Softaculous can back up each app it manages, files and database together, and restore it with one click. This is perfect right before an update or a big change. MdmHost's daily JetBackup still protects your whole account; Softaculous backups add an extra, app-level safety net that you control.
Before you start
- The app must be listed in Softaculous → All Installations. If you installed it manually, import it into Softaculous first.
- Backups are stored in your account by default (
~/softaculous_backups) and count toward your disk quota. Check free space in Disk Usage.
Make a manual backup
- Open cPanel → Software → Softaculous Apps Installer, then All Installations (top right icon).
- Click the Backup icon next to the installation.
- Tick what to include: Backup Directory (files), Backup Database, and Backup Data Directory for apps that have one.
- Choose the Backup Location: Default (your account) or a remote location you added.
- Add a Backup Note, such as
before WooCommerce 9 update. - Click Backup Installation. Wait for the confirmation.
Schedule automatic backups
- In All Installations, click the Edit details (pencil) icon.
- Set Automated backups to Once a day, Once a week or Once a month.
- Set Backup Rotation, e.g.
4, so only the latest four are kept. - Click Save Installation Details.
Tip: Weekly backups with a rotation of 2–4 are usually enough because JetBackup already keeps daily copies. Daily Softaculous backups of a big site can fill your quota quickly.
Store backups off the server
- In Softaculous, open the top menu → Backups and Restore → Add Backup Location (or Settings → Backup Locations).
- Choose a protocol such as FTP, SFTP, Dropbox, Google Drive or another supported service and enter the details.
- Select this location when backing up or in Edit details.
Restore a backup
- Open Softaculous → Backups and Restore (the clock/backup icon at the top).
- Find the backup by date and note, and click the Restore icon.
- Tick Restore Directory and Restore Database (both, for a clean roll-back).
- Click Restore Installation and confirm. Files and data created after the backup are replaced.
Download or delete backups
On the Backups and Restore page, use the Download icon to save a backup as a .tar.gz on your computer and the Delete icon to remove old ones and free space.
Troubleshooting
- Backup failed: disk quota exceeded: delete old backups or use a remote location.
- Restore fails because the installation was removed: reinstall the same app at the same path, or restore with JetBackup instead (files and database).
- Backup takes very long: exclude cache and old backup folders inside the site, or clean them first.