Automated Backups allow SiteSkite to back up your websites on a schedule without requiring any manual action. Once enabled, SiteSkite automatically creates daily (or custom-scheduled) backups of your linked sites and stores them in your selected storage location — ensuring your site is always protected.

This feature supports Classic Backups and Incremental Backups, giving you full control over how backups are performed.

Why Automated Backups Matter

Automated Backups ensure:

• Zero manual effort – SiteSkite handles everything on schedule.

• Maximum protection – If your site breaks or gets hacked, you can restore instantly.

• Consistent restore points – Daily snapshots help you roll back to a stable version anytime.

• Cloud storage safety – Store backups in S3, Backblaze, Dropbox, Google Drive, pCloud, or local storage.

Your business and clients stay protected even while you sleep.

How Automated Backups Work in SiteSkite

Once enabled, SiteSkite: https://knowledgebase.siteskite.com/articles/what-is-incremental-backup-and-classic-backup-in-siteskite

1. Runs a backup based on the selected schedule.

2. Creates either a Classic Full Backup or an Incremental Backup (depending on your toggle).

3. Sends the backup to your chosen storage (SiteSkite, S3, Backblaze, Dropbox, Google Drive, etc.)

4. Logs it inside your site’s Backup History.

5. Keeps only the number of backups allowed by your retention settings.

Types of Automated Backups

SiteSkite supports two backup structures:

1. Classic Backup (Full Backup)

A complete backup of your entire WordPress website.

Pros

• Full snapshot of everything

• Reliable and simple restore

• Ideal after major updates, migrations, or redesigns

Cons

• Larger file size

• Takes more time to process

• Uses more storage

• Stressful for low-resource hosting (128MB–256MB RAM)

2. Incremental Backup

Only backs up files that have changed since the last backup.

Pros

• Much faster and lighter

• Uses minimal storage

• Perfect for daily recurring automated backups

• Great for shared/low-resource hosting

• Efficient long-term backup strategy

Cons

• First backup is full (initial baseline)

• Restore combines baseline + increments

• Slightly more complex structure

In SiteSkite, incremental backups are OFF by default.
Turn ON the toggle to switch all scheduled backups to incremental.

How to Enable Automated Backups

Follow these steps inside SiteSkite:

Step 1: Open Your Website

1. Go to your SiteSkite Dashboard

2. Click Linked Sites

3. Select your desired site

4. Go to the Backup tab

Step 2: Enable the Backup Schedule

You will see the Automated Backup switch:

• Toggle ON to activate daily automated backups.

Step 3: Choose Backup Type

• Incremental Backup (Recommended for daily backups)

• Classic Backup (Recommended for weekly/monthly full backups)

Use the toggle to switch between the two.

Step 4: Choose Your Storage Location

SiteSkite supports:

• SiteSkite Powered

• Amazon S3

• Backblaze B2

• Dropbox

• Google Drive

• pCloud

Select your preferred location before saving.

Step 5: Save Changes

Your website will now be backed up every day automatically based on the selected configuration.

Backup Retention & Cleanup

SiteSkite automatically manages old backups based on:

• Your plan’s storage limits

• Retention rules (defined in backup settings)

• Cloud storage capacity

Older backups are automatically removed when your retention limit is reached.

Viewing Automated Backup History

To check completed backups:

1. Open your site

2. Go to the Backup History section

3. You’ll see:

   • Date & time

   • Backup type (Classic/Incremental)

   • File size

   • Storage location

   • Restore button

   • Download button (if supported)

Restoring from Automated Backups

Just click Restore Backup on any entry.

SiteSkite will automatically:

• Replace your site files

• Recover your database

• Rebuild incremental layers if needed

• Validate the site after restore

Common Issues & Solutions

Backup Failed

• Low server memory or slow hosting

• File permissions incorrect

• Storage API credentials invalid

• Site firewall blocking operations

Incremental Backup Stopped Working

• First backup didn't complete (needs a full baseline)

• Local storage was cleared manually

• Server is blocking file modification hooks

Backup Not Running Daily

• Cron disabled on the server

• Plugin deactivated

• Site unreachable (WP down)

Summary

Automated Backups ensure your WordPress sites stay protected without any manual effort. Whether you choose the speed of incremental backups or the completeness of classic backups, SiteSkite provides a reliable and intelligent backup engine built for agencies, freelancers, and businesses of all sizes.