Backups are one of the most important safeguards for your websites, mail, and databases. Plesk includes flexible backup tools that allow you to create on-demand snapshots, set up automatic schedules, and store your backups either locally on the server or remotely on external storage.
This article provides an overview of the backup options available in Plesk and links to detailed guides for each method.
Why backups matter
- Protects against accidental file deletion or corruption
- Helps you recover quickly from software errors or failed updates
- Provides a fallback in case of server or hardware failure
- Meets best practices for security and disaster recovery
Backup types in Plesk
Plesk supports two main backup types:
- Full backups – include all selected data (configuration, files, mail, and databases).
- Incremental backups – include only changes since the last full backup (databases are always backed up in full).
Backup storage options
You can choose where to store your backups:
- Local backups – stored on the same server where your Plesk subscription runs.
- Remote backups – stored off-site for greater security, using one of the following methods:
- FTP(S) storage – connect to your own remote FTP/FTPS server
- SFTP storage – connect to your own remote SFTP server (secure, encrypted)
- Dropbox storage – connect to your Dropbox account
Guides for configuring backups
- How to configure local backups in Plesk for a subscription
- How to configure remote backups in Plesk using FTP(S) storage
- How to configure remote backups in Plesk using SFTP storage
- How to configure remote backups in Plesk using Dropbox storage
Best practices for using backups
- Keep a regular schedule that fits your business needs
- Use both local and remote backups for redundancy
- Test restoring from backups periodically to ensure reliability
- Keep track of available storage space, both locally and remotely
With these tools and practices, you can make sure your websites, mail, and databases are protected against unexpected events.
