Backups on WP Engine
How WP Engine's backup system (Backup Points) works, how to restore a backup, and how to create a manual backup before big changes.
WP Engine uses a backup system called Backup Points — automatic snapshots of your site taken on a schedule. Each environment (Production, Staging, Development) has its own backup history.
Quick summary
WP Engine creates automatic daily backups called Backup Points. You can also create manual backups on demand. Restoring is done from the User Portal and typically takes just a few minutes. We handle backups as part of your care plan, but you can initiate a restore yourself in an emergency.
How WP Engine Backup Points work
WP Engine automatically takes Backup Points on a daily schedule. Each Backup Point captures:
- All WordPress files — your theme, plugins, uploads, and WordPress core.
- Your WordPress database — content, settings, users, orders, and all other data.
Backup Points are available for a rolling retention window. The exact period depends on your plan — check your WP Engine account or their documentation for current details.
Viewing your Backup Points
Log in to the WP Engine User Portal at my.wpengine.com.
Click on your site and switch to the Production environment (or whichever environment you want to check).
Find the Backup Points section. It's usually accessible from the site's navigation panel.
View the list. Each Backup Point shows the date and time it was taken.
Creating a manual Backup Point
Before a major update or change, create a manual backup:
Open the Backup Points section for your site's Production environment.
Click "Create Backup Point" (or similar — the exact label may vary).
Add a note to identify the backup (e.g. "Before plugin updates May 2026").
Wait for the backup to complete. It will appear in your list with a timestamp and your note.
Restoring a Backup Point
Restoring overwrites your current site
When you restore a Backup Point, the current version of your site is replaced with the backed-up version. Any changes since that backup will be lost. Contact us before restoring if you're unsure.
Open the Backup Points section in the User Portal.
Find the Backup Point you want to restore — the one taken just before the problem occurred.
Click Restore next to that Backup Point.
Choose what to restore — files, database, or both.
Confirm the restore. WP Engine will process the restore, which typically takes a few minutes.
Verify your site. Open your website in a fresh browser tab and check it's working correctly.
Downloading a backup
WP Engine allows you to download a Backup Point as a zip file. This is useful for keeping a local copy or for migrating to another host. Look for a download option next to each Backup Point.
Common questions
Related guides
- The WP Engine User Portal explained
- Staging on WP Engine
- Backups on Flywheel
- Backups on Kinsta
- Restoring your site from a backup
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