A full backup only helps you if it exists when you need it. Instead of remembering to run one manually, you can set up automatic scheduled backups so your website, databases, and email accounts are backed up on a regular basis without any extra effort on your part.
Why Set Up a Backup Schedule
Manual backups are useful for a one-off snapshot before a big change, but they rely on you remembering to run them. A schedule takes that step out of your hands: once it's set up, backups run automatically at the interval you choose, so you always have a recent copy to fall back on if a plugin update breaks your site, a file gets deleted by mistake, or your database becomes corrupted.
If you just need a one-time backup right now rather than a recurring schedule, see how to take a full backup of your hosting account.
Setting Up Automatic Backups
In cPanel
Most cPanel hosting accounts include a backup manager (commonly JetBackup) that lets you create your own recurring backup schedule.
- Log in to cPanel.
- Under the Files section, click JetBackup (or Backup, depending on what's installed on your account).
- Open the Backup Schedules or My Schedules tab.
- Click Create New Schedule.
- Choose what to include, such as your Home Directory, Databases, and Email Accounts.
- Set how often it should run (for example, Daily or Weekly) and how many past copies to keep.
- Click Create Schedule to save it.
If you don't see a backup manager listed in your cPanel dashboard, contact ZIPROF support to confirm what backup tool is available on your hosting plan.
In DirectAdmin
In DirectAdmin, go to Backup/Transfer Your Account to create a backup at any time by selecting the items you want (your website files, databases, and email) and clicking Create Backup.
Recurring, fully automated backup schedules in DirectAdmin are usually configured at the server level by your hosting provider rather than from within an individual account. If you'd like backups of your DirectAdmin account taken on a set schedule, contact ZIPROF support and they can confirm or adjust the backup frequency configured for your account.
After Your Schedule Is Running
- Check in occasionally to confirm backups are actually completing, not just scheduled.
- Download an occasional copy to your own computer or cloud storage so you're not solely relying on a copy stored on the same server as your website.
- Test a restore at least once so you're familiar with the process before you actually need it in an emergency.
An automatic schedule reduces the risk of losing recent work, but it isn't a substitute for occasionally checking that backups are completing successfully and are actually restorable.