> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.hostinger.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.hostinger.com/websites/backups.md).

# Backups

Automatic scheduled backups plus manual snapshots. Restore to any available point.

## Automatic backups

Hostinger backs up your site on a regular schedule. Backups cover site files and databases.

Automatic backups run **weekly** by default, and **daily** on plans that include daily backups. If your plan only includes weekly backups, you can purchase the **Daily backups** add-on from hPanel — same retention behavior, run every 24 hours instead of once a week. Check your plan's details for what's included.

> **Note:** Email mailboxes are not included in website backups (the Backups page lists what's excluded) — website backups cover [hosting content](#what-backups-include), while [email](/emails/overview.md) is a separate service. Configure your mail client or a third-party backup tool if you need email archives.

## View available backups

1. Open your website dashboard.
2. Go to **Backups**.

You'll see a list of snapshots with timestamps.

## Create a manual backup

1. Go to **Backups**.
2. Click **Generate backup**.

The backup runs in the background and shows up in the list once done.

Limits to know:

* Manual backups can be generated **once per 24 hours**.
* On entry-level plans, generating manual backups requires upgrading to a Business or higher plan.

## Restore a backup

> **Warning:** Restoring overwrites your current files and/or database. This cannot be undone. Download the backup first if you want a before-state copy.

1. Go to **Backups**.
2. Find the backup you want.
3. Click **Restore**.
4. Pick what to restore:
   * **Files only**
   * **Database only**
   * **Full backup**
5. Confirm.

## Download a backup

1. Go to **Backups**.
2. Click **Download** on the backup.

It's packaged as a `.zip` or `.tar.gz`.

## What backups include

* All files in `public_html` and subdirectories
* MySQL databases

Email mailboxes and server configuration are not included. Server configuration is managed by Hostinger.

## Best practices

* Create a manual backup before major updates (CMS, theme, plugin changes).
* Download a copy locally for extra safety.
* Test restores occasionally to confirm they work.

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*Last updated: July 22, 2026*