How to Backup WordPress Multisite: Plugin + Manual Methods
Did you know that WPBeginner is a multisite network? We use the WordPress multisite to manage different language versions of our website, and we take great care to keep it secure and running smoothly. If you have a multi-site network like we do, one of the most important things you can do is regular backup of your entire network. This protects all your sites, including your main site and subsites, from potential disasters such as hacks, server problems, or accidental data loss.
Our personal recommendation for the WordPress multisite backup is to use Duplicator Pro. It’s a powerful plugin that makes the backup process simple and straightforward. However, we know that not everyone wants to use a plugin for their backups. That’s why in this guide, we’ll show you three different ways to backup your WordPress multisite network: a multisite backup plugin, manual backups using File Manager/FTP and phpMyAdmin, and hiring a professional service.
Why You Should Backup Your WordPress Multisite
Here at WPBeginner, we run a WordPress multisite network to manage different language versions of our website. That’s why we understand the importance of keeping everything secure and up-to-date, and one way to do that is with a multisite backup.
A WordPress multisite backup helps protect your entire network, including your main site and all subsites, from potential disasters. For example:
- If your website is down due to human error or server issues, having a recent backup can protect against data loss.
- Additionally, this ensures that you can quickly restore your WordPress sites to a working state.
- Backups are also important for WordPress security. If your site is hacked or infected with malware, you can easily restore it to a clean version.
Additionally, having a backup is also useful when you want to make major changes to your multisite network. Before updating themes, plugins, or WordPress itself, you can create a backup. That way, if something goes wrong, you can revert to a working version.
Methods to Backup WordPress Multisite
With that in mind, let’s take a look at three ways to back up your WordPress multisite network. Any of these methods will work for you:
- Use a backup plugin on multiple sites (easiest way)
- Use File Manager/FTP + phpMyAdmin (manual backups)
- Hire a WordPress Maintenance Service (Practical Approach)
Method 1: Use Multi-Site Backup Plugin (Easiest Way)
Using a WordPress backup plugin with multisite support is the easiest way to create backups, especially for beginners. A good plugin takes care of everything for you, so you don’t have to worry about the technical details of backing up your multisite network.
We have tested many backup plugins with multisite support, but the Duplicator Pro stands out as our top pick. Not only does it back up your entire WordPress site, but it also offers a disaster recovery option.
The only downside is that Duplicator Pro isn’t free. You’ll need the Pro plan, which costs $199.50 per year, to get multi-site support. However, when you’re managing multiple sites on the same network, it’s a worthwhile investment.
Step 1: Install and Activate Duplicator
After purchasing Duplicator Pro, you’ll need to log in to your WordPress multisite network as a super admin. Go ahead and install the WordPress plugin as your multisite’s network admin.
Once installed, you need to go to the page Plugins > Installed Plugins in your WordPress network admin panel. Search for Duplicator Pro and click on it. Enable network.
Step 2: Create a Multi-Site Backup
Now, let's save all your network data into a single zip file, which can be used as a backup or to move your site to a new server. Go to Duplicator Pro > Backups and click 'Add New'.
At the top, give your backup a name and choose where to save the backup. Duplicator saves backups to your server, but you can also use cloud storage like Dropbox, OneDrive, or Google Drive.
The “Backup” section lets you decide what to include in the backup for multiple sites.
| Guide | Description |
|---|---|
| Filters | Choose whether you want to backup entire sites or just media/databases. |
| Multisite | Choose which subsites will be included in the backup. |
| Security | Add a password or enable encryption to protect the backup file. |
Once the backup is complete, you will see the new backup file on the “Backups” page. It is a good idea to download the files to your computer to restore them if necessary.
Method 2: Using File Manager/FTP + phpMyAdmin (Manual Backups)
If you’re on a tight budget or want to know how to manually backup your WordPress multisite network without relying on plugins, we’ll explain the process.
This method gives you more control over your backups, but it’s not the most beginner-friendly. For this approach, you’ll need to use an FTP client or your hosting provider’s file manager.
Step 1: Backup Your WordPress Files with FTP/File Manager
Log in to your provider's control panel and access the file manager. Select the folder public_html or the root folder of your WordPress multisite network. Compress all the files into a zip file and download it.
Step 2: Backup your WordPress Database with phpMyAdmin
Return to the dashboard and select phpMyAdmin. Choose your WordPress database and click Export. Select export options and download the compressed database file.
Method 3: Hire a WordPress Maintenance Service (Practical Approach)
For those looking for the most convenient WordPress multisite backup solution, hiring a maintenance service is the way to go. This approach allows experts to handle your backup needs, freeing you up to focus on other aspects of running your business.
With our WordPress maintenance and support service, you'll get a dedicated account manager and on-demand emergency support from someone who understands your business.
We hope this article has helped you learn how to backup your WordPress multisite. Subscribe to our YouTube channel for WordPress video tutorials. You can also find us on Twitter and Facebook.
