Backing up WordPress content

Every WooCommerce store has two places where its data and content are stored: the wp-content folder (themes, extensions, and uploaded media) and the database (products, orders, posts, and pages). Backing up both locations regularly protects your store from data loss due to server failures, failed updates, or security incidents. This guide covers automatic and manual backup methods.

Automatic backups

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Automated backup services handle both the database and files on a regular schedule without manual intervention. Jetpack VaultPress Backup is one such service that supports WooCommerce-specific database tables and can restore your site to a past state while keeping current orders and products intact. Check the Jetpack VaultPress Backup documentation for details on scheduled backups, activity logs, and one-click restores.

Manual backups

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If you prefer to back up your site without an automated service, you can export your content, download your files, and export your database manually. Complete all three steps below to create a full backup.

  1. In your WordPress admin dashboard, go to Tools > Export and select All content to download an XML file containing your posts, pages, comments, and other site content.
  2. Connect to your site using a File Transfer Protocol (FTP) client and download the wp-content folder. This folder contains your theme files, extension files, and uploaded media. If you have made customizations to your theme, backing up these files is particularly important.
  3. Export your database using your hosting provider’s database management tool. Most hosting control panels provide access to phpMyAdmin or a similar tool. In phpMyAdmin, select your WordPress database, click Export, choose the Quick export method with SQL format, and click Go to download the database file. This export includes your WooCommerce orders, products, settings, and all other database tables that the WordPress XML export does not cover.

Note: The WordPress XML export in Step 1 does not include database tables for orders, products, or WooCommerce settings. Step 3 covers the database export needed to capture this data. If you are unsure how to access your database management tool, contact your hosting provider for guidance.

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The following resources provide additional detail on WordPress backups and site security:

Questions and support

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Do you still have questions and need assistance? 

This documentation is about the free, core WooCommerce plugin, for which support is provided in our community forums on WordPress.org. By searching this forum, you’ll often find that your question has been asked and answered before.

If you haven’t created a WordPress.org account to use the forums, here’s how.

  • If you’re looking to extend the core functionality shown here, we recommend reviewing available extensions in the WooCommerce Marketplace.
  • Need ongoing advanced support or a customization built for WooCommerce? Hire a Woo Agency Partner.
  • Are you a developer building your own WooCommerce integration or extension? Check our Developer Resources.

If you weren’t able to find the information you need, please use the feedback thumbs below to let us know.

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