Why Automated WordPress Backups Are Non-Negotiable in 2026
If your WordPress site goes down after a bad plugin update, a hacked login, or a server issue, the only thing standing between you and total data loss is a recent backup. And not just any backup, a copy stored somewhere other than your hosting server.
The good news: you don’t need to hire a developer or pay for premium tools. With UpdraftPlus, the most widely installed WordPress backup plugin in the world, you can configure automated WordPress backups to Google Drive, Dropbox, or another remote destination in under 15 minutes. This tutorial walks you through the entire process, made for beginners.
What You Will Achieve at the End of This Guide
- UpdraftPlus installed and activated on your WordPress site
- Files and database backed up on an automatic schedule
- Backups sent to a remote cloud storage (Google Drive or Dropbox)
- A tested restore workflow, so you know it actually works
No coding. No FTP. No paid add-on required for the core setup.
Why UpdraftPlus and Not Another Plugin?
There are solid alternatives (Duplicator, Jetpack, BlogVault), but for a free, beginner-friendly automated backup workflow, UpdraftPlus remains the best balance of features and simplicity in 2026.
| Plugin | Free Automated Backups | Free Remote Storage | Beginner Friendly |
|---|---|---|---|
| UpdraftPlus | Yes | Google Drive, Dropbox, S3, and more | Very easy |
| Duplicator | Manual only in free version | Paid tier required | Medium |
| Jetpack Backup | Paid only | Included | Very easy |
| BlogVault | Paid only | Included | Easy |
Step 1: Install and Activate UpdraftPlus
- Log into your WordPress dashboard
- Go to Plugins > Add New
- Search for UpdraftPlus
- Click Install Now, then Activate
Once activated, you will see a new menu item under Settings > UpdraftPlus Backups.
Step 2: Configure Your Backup Schedule
Open Settings > UpdraftPlus Backups and click the Settings tab. You will see two important dropdowns:
- Files backup schedule: how often to back up your themes, plugins, uploads and other WordPress files
- Database backup schedule: how often to back up your posts, pages, users, comments and settings
Recommended Schedules by Site Type
| Site Type | Files | Database | Retention |
|---|---|---|---|
| Personal blog | Weekly | Daily | Keep 4 |
| Business / corporate site | Daily | Daily | Keep 7 |
| WooCommerce store | Daily | Every 4 hours | Keep 14 |
Step 3: Choose a Remote Storage Destination
This is the most important step. A backup saved on the same server as your website is not a real backup. If your server dies, your backups die with it.
UpdraftPlus offers many free remote destinations. The two easiest for beginners are:
- Google Drive (15 GB free)
- Dropbox (2 GB free)
Connecting Google Drive
- In the Settings tab, click the Google Drive icon
- Scroll down and click Save Changes
- A popup will invite you to authenticate with Google
- Sign in with your Google account and grant UpdraftPlus permission
- You will be redirected back to your WordPress dashboard, click Complete Setup
Connecting Dropbox
- Click the Dropbox icon in the Settings tab
- Save changes, then click the authenticate with Dropbox link
- Log in to Dropbox and allow access
- Return to WordPress and confirm the connection
Step 4: Select What to Include in Backups
Still in the Settings tab, scroll to Include in files backup. Keep all boxes checked:
- Plugins
- Themes
- Uploads
- Any other directories in wp-content
Then click Save Changes at the bottom.
Step 5: Run Your First Manual Backup (Important)
Before waiting for the schedule to kick in, run a manual backup to verify everything works.
- Go to the Backup / Restore tab
- Click the big blue Backup Now button
- Make sure both Include the database and Include your files are checked
- Check Send this backup to remote storage
- Click Backup Now
After a few minutes, the backup will appear in the Existing backups list and inside your Google Drive or Dropbox folder.
Step 6: Test the Restore Process
A backup you have never tested is not a backup. Here is how to confirm it works:
- Scroll to Existing backups
- Click Restore next to your latest backup
- Select what to restore (for a test, pick just Plugins or Themes)
- Follow the prompts
If the restore completes without errors, your automated backup workflow is fully operational.
Step 7: Set Up Email Notifications
In the Settings tab, scroll to Email and check the box send a report of any backups performed. This way, if a backup fails silently, you will know within 24 hours instead of finding out during an emergency.
Best Practices for Reliable Automated WordPress Backups
- Use the 3-2-1 rule: 3 copies, on 2 different media, with 1 copy offsite
- Combine host-level backups (like those provided with quality hosting) with UpdraftPlus for redundancy
- Never store backups only on your web server
- Run a test restore every 3 months
- Increase backup frequency before big changes (theme swap, plugin update, migration)
Common Errors and How to Fix Them
| Error | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Backup timeout | Server PHP limits too low | Split backup into smaller chunks in Advanced Tools |
| Google Drive auth expired | Token revoked | Re-authenticate from the Settings tab |
| Disk quota exceeded | Retention too high | Lower the number of backups to retain |
| Backup not triggered | WP-Cron disabled | Enable a real server cron or contact your host |
The Kelio-Host Recommendation
UpdraftPlus is excellent, but plugin-based backups depend on your WordPress site being functional to run. That is why we recommend pairing UpdraftPlus with server-level daily backups, which are included on all Kelio-Host WordPress plans. Two independent layers, zero drama when something goes wrong.
FAQ
Is UpdraftPlus really free?
Yes. The free version covers scheduled backups, remote storage to Google Drive, Dropbox and others, plus full restore. The paid version adds incremental backups, more destinations and priority support, but is not needed for a solid automated setup.
How often should I back up my WordPress site?
Databases should be backed up daily at minimum. Files can be backed up weekly for low-change sites or daily for active ones. WooCommerce stores should back up databases every few hours.
Where are the WordPress backup files stored by default?
UpdraftPlus stores local copies in wp-content/updraft. However, you should always send them to remote storage so they survive a server failure.
Can I migrate my WordPress site with UpdraftPlus?
Yes. You can restore a backup on a new domain or new hosting. The free version handles restores; the Migrator add-on is required for advanced URL rewriting during migration.
What is the best WordPress backup plugin in 2026?
For free automated backups, UpdraftPlus remains the top choice. For premium managed backups with incremental technology, BlogVault and Jetpack Backup are strong alternatives.
Do I still need backups if my host provides them?
Yes. Host backups can be lost, corrupted, or inaccessible if your account is suspended. A second independent backup with UpdraftPlus to your own cloud storage is essential.