Back up WordPress and prove you can restore it

Steps

1. Step 1: Export the database

   In phpMyAdmin, select the WordPress database (DB_NAME in wp-config.php), Export → Custom → gzipped. How to export a database (backup with phpMyAdmin)

2. Step 2: Archive the files

   In System Info & Files › then File Manager, compress the WordPress folder and download the archive, then delete it from the server. How to download files from your hosting account

3. Step 3: Store both off the server

   Put both files in a dated folder in cloud storage, such as 2026-09-15-yoursite.

4. Step 4: Create a staging subdomain

   Create restore-test.yourdomain.co.uk. How to create a subdomain

5. Step 5: Create a new database

   Create a separate database and user for the test. How to create a MySQL database in DirectAdmin

6. Step 6: Restore files and database

   Upload and extract the file archive into the subdomain’s folder, and import the database export into the new database. How to import a database with phpMyAdmin

7. Step 7: Point the copy at its database and address

   Edit the copy’s wp-config.php with the new database details, and add WP_HOME and WP_SITEURL set to the subdomain address. How to change your WordPress site URL

8. Step 8: Check it

   Load the subdomain, log in, and open a few posts and pages. Images may point to the live site; that’s fine for a restore test.

9. Step 9: Clean up

   Delete the subdomain, its folder and the test database, so they don’t use space or get indexed.