Ultimate Guide to Backing Up WordPress Multisite: Top Plugin and Manual Methods Revealed!

At CanadaCreate, we utilize WordPress multisite to handle various language versions of our website. Since this configuration operates multiple sites from a single WordPress installation, it is crucial to ensure it remains secure and properly maintained.

Backing up a multisite network differs significantly from backing up a standard WordPress site. You are safeguarding an entire network rather than just one site, with each site containing its own unique content, users, themes, and settings.

This added complexity makes it essential to select a backup method that is fully compatible with multisite.

Our preferred solution is Duplicator Pro, as it simplifies the process, even for those who are new to it. However, we recognize that not everyone opts for a plugin.

In this guide, we will explore various methods for backing up your WordPress multisite network, allowing you to select the approach that best suits your needs.

Reasons to Backup Your WordPress Multisite

At CanadaCreate, we operate a WordPress multisite network to manage different language versions of our site. This experience has taught us the importance of keeping everything secure and current, and one effective way to achieve this is through a multisite backup.

A WordPress multisite backup safeguards your entire network, including the main site and all subsites, from potential disasters.

For instance, if your website experiences downtime due to human mistakes or server problems, having a recent backup can safeguard against data loss. It also allows you to swiftly restore your WordPress sites to a fully operational state.

Backups play a crucial role in ensuring WordPress security. If your site is compromised or affected by malware, you can easily revert to a clean version. This not only saves you time but also helps prevent financial losses from your site being offline.

Moreover, having a backup is beneficial when you plan to implement major changes to your multisite network. Before updating themes, plugins, or WordPress itself, creating a backup is advisable. This way, if issues arise, you can revert to the previous working version.

With that in mind, let’s explore three effective methods to back up your WordPress multisite network. Each of these methods is suitable for multisites with subdirectories or those with separate domains.

You can use the quick links below to navigate through this tutorial:

Method 1: Utilize a Multisite Backup Plugin (The Easiest Option)

The easiest way to back up a WordPress multisite is by using a backup plugin designed for multisite functionality, making it perfect for beginners. A reliable plugin manages the entire backup process, allowing you to avoid the complexities of technical backup procedures.

After testing various backup plugins that support multisite, we have determined that Duplicator Pro is our top recommendation.

This plugin not only creates backups of your entire WordPress site but also includes a disaster recovery feature. This is crucial for quickly restoring your WordPress multisite network in case of issues that prevent access to your WordPress admin area.

The only downside is that Duplicator Pro comes with a cost. While there is a free version available, the Pro plan, priced at $199.50 per year, is necessary for multisite support. However, investing in this plan is worthwhile when managing multiple sites within the same network.

For an in-depth analysis of the plugin, be sure to read our detailed Duplicator review.

Step 1: Install and Activate Duplicator

After purchasing Duplicator Pro, log in to your WordPress multisite network as a super admin. Then, proceed to install the WordPress plugin as the network administrator of your multisite.

Once the installation is complete, navigate to the Plugins » Installed PluginsNavigate to the page in your WordPress network admin dashboard. Locate Duplicator Pro and click on ‘Network Activate’ below it.

Next, head over to Duplicator Pro » Settings and select the ‘General’ tab.

In this section, enter the license key you received upon purchasing the plugin. Paste the key into the designated field and click ‘Activate’ to unlock all the plugin’s features.

Step 2: Create a Backup for Your Multisite

Now, let’s consolidate all your network’s data into a single zip file. This file serves as a backup or can be used to transfer your site to a new server.

Begin by navigating to Duplicator Pro » Backups and click on ‘Add New.’

At the top, assign a name to your backup. You can utilize special dynamic tags to include the current date and time of the backup.

This makes it easier to identify backups later, especially if you perform regular backups.

Next, select the location where you want to save your backup.

By default, Duplicator saves backups on your server, but you also have the option to use cloud storage services like Dropbox, OneDrive, or Google Drive.

The ‘Backup’ section lets you specify what to include in the multisite backup. It features three tabs: Filters, Multisite, and Security.

In the ‘Filters’ section, you can choose to back up entire websites or create backups that include only media files or database files. Additionally, you can exclude specific files, folders, or file types by enabling the ‘File Filters’ option.

For detailed information on which files to back up, check out our guide on essential WordPress files for backup.

The ‘Multisite’ section allows you to select which sub-sites to include in your backup.

This feature is useful if you want to back up only certain parts of your network.

For added security, navigate to the ‘Security’ tab.

Here, you can set a password or enable encryption to safeguard your backup file.

As you scroll down the page, you can keep the ‘Installer’ settings at their default values.

Simply click ‘Next’ to proceed.

Duplicator will now perform a check on your multisite network.

If there are any issues that require your attention, Duplicator will display a ‘Notice’ label next to the affected element. You can click on the arrow to learn more about the issue and follow Duplicator’s suggestions to resolve it.

If everything is marked as ‘Good’, you can click ‘Create Backup’ to proceed.

Once the backup is complete, you will find your new backup file listed on the ‘Backups’ page.

It’s advisable to click the ‘Download’ button and save both files to your computer. This ensures you can restore your site even if you lose access to your dashboard or decide to change your WordPress hosting provider.

You can also use the archived zip file to view your WordPress backup as a functional website.

How to Restore a Multisite BackupUsing Duplicator

Now that you understand how to create backups, let’s explore how to restore your WordPress multisite network using Duplicator Pro.

To start, navigate to Duplicator Pro » Backups. Locate the backup you wish to use and click the ‘Restore’ button next to it.

A window will appear displaying the contents of the backup file. It provides an overview of the archive and installer files. If everything appears correct, check the box that states ‘I have read and accept all terms & notices’ and click ‘Restore Backup.’

In our case, Duplicator alerted us that our addon staging site would not be restored. However, we were fine with that, so we proceeded with the restoration.

Next, another popup will prompt you to confirm that you are running the installer with the new multisite and database settings.

Click ‘OK’ to continue.

Once the recovery process is complete, make sure to check the box labeled ‘Automatically delete installer files after logging in to secure the site (recommended).’

You will also find an ‘Admin Login’ button. Click this to access your WordPress website again.

After logging in, Duplicator will direct you toDuplicator Pro » Tools. Here, you can perform some final checks.

We recommend clicking the buttons to permanently delete installation files, remove any backup orphans, and clear the build cache. This will help tidy up your restored site and ensure everything operates smoothly.

And that’s all there is to it.

In essence, that’s everything you need to back up and restore your WordPress multisite. However, here are some tips to maximize the functionality of the Duplicator Pro plugin.

Designate a Multisite Backup as a Disaster Recovery Point

One excellent feature of Duplicator Pro is the ability to establish a disaster recovery point. This tells the plugin which backup to utilize for a quick website restoration.

To configure disaster recovery, you need to have a complete backup saved on your server. You can verify this by navigating toDuplicator Pro » Backups.

If you have a backup available, simply click the disaster recovery icon next to it.

A popup window should now appear.

Simply click on ‘Set Disaster Recovery’ to begin.

Next, you have two choices: either save the recovery link in a secure location or download a launcher file.

If any issues arise with your WordPress multisite, you can initiate the recovery process using either option. Just paste the link into your browser or open the launcher file, and follow the straightforward recovery instructions.

Configure Automatic Scheduled Backups

Although you can create backups manually, this process can be tedious for network administrators. A more efficient alternative is to schedule your WordPress multisite backups to occur automatically.

Automated backups offer a hassle-free security solution for your WordPress multisite network. You can feel at ease knowing that a dependable plugin like Duplicator Pro is managing your backups on a predetermined schedule.

To set up automated backups, navigate to Duplicator Pro » Schedule Backups and click on ‘Add New.’

Now, assign a name to your backup schedule and select a ‘Backup Template.’

By default, Duplicator chooses the Default template, which creates a comprehensive WordPress backup that includes files, databases, media, themes, and plugins. If necessary, you can modify this by clicking the pencil ‘Edit’ button.

If everything looks good, proceed to the next step.

First, select the storage location for your backups.

You will see a list of cloud storage options you’ve previously configured, or you can choose ‘Default Local’ to save the backups on your web host.

Next, determine how often you want to back up your site. You can select from hourly, daily, weekly, or monthly automatic backups.

Then, choose a Start Time for your backups. Remember that backups require website traffic to initiate.

For example, if you schedule a daily backup at 6:00 AM but your site doesn’t receive traffic until 10:00 AM, the backup will commence at 10:00 AM.

Finally, ensure you check the ‘Enable this schedule’ box at the bottom of the page.

Click ‘Save Schedule’ to activate your automated backups for your WordPress multisite.

Method 2: Manual Backups Using File Manager/FTP and phpMyAdmin

If you’re on a budget or prefer to learn how to back up your WordPress multisite network manually without using plugins, we can walk you through the steps.

This method offers greater control over your backups, but it may not be the easiest option for beginners.

To proceed, you’ll need to use an FTP client or your hosting provider’s file manager to download all your website files, and you’ll also need to back up your WordPress database using phpMyAdmin.

It’s essential to perform both steps, as backing up files without the database, or vice versa, will lead to an incomplete backup.

Let’s go through the backup process step by step.

Step 1: Backup Your WordPress Files Using FTP or File Manager

We’ll demonstrate using Bluehost’s file manager, but the steps are similar across most web hosts and FTP clients.

Begin by logging into your Bluehost dashboard, then navigate to the ‘Websites’ tab. Select the site you wish to back up and click on ‘Settings.’

Scroll down to locate the ‘Quick Links’ section.

Here, click on ‘File Manager.’

In the new tab that opens, locate and select the public_html folder, which is the root folder of your WordPress multisite network.

Select all the files within the public_html folder and click ‘Compress’ at the top of the page. This will compress the main site along with all the subsites in your multisite network.

In the popup window, select ‘Zip Archive.’

Next, click ‘Compress Files.’

You will need to wait for your files to be compressed into a zip file.

Once the compression is complete, click ‘Close’ on the results window.

First, locate the zip file you just created in thepublic_htmldirectory. Select it and click ‘Download’ at the top of the page.

This process creates a backup of all the files for your entire multisite network, ensuring you have copies of your themes, plugins, and media files.

Step 2: Backup Your WordPress Database Using phpMyAdmin

Now, let’s proceed to back up your WordPress multisite database.

Return to your website’s settings page in the Bluehost dashboard. In the Quick Links section, click on ‘phpMyAdmin.’

This will launch phpMyAdmin in a new browser tab.

In the left column, you need to select your WordPress database. For a multisite network, the database name typically corresponds to your main site’s name. If you’re unsure, you can verify thewp-config.phpfile for the DB_NAME value.

After selecting the correct database, click the ‘Export’ button at the top.

You will be prompted to choose an export method.

You can select ‘Custom’ for more control over the process, and keep the format as SQL.

Once you choose Custom, simply scroll down to the ‘Output’ section.

By default, phpMyAdmin displays the export output as text. To change this, select ‘Save output to a file.’

To compress your backup, you can select either the zipped or gzipped format. Both options will effectively minimize the file size of your database backup.

Once you reach the end of the process, click the ‘Export’ button. phpMyAdmin will generate and deliver your database export as a compressed file.

Congratulations! You have successfully created a manual backup of your WordPress multisite database. This backup includes all content, user data, and settings for your entire multisite network, covering both the main site and all subsites.

To restore your WordPress multisite backup, upload your WordPress files using the file manager or FTP, and then set up a new database to import your database backup.

You can find the complete instructions below:

• How to Restore a WordPress Site Using Only a Database Backup
• How to Manually Restore WordPress Files

Method 3: Hire a WordPress Maintenance Service for a Hands-Off Experience

For those looking for the easiest solution for WordPress multisite backups, hiring a maintenance service is the best option. This allows WordPress professionals to manage your backup needs while you concentrate on other aspects of your business.

Among various services available, CanadaCreate Pro Services is distinguished by its extensive expertise and experience. With over 16 years in the industry, we have successfully assisted more than 100,000 users in launching their WordPress projects.

Our comprehensive WordPress maintenance and support service handles everything from software updates and backups to 24/7 uptime monitoring.

With our service, you will receive a dedicated account manager and immediate emergency support from a professional who understands your business needs. This ensures that any issues or concerns are resolved swiftly and effectively.

By trusting us with your WordPress websites, you can relax knowing they are managed by skilled professionals. Our team diligently works to prevent slowdowns due to updates, guarantee a seamless user experience, and uphold optimal performance.

Feel free to schedule a free consultation call with our experts today. We will evaluate your unique situation and suggest the best solutions for your WordPress security and backup requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some common questions our readers ask about backing up WordPress multisite:

1. What should I do if my backup files exceed the storage capacity of my server?

If your backup files are excessively large, consider utilizing external storage options such as cloud services like Dropbox or Google Drive.

Many backup plugins, such as Duplicator, seamlessly integrate with these services, streamlining the backup process. Offloading backups not only frees up server space but also enhances security.

2. How can I ensure the integrity of my WordPress Multisite backup?

To confirm the integrity of your backup, attempt to restore it in a local or staging environment before applying it to your live site.

This method guarantees that all files and databases are accurately backed up and operational, serving as a precaution to prevent potential data loss during restoration.

3. Is it possible to schedule automatic backups for specific sites within my Multisite network?

Yes, certain plugins like Duplicator Pro provide options to customize your backups, allowing you to select specific sites within the network.

You can establish different backup schedules tailored to the needs of each site, ensuring essential data is preserved without unnecessary duplication across the network.

4. What common mistakes should I avoid when backing up a WordPress Multisite?

Common mistakes include failing to back up both files and databases, overlooking the verification of backup completeness, and not keeping backups in a secure off-site location.

This is why it’s essential to ensure that your backups are regularly updated and stored in a safe manner.

We hope this guide has provided valuable insights on backing up your WordPress multisite. Additionally, consider exploring our expert recommendations for the best WordPress multisite plugins or our tutorial on integrating Google Drive with your WordPress media library.

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