How to Set Up Automatic Backups for Your WordPress Site

Updated 2026-07-09 · Hosting Reviews

Setting up automatic backups for your WordPress site is one of the smartest moves you can make right after you get your site live. In this guide we’ll walk you through the exact steps—what you need, how to pick the right hosting, and a simple backup workflow—so you can protect your content without spending a fortune.

What You Need to Get Started

Before you dive into backup plugins, make sure you have the basics covered:

• Domain name – Your web address (e.g., yourbusiness.com). Most registrars, including Hostinger, bundle a free domain for the first year with a hosting plan.
• Hosting account – Choose a plan that supports WordPress. For beginners, a managed WordPress host or a shared plan from Hostinger (usually $3‑$8/month) is more than enough.
• WordPress installation – Hostinger offers a one‑click installer, so you can have WordPress up in minutes.
• SSL certificate – Free SSL is standard on Hostinger plans and keeps your site secure.

With those pieces in place, you’re ready to protect your site with automatic backups.

Choosing the Right Hosting for WordPress Backups

Not all hosting is created equal when it comes to backup reliability. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

1. Shared hosting – Cheapest option ($3‑$8/month). Good for low‑traffic blogs. Backups are usually offered as a add‑on; you’ll need to enable them yourself.
2. Managed WordPress hosting – Slightly higher cost ($8‑$15/month) but includes daily backups, staging, and optimized servers. Hostinger’s “WordPress Optimized” plans fall into this category.
3. Cloud or VPS – $15‑$30+/month. Gives you full control over backup scripts and storage, but requires more technical knowledge.

If you’re just starting out, a managed WordPress plan from Hostinger gives you the peace of mind of daily backups without extra configuration.

Step‑by‑Step: Setting Up Automatic Backups

Follow these actions to get reliable backups running within 15 minutes:

1. Log into your Hostinger dashboard and navigate to the “Hosting” section.
2. Install WordPress using the one‑click installer if you haven’t already.
3. Choose a backup plugin. Popular, lightweight options are:
   • UpdraftPlus (free & premium)
   • BackupBuddy (paid)
   • WPvivid Backup (free)
4. Install and activate the plugin from the WordPress admin → Plugins → Add New.
5. Configure the schedule:
   • Set backup frequency to daily (or twice daily for high‑traffic sites).
   • Select what to back up – database + files is safest.
6. Pick a remote storage destination. Free options include Google Drive, Dropbox, or Amazon S3. Hostinger’s own backup storage can be used if your plan includes it.
7. Test the first backup. Run a manual backup and verify the file appears in your remote location.
8. Enable email notifications so you know if a backup fails.

Once set, the plugin will run in the background, and you’ll have a restore point for any mishap.

Speed and Security Basics for a Healthy WordPress Site

Backups are only useful if your site runs smoothly and stays secure. Here are three quick wins:

• Caching – Enable Hostinger’s built‑in caching or install a free plugin like WP Super Cache.
• Image optimization – Use a plugin such as Smush or ShortPixel to shrink file sizes without losing quality.
• Security hardening – Install a lightweight firewall plugin (e.g., Wordfence Free) and keep WordPress, themes, and plugins updated.

These steps keep load times low (under 2 seconds on most devices) and reduce the chance of a breach that could corrupt your backups.

Cost Overview and Renewal Tips

When budgeting, keep two numbers in mind:

• Introductory cost – Hostinger often offers a discounted first term (as low as $3/month for shared, $8/month for managed WordPress).
• Renewal cost – After the initial period, prices typically rise to the standard range of $5‑$12/month for shared and $10‑$15/month for managed plans.

Backup plugins usually have a free tier that’s sufficient for daily backups. If you need premium features (incremental backups, multisite support), expect an additional $30‑$70 per year.

Putting It All Together: Launch Your WordPress Site with Automatic Backups

1. Register a domain and purchase a Hostinger plan that matches your traffic expectations.
2. Use the one‑click installer to set up WordPress.
3. Pick a lightweight theme, install essential plugins, and enable caching.
4. Install your chosen backup plugin and configure daily remote backups.
5. Test a restore to confirm everything works.

Follow these steps and you’ll have a fast, secure WordPress Website that protects its data automatically—without hiring a developer.

FAQ

Do I need a separate backup service if I use Hostinger’s managed WordPress plan?

Hostinger’s managed plans include daily server‑side backups, but they’re retained for a limited window. Using a plugin adds redundancy and lets you store backups off‑site for longer periods.

Can I restore a backup from my phone?

Yes. Most backup plugins offer a one‑click restore from the WordPress admin dashboard, which is mobile‑friendly. Just log in, go to the plugin’s “Backups” tab, and hit “Restore”.

What happens if a backup fails?

Enable email alerts in the plugin settings. When a failure occurs, you’ll receive a notification, and you can manually run a backup or troubleshoot the remote storage connection.