27 Oct WP File Manager backups: what to know
Managing backups is a core responsibility for any website administrator, and for WordPress users, tools like WP File Manager offer both convenience and risk. While WP File Manager can be an effective tool for handling file-level access directly from the WordPress dashboard, understanding its role in creating and managing backups is essential. In this article, we’ll explore what you need to know about using WP File Manager for backups, the risks involved, and the best practices to ensure your website stays protected.
What is WP File Manager?
WP File Manager is a popular WordPress plugin that provides an interactive file management system within your admin dashboard. It mimics the functionality of an FTP client, allowing users to:
- Upload and download files directly from the WordPress interface
- Edit, move, delete, or zip files and folders
- Access core WordPress directories such as wp-content, themes, plugins, and others
The flexibility of this plugin makes it a favorite among developers and administrators who want to perform quick file edits without leaving their browser. However, with great convenience comes potential risk, especially when dealing with backups.
Can You Use WP File Manager for Backups?
Technically, yes — you can use WP File Manager to manually create backups. This typically involves compressing your WordPress site files into a ZIP archive and downloading them. However, it is important to recognize that WP File Manager is not a dedicated backup tool, and relying solely on it for backups can be precarious.
Using WP File Manager, you can create a backup by:
- Navigating to the public_html or root WordPress installation folder
- Selecting all core files and the wp-content folder
- Right-clicking and choosing the “Compress” option
- Downloading the resulting ZIP file to your local system
While this gives you a snapshot of the website’s files, it does not capture your database, which houses essential content like posts, user data, and comments. For a complete backup, you also need to export the WordPress database via phpMyAdmin or a similar tool — something WP File Manager does not support.
Limitations of WP File Manager for Backups
There are several downsides to consider if you’re thinking of using WP File Manager as your primary backup solution:
- Incomplete Backups: WP File Manager cannot back up the database. Files alone aren’t sufficient to restore a full website in case of failure.
- Manual Process: Creating backups through WP File Manager is completely manual. There’s no way to schedule automatic backups or store copies on cloud systems like Google Drive or Dropbox.
- Risk of Human Error: Since all actions are manual, the process is vulnerable to mistakes such as forgetting to include certain folders or files.
- Security Concerns: If the plugin itself is compromised or lacks proper security controls, hackers could use it as a gateway to plant malicious files or steal backups.
Security Implications
WP File Manager has had at least one major security vulnerability in the past that opened sites to full remote code execution — a critical issue. While the plugin has since been updated and patched, any administrative tool that grants access to the file system is inherently risky.
To mitigate these risks:
- Ensure the plugin is always up-to-date
- Restrict its use to trusted administrators only
- Use two-factor authentication for WordPress admin login
- Consider logging and monitoring actions performed within File Manager
If you do use WP File Manager to store backups momentarily on your server, always delete them right after you download them. Leaving backup files on the server increases the risk of unauthorized access.
Best Practices for WordPress Backups
Instead of relying on WP File Manager, consider these recommended practices for creating reliable backups:
1. Use a Dedicated Backup Plugin
Plugins like UpdraftPlus, BackupBuddy, or VaultPress are designed specifically for WordPress backups and offer features like:
- Full site and database backup
- Scheduled backups
- Cloud storage integration
- One-click restore functionality
These tools provide a more secure and seamless way to manage backups, reduce human error, and automate the entire process.
2. Remote Offsite Storage
Always store your backups offsite. That means not keeping them in your WordPress server or hosting environment. Choose cloud storage options like:
- Google Drive
- Dropbox
- Amazon S3
- External FTP or SFTP servers
Storing files in the same location increases the chance of total data loss if your server is breached or corrupted.
3. Regularly Test Your Backups
A backup is only as good as its ability to restore your website. Periodically test your backup files by restoring them in a staging environment to confirm that they work correctly.
Using WP File Manager Alongside Backup Tools
WP File Manager can still be valuable in a backup workflow, especially for quick access or custom tasks. Use it in a complementary way:
- To double-check if your backup plugin saved files appropriately
- To download specific files for individual backups when troubleshooting
- To remove old backups left on the server to save storage space
However, always remember that this tool should not serve as your only backup method.
Choosing the Right Backup Strategy
Your backup strategy should align with the size, complexity, and importance of your website. Here are a few suggestions based on different user types:
For Small Blogs or Personal Websites
- Use a reliable free plugin like UpdraftPlus
- Backup your site weekly or after major changes
For Business or E-commerce Sites
- Use premium plugins with real-time backup features
- Store backups in multiple locations (e.g., Dropbox + Amazon S3)
- Monitor all file activity, possibly with tools like WordFence
For Developers Managing Multiple Sites
- Use multi-site management tools such as ManageWP or MainWP
- Schedule automated backups across all sites
- Integrate regular testing into maintenance workflows
Final Thoughts
While WP File Manager offers a convenient way to interact with your WordPress site’s files, it is not a reliable backup solution by itself. It has real utility for developers and admins in specific contexts, but should be used carefully and securely.
If you care about the integrity and safety of your WordPress site, adopting a dedicated backup solution that includes both file and database protection is non-negotiable. Use WP File Manager in a supportive role, not as your primary safety net.
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