Why Backing Up a WordPress Multisite Matters
A WordPress Multisite lets you manage multiple websites from a single dashboard. It’s a powerful feature, especially if you’re running a network of blogs, client websites, or regional sub-sites. But with more power comes more risk.
If something goes wrong—whether it’s a plugin conflict, a failed update, or a server issue—it can affect every site in your network. That means one small error could take down dozens of sites in one go.
That’s why regular backups are so important. When you back up a WordPress Multisite, you’re not just protecting one site—you’re protecting your entire system, including themes, plugins, media files, user data, and all the custom settings for each site.
Backing up gives you a recovery point. If anything goes wrong, you can restore your full network without losing valuable time, data, or traffic. It’s one of the smartest things you can do to keep your setup safe, reliable, and stress-free.
Whether you’re managing a personal blog network or a large business platform, a solid backup strategy keeps you in control—even when the unexpected happens.
What Makes WordPress Multisite Backups Different?
Backing up a regular WordPress site? That’s simple enough—you’ve got one site, one set of files, and one database. But with WordPress Multisite, it’s a completely different ballgame.
Instead of having separate WordPress installs for each website, a Multisite network runs everything under one roof. All sites share the same WordPress core files, themes, and plugins. But—and here’s the catch—each individual site has its own set of content, uploads, and database tables.
That’s where it gets tricky.
In a typical WordPress setup, your backup tool just grabs your files and database, and you’re good to go. But in Multisite, the database is shared across the network, and each site uses its own prefix inside that single database. So if your backup tool doesn’t understand this structure, it might miss entire sites without you even knowing.
Even restoring a single site within the network isn’t as simple as clicking “restore.” Unless you’re using a backup solution built specifically for Multisite, you might find yourself restoring the entire network just to fix one part of it.
That’s why Multisite backups need special attention. They’re not just bigger—they’re structured differently. To keep your network safe and fully restorable, you need a backup system that knows how to handle all the moving parts of a Multisite environment.
Choosing the Right Backup Method
When it comes to backing up a WordPress Multisite network, you’ve got two main routes: doing it manually or using a plugin. Both work—but which one’s actually better for you depends on your setup, your time, and your comfort with technical stuff.
Let’s break it down.
Manual backups mean you’re handling everything yourself. That usually involves exporting your full database, copying all your files from the server (themes, plugins, uploads, etc.), and storing them safely—preferably off-site. If you’re comfortable with cPanel, phpMyAdmin, or FTP clients like FileZilla, this could work. The upside? You know exactly what’s happening. The downside? It’s time-consuming, easy to mess up, and not ideal if you’re managing multiple sites or need frequent backups.
Then you’ve got plugin-based backups. These take a lot of the pressure off. There are plugins designed specifically for WordPress Multisite, like UpdraftPlus (premium) or BlogVault, which understand how Multisite works. They can back up the entire network or even let you restore individual subsites. It’s a set-it-and-forget-it option, which is great if you’re busy or managing a large network.
So, which one’s better?
If you’re running a business, managing clients, or just don’t want to risk missing anything important—plugin-based backups are the safer choice. They save time, reduce errors, and often come with automatic scheduling and cloud storage options built in.
But if you’re experienced with server management and want more control (and maybe save a few bucks), manual could work—just be prepared for more hands-on effort.
Best Plugins for Backing Up WordPress Multisite
Not all backup plugins are built to handle the complexity of a WordPress Multisite network. You need something that understands the structure, can manage multiple subsites, and doesn’t skip over important data. Below are some of the most trusted tools that professionals use for multisite backups—each with its own strengths.
- UpdraftPlus (Premium)
UpdraftPlus is a popular name in the WordPress community, and its premium version comes with full support for Multisite. It lets you back up the entire network or even individual subsites. You can schedule automatic backups and store them in remote locations like Google Drive, Dropbox, or Amazon S3. It’s reliable, simple to set up, and gives you the flexibility to restore what you need—when you need it. - BlogVault
BlogVault is another strong option, especially for agencies or users managing client sites. It’s designed with Multisite in mind and provides incremental backups, meaning it only backs up changes after the first full backup—keeping things light and fast. It also includes staging, restore, and even migration features that work seamlessly across subsites. - ManageWP
While primarily known for site management, ManageWP also offers backup functionality that works with WordPress Multisite. With scheduled backups, one-click restore, and cloud storage options, it’s a good pick if you’re already using the platform to monitor multiple sites. - WPvivid Backup Pro
WPvivid Pro supports Multisite networks and allows for full or selective backups. It also supports cloud storage, automated schedules, and one-click restore. It’s a newer option compared to the others, but it’s gaining popularity for its user-friendly interface and value for money.
When choosing a plugin, consider how often you want to back up, where you’ll store the files, and whether you need features like one-click restores or subsite-specific backups. A good backup plugin should make your life easier—not more complicated.
Let me know if you’d like help linking these to their official sites for outbound links or adding a short plugin comparison!
Step-by-Step: How to Back Up Your Multisite Network
Backing up a WordPress Multisite network might sound complex, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you’re running a handful of subsites or managing a large network, a proper backup can save you a lot of time (and stress) down the road.
Here’s a straightforward step-by-step guide to help you get it done right.
- Choose Your Backup Approach
Before anything else, decide how you want to back up your network:
- Manually through your hosting panel or file manager
- Using a plugin (like UpdraftPlus, BlogVault, or WPvivid Pro)
Plugins are often the easiest and safest option—especially for beginners or those managing multiple sites.
- Back Up Your Database
In a WordPress Multisite setup, all subsites share the same database. You’ll want to export the entire database, not just a portion.
If you’re using a plugin, this step is usually automatic. If you’re going manual, tools like phpMyAdmin can help you export everything. - Back Up Your Files
This includes:
- The wp-content folder (where themes, plugins, and uploads live)
- Your wp-config.php and .htaccess files
- Any custom folders or scripts you’ve added
If you’re using a plugin, make sure it’s configured to include all files in the backup—not just the database.
- Store the Backup Safely
Never store backups on the same server as your site. Choose a secure cloud service like Google Drive, Dropbox, Amazon S3, or an external hard drive. Many backup plugins offer integrations with these storage services. - Automate It
Don’t rely on memory to keep backups running. Set up automatic schedules—daily, weekly, or monthly depending on how often your content changes. This ensures you always have a recent restore point if something goes wrong. - Test Your Backup
It’s not a real backup if you can’t restore it. Test the restore process on a staging site or a local environment. Make sure your data, themes, and subsites all come back intact.
That’s it. Simple, clear, and effective.
And if you’d prefer to see it in action rather than read about it—check out this helpful video guide by Hostinger Academy on YouTube. It walks you through the entire backup process step-by-step, with visuals that make it even easier to follow.
How Often Should You Back Up?
The short answer? It depends on how often your sites change.
In a WordPress Multisite setup, you’re not just dealing with one site—you might have multiple users, different site owners, constant content updates, theme tweaks, plugin installs, and more. All of this makes backups not just important, but necessary.
A good rule to follow:
Back up as often as you’d hate to lose something.
Here’s what that looks like in practice:
- Daily backups are ideal if your network gets updated frequently—think blogs, eCommerce stores, or membership sites.
- Weekly backups might work fine for moderately active sites where changes happen now and then.
- Monthly backups? Only if your site is static and rarely touched. Even then, it’s a bit of a gamble.
If you’re unsure where to start, go with weekly backups to be safe. Most reliable plugins let you automate the process, so once it’s set up, you don’t have to think about it again.
And whenever you’re making a big change—like updating themes, adding new plugins, or tweaking settings—always do a manual backup first. It takes just a few minutes and can save you hours of recovery work if something goes wrong.
At the end of the day, there’s no perfect schedule that fits everyone. But if you’re consistent, even a basic backup routine can offer real peace of mind.
Let your site evolve—but never without a safety net.
Where to Store Your Backups Safely
When it comes to backups, where you store them is just as important as how often you make them. For WordPress multisite setups, having a reliable storage solution isn’t optional—it’s essential. You don’t want to find out too late that your backup failed or is stuck on a corrupted drive.
So, what’s the safest way to store your backups?
Cloud storage is one of the most popular options. Services like Google Drive, Dropbox, or Amazon S3 give you off-site protection, meaning your data is safe even if your server crashes or your local device fails. Many backup plugins support automatic uploads to these platforms, which is especially helpful if you regularly backup WordPress multisite networks.
Local storage—like an external hard drive or a secure server—is great for quick access. But it comes with risks like physical damage, theft, or hardware failure. That’s why it’s smart to use local storage alongside a cloud solution.
The best move? Use both. Keep a local copy for convenience and a cloud copy for safety. It gives you flexibility and peace of mind, no matter what happens.
How to Restore Your Multisite Backup (Just in Case)
So, you’ve got a backup of your WordPress multisite. Great! But now something’s gone wrong, and it’s time to actually use that backup. Don’t worry—it’s not as scary as it sounds.
First things first: what kind of backup do you have? If you used a plugin like UpdraftPlus or BlogVault, the process is super straightforward. You just go into the plugin’s dashboard, find your latest backup, and hit “Restore.” The plugin usually handles everything—your files, your database, all of it.
If you did a manual backup, it takes a bit more effort—but it’s still doable:
- Upload your files using an FTP tool (like FileZilla).
- Import your database using phpMyAdmin.
- Double-check your wp-config.php and .htaccess files to make sure they match your setup.
Here’s one important thing: restoring a multisite is not quite like restoring a regular WordPress site. Multisite networks rely on specific database setups and URL structures. So, if you’re restoring to a different server or domain, you might need to update paths and site URLs too.
Once everything’s in place, take a few minutes to test it all:
- Visit the main site and all subsites.
- Check if plugins and themes are working.
- Make sure nothing looks broken or out of place.
That’s it! If your backup was solid, restoring should feel like rewinding time—back to when everything was running smoothly.
And if you’re still unsure? You’re not alone. Don’t hesitate to ask for help or use a professional service. The most important thing is making sure your network gets back online safely.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When it comes to backing up your WordPress multisite, it’s easy to overlook a few things—until they come back to bite you. Here’s what many people get wrong, so you don’t have to make the same mistakes.
- Only Backing Up the Database
This is a big one. Your database stores your content, but your media files, themes, plugins, and settings live in the file system. If you only back up the database, restoring your site won’t bring everything back. Make sure your backup includes both: files and database.
- Skipping Regular Backups
Backing up once and forgetting about it? That’s risky. Sites change all the time—new content, updates, user activity. If your last backup was from a month ago, you could lose a lot. Set a schedule that makes sense for your site’s activity—daily, weekly, whatever fits.
- Storing Backups on the Same Server
If your server crashes or gets hacked, and your only backup is stored there… you’re out of luck. Always store backups offsite—cloud storage, external drives, or a remote server. Better safe than sorry.
- Not Testing the Backup
Just because you have a backup doesn’t mean it’s usable. A corrupt or incomplete backup is as good as no backup at all. It’s a good habit to test your backups once in a while, even if just on a staging site.
- Forgetting Multisite-Specific Settings
Multisite networks have unique structures—shared plugins, mapped domains, network-wide settings. A backup solution designed for single sites may not capture everything you need. Always use tools that support WordPress multisite properly.
- Relying Too Much on Hosting Backups
Some hosts do offer automatic backups, but they may not be frequent, complete, or easy to restore. Hosting backups are great as a safety net, but they shouldn’t be your only plan.
Avoiding these mistakes can save you a lot of trouble down the road. Think of your backup plan as insurance—it’s not just about having one; it’s about making sure it works when you really need it.
Final Tips to Keep Your Network Safe and Stress-Free
Backing up your WordPress Multisite network isn’t just about ticking a box—it’s about protecting your hard work, your clients’ trust, and your own peace of mind. And the truth is, most backup disasters don’t come from huge errors—they come from small oversights. Skipping a backup. Using the wrong tool. Forgetting to test a restore. All easy mistakes to avoid once you know where to look.
Here’s the thing: you don’t need a complicated system to stay protected. You just need a consistent one. Choose a backup method that fits your setup. Automate it. Store it safely. And every once in a while, test it.
Do the basics well, and your network won’t just run smoother—it’ll feel a lot less stressful to manage.
When you back up regularly, store wisely, and avoid common mistakes, you’re doing more than saving data—you’re keeping your entire network future-proof, functional, and frustration-free.
So take a few extra minutes now. It could save you hours—or days—later. Your future self will thank you.
If you’re running a Multisite setup, the last thing you want is a theme that slows things down or breaks something after an update. At webxThemes, we sell WordPress themes that just work—built to handle real use, even across multiple sites. No fluff, just solid designs you can count on.
