How to Schedule Automated Backups
WordPress Tutorials & How-To (Advanced)
How to Schedule Automated Backups in WordPress
Automated backups are essential for protecting your website from hacking, malware, mistakes, plugin conflicts, hosting issues, or data loss. Instead of manually backing up your site, you can set fully automated daily, weekly, or monthly backups using plugins like UpdraftPlus, JetBackup (cPanel), BlogVault, and ManageWP. This advanced guide walks you through multiple methods to set automated backups safely.
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Why Automated Backups Are Important
Never rely on hosting alone for backups.
Many websites break due to:
- Plugin updates
- Theme conflicts
- Hacked files
- Human error
- Server crashes
- Accidental deletions
Automated backups allow you to restore your site in seconds.
You should always back up:
- Database
- WordPress files (wp-content)
- Media uploads
- Themes & plugins
- WooCommerce orders & customers
Let’s see how to automate everything safely.
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Method 1 — Schedule Automated Backups With UpdraftPlus
The most popular backup plugin (free + premium).
Step 1 — Install UpdraftPlus
- Go to Plugins → Add New
- Search UpdraftPlus
- Install & Activate
Step 2 — Open Backup Settings
Go to Settings → UpdraftPlus Backups.
Step 3 — Set Automatic Schedules
- Files Backup: Weekly
- Database Backup: Daily
Choose schedule based on website size and update frequency.
Step 4 — Choose Remote Storage
Storing backups on the same server is dangerous. Choose a remote option:
- Google Drive
- Dropbox
- Amazon S3
- OneDrive
- FTP
Step 5 — Save Settings
Click Save Changes.
Your website now backs up automatically!
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Method 2 — Automated Backups From cPanel (JetBackup)
Most hosting providers offer free daily backups.
Many hosting companies include automated backups via:
- JetBackup
- Softaculous Backups
- cPanel Backup Wizard
To check backups:
- Login to cPanel
- Click JetBackup
- You may see:
- Daily backups
- Weekly backups
- Full account backups
Depending on the host, these are already automated — no setup needed.
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Method 3 — Automated Cloud Backups (BlogVault)
The most reliable professional backup service.
BlogVault provides:
- Real-time backups
- Daily cloud backups
- Offsite storage
- One-click restores
- Staging environment
This is ideal for WooCommerce stores or large websites where uptime is critical.
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Method 4 — Automated Backups Using ManageWP
Best for managing multiple websites.
ManageWP is a cloud control panel for WordPress.
Features include:
- Free monthly backups
- $2/month for daily backups
- Cloud-based offsite storage
- 1-click restore
- 1-click migration
How to set automated backups:
- Add your website to ManageWP
- Enable the Backup module
- Choose backup frequency
Perfect for agencies & developers managing multiple client sites.
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Backup Frequency: What Should You Choose?
Depends on how often your website changes.
Recommended backup schedule:
- Informational Websites: Weekly files + daily DB
- Business Websites: Daily backups
- WooCommerce Stores: Real-time or 6-hour backups
- Blog Websites: Every 12–24 hours
- Large or High Traffic Sites: Real-time incremental backup
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Avoid Storing Backups on the Same Server
Never store your house key inside the house.
If your hosting server crashes or gets hacked, backups stored on the same server become useless.
Store backups offsite:
- Google Drive
- Dropbox
- Amazon S3
- OneDrive
- Own cloud server
This ensures complete protection.
8
Test Your Backups (Very Important)
A backup is useless unless it works.
Many people create backups but never test them — until something breaks.
Test your backup by:
- Restoring on staging site
- Downloading ZIP file & inspecting content
- Ensuring DB file (.sql) is valid
- Checking file size (should not be 0 KB)
Do this at least once a month.
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Common Backup Problems & Solutions
1. Backup Failing or Timing Out
- Your hosting has low resources
- Break backup into smaller chunks
- Switch to cloud backup provider
2. Backup Too Large
- Compress images
- Delete unused themes/plugins
- Clean database using WP-Optimize
3. Google Drive Authentication Issues
- Reconnect account
- Check Google API limits
4. Backup Stored on Wrong Server
Verify remote storage settings regularly.
Your Website Deserves Automatic Backup Protection
All SiteCrafted websites come with pre-configured automated backups, security scans, and performance optimization — so your business stays safe 24/7.
