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How to Back Up and Download Your WordPress Site Using Duplicator

Step-by-step guide to backing up your WordPress site with Duplicator. Simple, safe, and no tech skills needed.

Updated this week

At Rapyd Cloud, we want to make sure you always feel confident and in control of your website data, especially when you're preparing for a migration, applying major changes, or simply following best practices for backups.

All active Rapyd Cloud sites include automatic daily backups at no extra cost. However, there may be times when you want to create and download your own backup. This is particularly useful if you're working on a staging site, preparing for major updates, or just want an extra copy stored locally.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to use Duplicator, a popular and reliable WordPress plugin, to create a complete backup of your website. The free version of Duplicator lets you package your site (files and database) and download it easily through your browser. No technical skills required.

Whether you're getting ready to move to Rapyd Cloud or just want to keep a secure copy of your site, this step-by-step process will walk you through everything you need to do.

Rapyd Cloud’s legacy platform no longer includes backups for staging sites. This guide provides a simple way to create and download a full backup of your site whenever needed.


What You'll Need

  • Admin access to your WordPress dashboard

  • Enough available disk space on your server to complete the backup

  • A stable internet connection (for downloading the backup files)

  • At least a few hundred MB of free space on your local computer

  • No other backup plugins running simultaneously (to avoid conflicts)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Log In to Your WordPress Dashboard

  1. Open your browser and go to your WordPress admin URL (e.g., https://yourdomain.com/wp-admin).

  2. Enter your admin username and password.

Step 2: Install the Duplicator Plugin

  1. In the WordPress menu, go to Plugins > Add New.

  2. Use the search bar in the top right to search for Duplicator.

  3. Find Duplicator – Backups & Migration Plugin – Cloud Backups, Scheduled Backups, & More

  4. Click Install Now, then Activate.

Step 3: Create a New Backup Package

  1. Once the plugin is active, go to Duplicator > Packages in the WordPress sidebar.

  2. Click Create New in the top-right corner.

Step 4: Name Your Backup

  • You can rename the package if you want (e.g., site-backup-july-2025) or leave the default name.

  • Then click Next.

Step 5: Run the System Scan

Duplicator will now scan your site to check if everything’s ready.

  • Wait for the scan to complete.

  • If all checks pass, click Build to begin creating the backup.

  • This can take a few minutes depending on the size of your site.

If any checks fail or show warnings, you can usually proceed. Hover over the warning icon for more information.

Step 6: Download Your Backup Files

Once the build finishes, you’ll see two buttons:

  • Installer

  • Archive

Click both to download the full backup package to your local computer.

Common Issues & Tips

  • Build fails or gets stuck: Try disabling other backup plugins, clearing up space, or running the build again.

  • Warnings during scan: These are often related to file size or permissions. Contact our team if you're unsure.

  • Backup too large to download? Try excluding media files or use Duplicator Pro to send it to cloud storage (like Dropbox or Google Drive).

Conclusion

Creating a manual backup with Duplicator is a smart step to protect your WordPress site—whether you're preparing for a migration, making major updates, or simply staying proactive. With just a few clicks, you’ve saved a complete snapshot of your site that you can store safely or share with the Rapyd Cloud team if needed.

At Rapyd Cloud, we’re committed to giving you the tools and guidance to stay in control of your hosting environment. If you ever run into issues, or if you'd like us to assist with your migration or restoration process, don’t hesitate to reach out through your dashboard or support email.

Your peace of mind starts with a good backup—and now, you know exactly how to make one.

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