When backing up a WordPress site, you can use the default export tool, but creating backups with the "All-in-One WP Migration" plugin is the recommended approach. Some features of All-in-One WP Migration are paid, but the basic functionality is available for free.

Download and Install

From the WordPress admin screen, go to "Plugins" → "Add New" to open the "Add Plugins" page, then type "all in one wp migration" into the search box.

Searching for All-in-One WP Migration in the WordPress plugins directory

Check the name and icon, then click "Install Now."

Once it's installed, click the "Activate" button next.

Activate button for the All-in-One WP Migration plugin

When the plugin is properly activated, "All-in-One WP Migration" will be added to the WordPress menu.

All-in-One WP Migration menu item in the WordPress sidebar

Exporting Your Site (Backup)

After installing the plugin, the first step is to export (back up) your site. Click "Export" in the menu.

Export menu in All-in-One WP Migration

On the export screen, you can specify which files to include in the backup, the destination, and so on. Expanding the "Advanced options" menu lets you choose what to exclude from the backup.

Advanced options menu showing items to exclude from a backup

For example, you can save space in the backup file by checking unnecessary items like spam comments and post revisions. Expanding the "Export to" menu lets you choose where the backup file is saved.

List of available export destinations

Note, however, that all destinations other than "File" require purchasing the paid version. Selecting "File" starts the export.

Export progress in All-in-One WP Migration

Everything runs automatically, so once it's done, just click the button to download. The backup file is downloaded in .wpress format.

Download button for the completed .wpress backup file

Importing Your Site (Restore)

Opening "Import" from the menu lets you restore the site from the file you exported.

Import screen in All-in-One WP Migration

Upload the .wpress file you exported earlier by drag-and-drop or similar, and you can import (restore) the site. Expanding the "Import from" menu shows a list of import sources.

List of available import sources

However, all options other than "File" are also paid. Select "File," choose the .wpress file, and the import will begin.

Selecting the .wpress file to import

Pressing the "Proceed" button starts the import.

Note that running an import deletes all current site data and replaces it with the data inside the backup.

When the import is complete, a screen like this opens.

Screen shown after the import is complete

Pressing "Finish" will log you out of the site once. That completes the import work. Since the site's posts and user data have all already been overwritten with the contents of the backup file, log in next time using a user that exists in the backup file.

"Save permalinks structure" is used when the links on the restored site don't work correctly. Clicking it opens the permalink settings screen, so press the "Save Changes" button twice without changing anything.

Managing Backups

Backups menu in All-in-One WP Migration

The "Backups" menu lets you manage backup files you've made in the past. For sites that have been running for several years, a single file can easily exceed 1 GB, so if storage is tight, we recommend deleting older files first.

Restore feature redirecting to the paid upgrade page

The "Restore" feature is part of the paid version, so I was sent over to the purchase page. It costs more than around 50 USD (7,000 yen), which may be a bit of a high bar to clear.

Back Up Just in Case

If, for example, you accidentally delete site data, or a malicious user rewrites your site, having a backup means you can restore it right away. "All-in-One WP Migration" makes backups easy, so it's a reliable ally to keep installed.

Plugin page link: https://wordpress.org/plugins/all-in-one-wp-migration/