Always keep a recent backup before making changes.
- Plugin method (easiest): install a backup plugin like UpdraftPlus (article 92), then run a backup and save it to cloud storage or download it.
- cPanel method: use the Backup tool to download your home directory (files) and your database (articles 157 and 160).
- Softaculous method: open your WordPress install in Softaculous and click Backup.
Tip: Keep backups in more than one place, and take one before every update or major change. See the Backups category for full details.
