Backups and site moves

A backup is a copy of your site's files and database that you can restore if something breaks: a bad update, a hacked plugin, or a mistake while editing. A migration is moving that whole site to a new host or address. The same tools often do both, because a migration is essentially a backup restored somewhere else.

UpdraftPlus is the most widely used free backup plugin for WordPress and sends copies to cloud storage such as Google Drive or Dropbox. BlogVault stores backups on its own servers and adds staging and migration. Duplicator and All-in-One WP Migration package a site into a single file you can move to another host. Migrate Guru copies a site to a new host through its own servers, which helps with large sites.

Many hosts include daily backups, and that is useful, but those copies usually live on the same company's systems. A separate backup stored elsewhere protects you if the hosting account itself is suspended, hacked or closed.

Test a restore at least once, ideally on a staging copy, so you know the process works before you need it. Check how many backups are kept and for how long, and whether the plugin backs up the database, uploads, themes and plugins or only part of the site.

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5 hosting tools in backups and site moves

UpdraftPlus

by Team Updraft

WordPress backup plugin that saves scheduled backups to cloud storage such as Google Drive or Dropbox, with a free version.

  • Free plan or free tier
  • Works with WordPress

BlogVault

WordPress backup service that stores backups on its own servers, with staging and site migration.

  • Works with WordPress

Duplicator

WordPress plugin that packages a site into an archive for backups, cloning and moving to a new host, with a free Lite version.

  • Free plan or free tier
  • Works with WordPress

All-in-One WP Migration

by ServMask

WordPress plugin that exports a whole site to one file and imports it on another host, with a free version.

  • Free plan or free tier
  • Works with WordPress

Migrate Guru

by BlogVault

Free WordPress migration plugin that copies a site to a new host through its own servers.

  • Free plan or free tier
  • Works with WordPress

For a migration, note your DNS and email settings first, move the site, check pages, forms and logins on the new host, and then point the domain. Leave the old hosting running for a few days in case something was missed.

Keep at least one backup from before any big change, such as a theme switch, a WordPress major update or a move to a new host. If the change goes badly, rolling back to a known good copy is faster than fixing a broken site piece by piece.

Store the login details for your backup storage, such as the Google Drive or Dropbox account, somewhere safe and separate from the site itself. A backup you cannot reach during an outage is not much help.

When you change hosts, lower the time-to-live on your DNS records a day before the move if your registrar allows it. Changes then reach visitors faster, and you can switch back quickly if the new host has a problem in the first hours.

Questions about backups and site moves

My host makes backups. Do I need my own?

It is a good idea. Host backups usually sit on the same company's systems. A separate copy in your own cloud storage protects you if the hosting account itself has a problem.

How often should a small site back up?

Match it to how often the site changes. A blog that publishes weekly can back up weekly. A shop taking orders every day needs daily backups, including the database.

Can I move a WordPress site myself?

Yes. Plugins such as Duplicator, All-in-One WP Migration or Migrate Guru handle most moves. Large sites and complex setups can hit file size limits, so check the plugin's limits first.

Will a migration change my email?

It can if your email runs on the old host or if DNS records are copied wrong. Note your email records before you move, and check that mail still arrives after you switch.

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