Ultimate Guide to Backing Up Your WordPress Site to Amazon S3: Free and Paid Solutions!

After over ten years of managing WordPress sites, we’ve found that the most successful website owners share a crucial characteristic: they maintain robust backup systems.

This is why we strongly recommend using Amazon S3 as your backup solution—it’s dependable, cost-effective, and allows you to operate independently from your hosting provider.

Many WordPress site owners utilize Amazon S3 because it adds an essential layer of security that every website requires and integrates seamlessly with popular backup plugins.

In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to set up WordPress backups to Amazon S3.

We have thoroughly researched and tested various methods, and we will present both free and premium solutions that are most effective for safeguarding your WordPress site and securing your data.

Why Choose Amazon S3 for WordPress Backups?

We have assisted thousands of WordPress users in backing up and restoring their websites. Amazon S3 offers significant advantages over other cloud storage services like Google Drive or Dropbox, particularly for website backups.

Amazon S3 provides enterprise-level reliability, making it an excellent choice for business websites. It can consistently manage large backup files, regardless of when you perform your backups, making it ideal for businesses that cannot afford backup failures.

Additionally, Amazon S3 offers superior security compared to basic file-sharing services. Unlike Google Drive and OneDrive, which provide simple sharing features, S3 delivers enterprise-level security through Identity and Access Management (IAM).

This allows you to set specific security protocols, such as limiting access to designated time frames or automatically encrypting your backup files.

Amazon provides a free tier that includes 5 GB of storage, along with 2,000 PUT requests and 20,000 GET requests each month for your first year.

In practical terms, this means you can store multiple complete backups of a small WordPress site and perform regular backups without incurring additional costs during this period.

Regarding pricing, S3 operates on a flexible pay-as-you-go model with various storage classes. This allows you to select more economical options for long-term storage while keeping recent backups easily accessible.

Considering all these advantages, let’s explore how to transfer your WordPress backups to Amazon S3. You can use the quick links below to navigate to the section you need:

Getting Started: Set Up Your Amazon S3 Account

To back up your WordPress site to Amazon S3, it’s essential to properly configure your storage space first.

Step 1: Create Your Amazon S3 Bucket

Log in to your Amazon Web Services (AWS) account. Click the menu button in the top left corner and select ‘S3.’

On the S3 dashboard, find and click the ‘Create bucket’ button.

An Amazon S3 bucket acts as a container for your files, similar to a dedicated folder for all your WordPress backups.

Select ‘General purpose’ for the ‘Bucket type’ and choose a name for your bucket.

We suggest using your domain name as part of the bucket name, such as backups.yourwebsite.com. This approach ensures uniqueness and makes it easier to locate your WordPress backup files later.

You’ll encounter various configuration options. For typical WordPress backup purposes, you can keep the default settings, which include maintaining bucket privacy and enabling encryption for enhanced security.

Now, simply scroll to the bottom of the page and click the ‘Create bucket’ button.

Your new storage space will be ready in just a few moments.

Step 2: Establish a Security Policy

Next, we will create a security policy for your backups. This policy consists of rules that dictate how your backup files can be managed.

Begin by clicking on the menu again and selecting ‘IAM.’ This will direct you to the security management section of AWS.

From here, you can access the ‘Policies’ page.

You will need to click on the ‘Create policy’ button to configure your backup permissions.

Once the policy editor opens, select the ‘JSON’ tab to input your security rules.

This is where you will insert the specific permission code. It includes rules that inform AWS about the actions the plugin is permitted to perform. You can copy and paste the policy provided below into the editor:

{ "Version": "2012-10-17", "Statement": [ { "Effect": "Allow", "Action": [ "s3:ListBucket", "s3:GetBucketLocation", "s3:ListBucketMultipartUploads" ], "Resource": "arn:aws:s3:::BUCKETNAME", "Condition": {} }, { "Effect": "Allow", "Action": [ "s3:AbortMultipartUpload", "s3:DeleteObject", "s3:DeleteObjectVersion", "s3:GetObject", "s3:GetObjectAcl", "s3:GetObjectVersion", "s3:GetObjectVersionAcl", "s3:PutObject", "s3:PutObjectAcl" ], "Resource": "arn:aws:s3:::BUCKETNAME/*", "Condition": {} }, { "Effect": "Allow", "Action": "s3:ListAllMyBuckets", "Resource": "*", "Condition": {} } ]
}

This configuration allows your backup plugin to manage files in your backup bucket by listing, adding, retrieving, and deleting backup files. It also restricts the plugin’s permissions to enhance the security of your account.

At this point, you can scroll down the page.

Then, click on ‘Next.’

Now, you can assign a friendly name to your policy. Consider naming it something likeWordPress-Backup-Policy,Duplicator-Backup-Policy, orUpdraftPlus-Backup-Policy.

Feel free to select a name that resonates with you. This policy will work effectively with any of the WordPress backup plugins we will discuss later.

Once you are satisfied with the name, complete the process by clicking ‘Create policy.’

This will save all your security settings and prepare you for the next step.

Step 3: Create a User

Now that we have established our security policy, let’s create a user who can access your cloud storage. Think of this as setting up a dedicated account specifically for managing your WordPress backups.

Begin by navigating to the ‘Users’ section on the IAM page. You will see a ‘Create user’ button. Click on that.

Next, you will need to provide a name for your new user.

Choose a name that clearly indicates the purpose of this user. Then, click ‘Next.’

In the ‘Set permissions’ section, select ‘Attach policies directly.’

Here, you will link the security policy we just created to your new user, effectively granting them their specific permissions.

Browse through the list of policies until you locate the one we created earlier. You can quickly find it by entering the policy name in the search box.

Once you find it, simply check the box next to the policy.

After confirming all details, scroll down and click ‘Create user.’

AWS will configure your new user with the appropriate permissions to securely manage your WordPress backups.

Remember, we need to collect some essential security information for this user in the next step, so keep this window open.

Step 4: Copy Your Access Keys

Now, let’s generate your access keys. These act as secure passwords that allow your WordPress backup plugin to connect with Amazon S3.

First, click on the username we just created to view its details.

Locate the ‘Security credentials’ tab.

This is where we will generate your access keys.

Scroll down the page slightly.

Click the ‘Create access key’ button to proceed.

Amazon will prompt you to specify your use case.

Since we intend to use a WordPress backup plugin, select ‘Third-party service’ from the available options.

Next, scroll further down the page.

Check the box that says ‘I understand the above recommendation and want to proceed to create an access key’ and then click ‘Next.’

You can optionally add description tags before viewing your access keys.

We will skip this step as it’s not essential, so click the ‘Create access key’ button.

You will now see two crucial pieces of information: your access key ID and your secret access key. Consider these as a username and password that your backup plugin will use.

Make sure to store these keys securely, or keep this window open while you configure your backup method. Once you close this window, you won’t be able to retrieve the secret access key again.

Method 1: Use Duplicator to Backup WordPress to S3 (More Customizable)

Based on our experience, Duplicator is the most dependable option for backing up your WordPress site to Amazon S3. We personally use it for several partner websites and our own projects, which gives us confidence in recommending it as our top choice.

Duplicator’s standout feature is its comprehensive set of tools. You can schedule automatic backups, seamlessly migrate your entire WordPress site, and connect to various cloud storage services, all from a single dashboard. Additionally, its integration with Amazon S3 is robust and thoroughly tested.

For a complete breakdown of features, feel free to check out our in-depth Duplicator review, but for now, let’s concentrate on setting up your S3 backups.

Please note that you will need Duplicator Pro for the Amazon S3 integration, but you can begin with the free version to familiarize yourself with the essential features.

Step 1: Install and Activate Duplicator

Getting started is simple. First, you need to install the Duplicator plugin on your WordPress site. If you’re unfamiliar with installing WordPress plugins, don’t worry. We have a beginner-friendly guide available to help you through the process.

After installation, you can activate your Duplicator Pro license key. Just navigate toDuplicator Pro » SettingsIn your WordPress dashboard, input your license key and click ‘Activate.’ A confirmation message will appear once the activation is successful.

Step 2: Connect to Amazon S3

Next, let’s link Duplicator to your Amazon S3 account. Go to Duplicator Pro » Storageand click the ‘Add New’ button.

To easily identify this storage connection, you can name it something straightforward like ‘Amazon S3 Backups.’

Additionally, find the ‘Type’ dropdown menu and choose ‘Amazon S3.’

Now, scroll down.

You will see the authorization section where you can enter your access key and secret key that you saved earlier.

In the configuration section, input your bucket name exactly as it was created in Amazon S3. This allows Duplicator to know where to save your backup files.

You can also choose how many backup versions to retain. For instance, if you set this to ‘10,’ Duplicator will automatically delete the oldest backup when a new eleventh backup is created. Setting it to ‘0’ means all backups will be kept indefinitely.

Finally, click ‘Save Provider’ to confirm your settings.

After saving S3 as your new cloud storage provider, the ‘Test Storage’ button will become active.

Click the button to ensure everything is functioning correctly.

If the test backup is successful, a notification will appear confirming that the plugin has saved and removed the file.

You can close this notification by clicking ‘OK.’

Step 3: Create a Backup of Your WordPress Site to Amazon S3

Now, let’s dive into the exciting part: setting up your first backup to Amazon S3. We’ll guide you through this process step by step.

Begin by navigating to Duplicator Pro » Backups in your WordPress dashboard. You will see an ‘Add New’ button; click on it.

Here’s a useful tip: Organize your backups with a smart naming convention for easier retrieval.

Duplicator allows you to use special tags such as %year%, %day%, and %hour% in your backup names. For instance, ‘mysite-backup-%year%-%month%’ will generate names like ‘mysite-backup-2024-12.’

When you scroll down to the ‘Storage’ tab, you will find the available local and remote storage options.

Simply check the box next to Amazon S3, and Duplicator will automatically send your WordPress backup to S3.

Now, it’s time to select what you want to back up.

In the ‘Backup’ section, you’ll find multiple options. We suggest starting with ‘Full Site’ to create a comprehensive backup of your WordPress website files. This option captures everything, including your posts, pages, images, and settings.

Alternatively, you can select ‘Database Only’ to back up just your WordPress database.

If you choose this option, refer to our guide on restoring WordPress with only a database backup for further details.

Looking to enhance your security? Navigate to the ‘Security’ tab, where you can add a password to protect your backup files.

This feature is particularly important if you are storing sensitive information.

The Installer section includes pre-configured settings that are suitable for most websites.

You can keep these settings as they are and click ‘Next’ to continue.

Before initiating your backup, Duplicator performs a quick health check of your website.

Think of it as a pre-flight inspection. If everything is in order, you’ll see a green ‘Good’ status. If there are any problems, Duplicator will inform you of what needs to be addressed.

Finally, click the ‘Create Backup’ button.

Once the process is complete, you’ll return to your dashboard, where you can view all of your WordPress backups.

That’s all there is to it!

Want to verify that everything worked correctly? You can check your S3 bucket directly.

Simply log into your Amazon S3 account, navigate to your bucket, and you should find your new backup files stored safely there.

Method 2: Use UpdraftPlus to Backup Your WordPress Site to Amazon S3 (Free Option)

While Duplicator Pro is our preferred choice, we recognize that sometimes a free solution is necessary. UpdraftPlus is an excellent option. It’s a dependable free plugin that we have thoroughly tested for Amazon S3 backups.

Keep in mind that the free version has certain limitations compared to the premium plan. For example, you cannot create redundant backups across multiple locations simultaneously.

However, for basic scheduled backups to S3, the free version performs exceptionally well.

Let’s go ahead and set up the free version of UpdraftPlus on your site. First, you’ll need to install the WordPress plugin through your admin area.

After installation, you can locate UpdraftPlus in your WordPress dashboard. Navigate to the ‘Settings’ tab.

Here, you will find various backup options available.

Scroll down until you reach the cloud storage section, and click on ‘Amazon S3.’

Now, you can enter the access key and secret key we created earlier into their respective fields. Additionally, make sure to input your bucket name here.

Before proceeding, it’s advisable to click on ‘Test Amazon S3 settings.’ This will confirm that Amazon S3 is correctly connected to the WordPress migration plugin.

If the connection is successful, you’ll receive a push notification displaying a success message, similar to the screenshot below.

At this point, simply click ‘OK’ to save your changes.

Are you ready to back up your WordPress site? Go ahead and switch to the ‘Backup / Restore’ tab.

Next, click the ‘Backup Now’ button.

A friendly pop-up window will appear, presenting you with several options to choose from.

Be sure to check ‘Send this backup to remote storage’ to upload your WordPress backup to S3. We also recommend selecting both ‘Include your database in the backup’ and ‘Include your files in the backup’ for a comprehensive website backup.

After clicking ‘Backup Now,’ UpdraftPlus will begin the process of backing up your files.

Once the backup is complete, it will be listed under ‘Existing backups.’ You can scroll down the page to locate this section.

To verify that your backup has successfully uploaded to S3, simply log into your Amazon S3 account and check your designated bucket.

You should find your WordPress backup files securely stored in that location.

We hope this guide has provided you with valuable insights on backing up your WordPress site to Amazon S3. Additionally, consider exploring our curated list of the top Dropbox plugins for WordPress and our comprehensive guide on saving your WordPress blog posts to your computer.

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