Backing Up Your Hostinger Website
TL;DR:
- Create backups through Hostinger's Website Builder dashboard under Settings or Tools
- Set up automatic backups to protect your latest changes without remembering to do it manually
- Restore previous versions directly from your backup list when something goes wrong
- Test restorations on a staging area before pushing changes live
Keeping your website backed up is one of those things that seems obvious until disaster strikes. Hostinger's Website Builder makes this straightforward, but you need to know where to look and what to do.
The backup system works by taking snapshots of your entire site at specific points in time. You can then roll back to any of these snapshots if something breaks or goes wrong.
Creating Your First Backup
Getting your backup set up takes just a few clicks:
- Log into your Hostinger account and head to your dashboard
- Select your website from the Website Builder section
- Find the Backup Tool – this usually sits under "Settings" or "Tools" depending on your dashboard layout
- Click 'Create Backup' and give it a descriptive name (like "Pre-redesign backup" or "Working version March 2024")
The system will churn away for a few minutes, then show you a confirmation message. Always wait for this confirmation before moving on. Half-finished backups are useless when you actually need them.
Setting Up Automatic Backups
Manual backups are fine for one-off situations, but you want automatic ones running regularly. This catches all your daily changes without you having to remember.
In the same backup section, look for scheduling options. Most people set these to run weekly, but if you update your site frequently, daily backups make more sense. The system will keep multiple versions, so you're not limited to just the most recent one.
Restoring from a Backup
When something goes wrong (and it will at some point), here's how to get back to a working version:
- Go back to your Backup Tool in the Website Builder
- Browse your available backups – they should be listed by date and name
- Select the version you want – pick one from before the problem started
- Click 'Restore' and confirm the action
The restore process will overwrite your current site with the backup version. This means any changes made since that backup will disappear, so make sure you're choosing the right restore point.
Testing Restorations Safely
Before restoring directly to your live site, consider testing the backup first. Some Hostinger plans let you restore to a staging URL where you can check everything works properly. This prevents you from accidentally making things worse.
If staging isn't available, at least create a fresh backup of your current (broken) site before restoring. That way you can get back to where you were if the restore doesn't fix the problem.
Common Backup Mistakes
The biggest mistake is assuming backups are happening automatically when they're not. Check your backup schedule regularly and verify that new backups are actually being created.
Another issue is not testing your backups. A backup that won't restore properly is worthless. Every few months, try restoring an old backup to a test area just to make sure the process works.
Finally, don't rely solely on Hostinger's backups. While they're convenient, having an additional backup method (like downloading your site files manually) gives you extra protection.
FAQs
How often should I back up my Hostinger website?
If you update your site regularly, set automatic backups to run daily. For sites that change less frequently, weekly backups work fine.
Can I download my backup files to my computer?
This depends on your Hostinger plan. Some allow you to download backup files, while others only let you restore within the platform.
How many backup versions does Hostinger keep?
The number varies by plan, but most keep several weeks worth of backups. Check your specific plan details for exact limits.
What happens if I restore an old backup by mistake?
You can restore a more recent backup to undo the change, assuming you have one. This is why creating a backup before any major changes is important.
Jargon Buster
Backup – A copy of your website's files and data saved at a specific point in time
Restore – The process of replacing your current website with a previous backup version
Staging area – A private copy of your website where you can test changes before they go live
Snapshot – Another term for backup, referring to capturing your site's state at a moment in time
Wrap-up
Hostinger's backup system is reliable and easy to use once you know where everything is. Set up automatic backups as soon as possible, and don't forget to test the restore process occasionally. The few minutes you spend setting this up properly will save you hours of stress if something goes wrong later.
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