> 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

Learn how Hostinger's automatic and manual website backups work in hPanel, including how to generate, restore, and download file and database snapshots.

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*