Last Updated on September 15, 2023 by Christopher G Mendla
Learn how to back up your WordPress site like a pro using WP Updraft. From manual triggering to Google Drive integration, discover how this free plugin protects your digital assets.
Introduction
In the online world, taking regular backups of your website is a must. WP Updraft makes the process easier than ever. Whether you’re migrating your site to a new host or recovering from an unfortunate crash, this free WordPress plugin has you covered. (There is also a pro version)
Why Choose WP Updraft for WordPress Backups?
WP Updraft is free and offers a plethora of configuration options. You can:
- Manually trigger backups
- Save WordPress files, database, themes, and plugins
- Connect the plugin to your Google Drive account for extra security. When you run a backup with a proper configuration, the backup files will be sent to the Updrafts folder on your google drive account.
Automated and Manual Triggering
One of the great things about WP Updraft is the ability to manually trigger a backup. This means you can capture snapshots of your site before making any major changes. Taking a few minutes to run a backup before making changes to your site could save you hours of aggravation from a crashed and lost site.
Google Drive Connection: Double the Safety
Connect your Google Drive account to WP Updraft to store the last two backups. This ensures that even if your site server fails, you have a secure copy on the cloud. You can also download your backups locally.
A Range of Snapshots
To maintain a deep range of snapshots, it’s a good idea to manually copy backups to another folder. As new backups are made, older ones get deleted automatically.
Using WP Updraft for Site Migration
Moving your site to a new host? Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Setting Up an Initial WordPress Site
Create a temporary WordPress site on your new host. Don’t worry about themes or other details. Just take the defaults.
Install WP Updraft and Restore
Once your temporary site is ready, install WP Updraft. Go to the settings and upload your backup files. Restoring your site may take a while, so be patient.
Finalizing Details
Update your WordPress settings to reflect the actual URLs, not the ones from your temporary site.
DNS Propagation and Final Tweaks
Changing hosts often means updating your Domain Nameservers. This might take up to 48 hours. Track the progress using tools like whatsmydns.net. You will usually be better off by waiting for the propagation to complete. If all servers are not reflecting the new IP, at least make sure that the servers closest to your host are reflecting the new IP. If you start working with the site prematurely, you can get unpredictable results.
Issues and Tweaks
Sometimes, plugins might interfere with your setup. For example, disabling the Sassy Social Share plugin solved rendering issues on my site.
Summary
WP Updraft is an invaluable tool for site backups. Even if your hosting company offers backups, it’s wise to manage your own for added security.
Final Thoughts
Don’t rely solely on your hosting company for backups. Take control of your digital assets by using WP Updraft to send regular backups to another online service like Google Drive. Make sure you’re backing up all sections of your site to ensure full recovery in case of any setbacks.