Website Backup on Hostinger Made Simple
TL;DR:
- Hostinger backs up your files and databases automatically, but you control the schedule
- Manual backups work best before major updates or content changes
- Daily backups suit active sites, weekly works for static ones
- Restoring is straightforward through the control panel
- Test restored sites on staging before going live
Hostinger takes the complexity out of website backups. You get automatic protection for your files and databases, plus the flexibility to create backups whenever you need them.
What Hostinger Backs Up For You
Hostinger's backup system covers your essential website data without you lifting a finger. Your site files, databases, and configuration settings get saved regularly. This means your content stays protected even if something goes wrong.
The system runs in the background, so you don't need to remember to backup manually every time. But relying only on automatic backups isn't always enough.
When Manual Backups Make Sense
Creating your own backups gives you an extra safety net. Do this before making any big changes to your site.
Create manual backups before:
- Installing new plugins or themes
- Making major design changes
- Updating your site's core files
- Adding large amounts of new content
- Changing important settings
You can trigger these backups through Hostinger's control panel whenever you need them. It takes a few clicks and runs in the background.
Setting Up Your Backup Schedule
How often you backup depends on how frequently your site changes.
For active sites with regular updates: Daily backups work best. If you're posting content, making sales, or updating information daily, you want recent backups available.
For static sites with occasional changes: Weekly backups usually cover you. If your site stays mostly the same week to week, you don't need daily snapshots.
For sites between active and static: Twice weekly hits the sweet spot.
Set this up in your Hostinger dashboard. You can pick the frequency and timing that works for your schedule.
How to Restore Your Website
When you need to restore from a backup, Hostinger keeps it simple:
- Go to the backup section in your control panel
- Pick the backup date you want to restore from
- Choose full site restoration or select specific files
- Confirm your choice and let the system handle the rest
The restoration process runs automatically. You'll get a notification when it's complete.
Important: Always test your restored website on a staging area first. This lets you check everything works properly before your visitors see any changes.
Getting the Most From Your Backups
Store backup copies in multiple places if your site is business-critical. Hostinger's backups live on their servers, but downloading copies to your own storage adds another layer of protection.
Check your backups work by restoring to a test environment occasionally. A backup that won't restore properly isn't much use when you really need it.
Keep backup retention in mind. Older backups get deleted automatically to save space, so don't assume that backup from six months ago will still be there.
FAQs
Can I create backups manually in Hostinger?
Yes, Hostinger's control panel includes manual backup tools. You can create a backup whenever you need one, not just on the automatic schedule.
How often should I schedule backups?
Match your backup frequency to how often your site changes. Daily for active sites, weekly for static ones. More backups mean less potential lost work.
Can I restore individual files instead of the whole site?
Yes, Hostinger supports selective restoration. You can pick specific files or directories instead of restoring everything.
How long do backups stay available?
This depends on your hosting plan. Check your plan details for backup retention periods. Most plans keep backups for at least 30 days.
Jargon Buster
Staging environment: A copy of your website used for testing changes before they go live
Database: Where your website stores content, settings, and other dynamic information
File restoration: Bringing back specific files from a backup without restoring the entire website
Backup retention: How long backup copies are kept before being automatically deleted
Wrap-up
Hostinger makes website backups manageable without the technical headaches. The automatic system handles routine protection, while manual backups give you control when making important changes.
Set up a backup schedule that matches how often your site changes. Test your restoration process occasionally to make sure everything works when you need it. Regular backups aren't exciting, but they'll save you major headaches if something goes wrong with your site.