In the digital realm, the safety of your website's data against threats like hacking, technical glitches, or accidental data loss is paramount. UpdraftPlus, a renowned WordPress backup plugin, offers a straightforward solution for automating this crucial task. Let's dive into the steps to set up UpdraftPlus for your website's regular backups.
Step 1: Installing and Activating UpdraftPlus
Access your WordPress admin dashboard.
Go to 'Plugins' and select 'Add New'.
Type "UpdraftPlus" in the plugin search bar.
Find UpdraftPlus from the search results and click "Install Now".
Post-installation, hit "Activate" to get the plugin up and running.
Step 2: Navigating to UpdraftPlus Settings
Once UpdraftPlus is active, a menu item named "UpdraftPlus Backups" will appear in your admin dashboard sidebar. Clicking this will lead you to the UpdraftPlus settings area, where you can tailor your backup configurations.
Step 3: Scheduling Your Backups
In the settings, you'll see the 'Settings' tab:
Under "Files Backup Schedule," choose how often you want your backups: daily, weekly, or monthly.
Set your preferred time and day for the backups. For instance, if opting for weekly, select which day and time the process should start.
Step 4: Selecting Backup Components
UpdraftPlus allows customization of your backup content:
In the "Include in files backup" section, select the website components you want to back up. The default setting covers all files and databases.
If necessary, specify any files or folders to exclude in the "Exclude these from Uploads" and "Exclude these from Others" fields.
Step 5: Configuring Remote Storage Options
For enhanced security, UpdraftPlus supports remote backup storage:
Choose a cloud service like Amazon S3, Google Drive, or Dropbox in the "Choose your remote storage" section.
Follow the prompts to connect and authorize UpdraftPlus with your selected cloud storage.
Step 6: Saving Your Settings and Initiating the Backup
After setting your preferences, click "Save Changes". UpdraftPlus will start the first backup as per your defined schedule.
Step 7: Monitoring Backup Status and Accessing Restore Points
To manage your backups:
Visit the "Backup/Restore" tab in the UpdraftPlus settings.
Here, you can view backup details like date, time, storage location, and file sizes.
Access "Existing backups" to see and use restore points for reverting your site to previous states if needed.
By following these steps, you can effectively harness UpdraftPlus for automated, regular backups of your WordPress site. Regular backups are a critical line of defense for your website, ensuring a swift recovery in unforeseen scenarios. With UpdraftPlus, you're equipped with a dependable system for both scheduling backups and storing them securely offsite.
