial Backups

Back up specific components:

• Home Directory — All files in your account
• MySQL Databases — Individual database backups
• Email Forwarders & Filters — Email configuration

Automated Backups

BearHost provides daily automated backups included with most plans.

Restore from Automated Backup

1. Log in to cPanel
2. Go to Files → JetBackup or Backup
3. Select the restore point
4. Choose what to restore
5. Confirm restoration

WordPress Backup Plugins

UpdraftPlus (Recommended)

1. Install from WordPress plugin directory
2. Configure backup schedule
3. Choose remote storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.)
4. Run your first backup

BlogVault

• Real-time backups
• 1-click restore
• Staging sites included

Backup Best Practices

Frequency

• High-traffic sites: Daily
• Regular blogs: Weekly
• Static sites: Monthly

Storage

• Keep backups in multiple locations
• Use cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, Amazon S3)
• Download copies to your computer periodically

Testing

• Restore backups on a staging site periodically
• Verify database and files are complete
• Document your restore process

What to Back Up

• All website files
• Databases
• Email accounts and configurations
• DNS settings
• SSL certificates (if custom)