Backinator
Full-site backups with a standalone installer. Restore in place, migrate to any server, run on a schedule, keep copies off-site.
Backinator
At a glance
Version
1.0.4
Released
Released 2026-10-20
License
GPLv2 or later
WordPress
5.8 or newer
PHP
7.4 or newer
Backinator
What does it do?
First five minutes
What do I do right after activating?
A first result before you read anything else.
1. Make a backup
Go to Backinator → Create New. The wizard scans files, dumps the database and writes the archive. Set a backup password when asked.
2. Download it
Click Download on the finished backup and keep the archive and installer.php somewhere off the server.
3. Set a schedule
Under Settings, pick daily or weekly and, if you want copies off-site, connect S3-compatible storage, Google Drive or a folder.
4. Try a restore or move
Click Restore on a backup to test it in place, or upload the archive and installer.php to an empty folder on another server and open installer.php.
How it works
Back up, restore, migrate
Three jobs, one archive format. The standalone installer handles restores and migrations and needs nothing but PHP on the target server. Archives live in wp-content/backinator-backups, outside the plugin folder, so updating or deleting the plugin never deletes them.
Back up
Create New runs the wizard: scan files, dump the database with keyset paging, write the zip, verify it, add installer.php, encrypt and upload to each storage.
Restore here
Click Restore on any backup. The installer unpacks beside the live site, swaps the database, then optionally cleans files that were not in the archive.
Migrate
Upload the archive and installer.php to an empty folder on any server, open installer.php, enter the new database details. Done.
Install
How do I install it?
Two routes. Either one takes about a minute: a download, an upload and a click on Activate.
With Git Plugin
In your WordPress admin, open Plugins, click Git Plugin, paste the repository URL and click Install, then Activate.
https://git.web9.live/pcgraphics/backinator
Upload the zip
Download the zip, then in Plugins click Add New Plugin, then Upload Plugin. Choose the zip, click Install Now, then Activate.
What does it need?
How do I update it?
Backinator checks its repository for a newer release tag. A new version shows up under Dashboard → Updates next to your other plugins; click Update. If you uploaded the zip by hand, install Git Plugin to get the same update checks.
Is it really free?
GPLv2 or later, public repository, no paid tier, no license keys, no account. Use it on as many sites as you like, yours or your clients'.
Found a bug?
Open an issue on the repository. Say what you did, what you expected and what happened, and the plugin and WordPress versions from At a glance.
Works with
The rest of the set
Each plugin stands on its own. Together they cover building, forms, media, backups, admin and updates.
Want them preinstalled?
On Web9 hosting these are already installed, $12 per site per month.