WPMU DEV Backup is a cloud-based backup service from the WPMU DEV team, the same developers behind Smush, Hummingbird, and Defender. It automatically backs up your WordPress site to the WPMU DEV cloud servers on a daily, weekly, or monthly schedule. The plugin includes one-click restore from any backup point, incremental backups that only upload changed files, and backup testing. It is part of the WPMU DEV membership, which includes a suite of performance and security plugins. WPMU DEV Backup is a cloud-based alternative to backup plugins like UpdraftPlus Premium for users who prefer a managed solution with automatic off-site storage.
Competitive Features
- Automated cloud backups — schedule daily, weekly, or monthly backups to WPMU DEV cloud servers
- One-click restore — restore your site from any backup point with a single click
- Incremental backups — only upload changed files after the initial full backup, saving bandwidth
- Backup testing — automatically verify that backups can be restored successfully
- Off-site storage — backups are stored on WPMU DEV servers, separate from your hosting
- Database and file backups — both the database and all WordPress files are included
- Backup retention — keep multiple backup versions with configurable retention periods
- WPMU DEV integration — manage backups alongside Smush, Defender, and Hummingbird from one dashboard
Key Features
- Manual backups — trigger a backup at any time with one click
- Backup notifications — receive email alerts when backups complete or fail
- Backup log — view detailed logs of each backup operation
- Exclude files — exclude specific files or directories from backups
- Multisite support — backup individual sites or the entire network
- Download backups — download backup archives to your computer
- Migrate sites — use backups to restore sites on different servers
- White-label branding — rebrand the backup interface for client sites
Comparison with Competitors
WPMU DEV Backup vs UpdraftPlus Premium
| Feature | WPMU DEV Backup | UpdraftPlus Premium |
|---|---|---|
| Storage location | WPMU DEV cloud | User-controlled |
| Restore method | One-click | Three-click |
| Incremental backups | Yes | Yes |
| Backup testing | Yes | No |
| Cloud storage setup | None | Manual |
| Additional plugins | Smush, Defender, Hummingbird | None |
WPMU DEV Backup vs BlogVault
| Feature | WPMU DEV Backup | BlogVault |
|---|---|---|
| Real-time backups | No | Yes |
| Staging sites | No | Yes |
| Cloud storage | WPMU DEV | BlogVault |
| One-click restore | Yes | Yes |
| Backup testing | Yes | Yes |
| Additional features | Performance, security | Staging, migration |
Recommended Stack — pair WPMU DEV Backup with Wordfence Premium for additional security monitoring alongside the automated cloud backups.
Official Changelog
WPMU DEV Backup is a premium plugin not listed on WordPress.org.
Version 4.38.1
Release Date: August 22, 2026
- Improvement: Backup testing automation.
- Fix: Compatibility with latest WordPress version.
- Fix: Incremental backup performance optimization.
Version 4.38
Release Date: July 20, 2026
- Improvement: White-label branding for client sites.
- Improvement: Backup log interface.
- Fix: Multisite backup scheduling.
Version 4.37
Release Date: June 15, 2026
- Improvement: Cloud storage sync optimization.
- Fix: Backup file retention policy enforcement.
- Fix: Notification system for failed backups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are backups stored?
Backups are stored on WPMU DEV cloud servers, separate from your hosting provider. This ensures your data is safe even if your server fails.
How often does WPMU DEV Backup run?
You can schedule backups daily, weekly, or monthly. Manual backups can be triggered at any time.
Can I restore a backup with one click?
Yes, the plugin includes one-click restore from any backup point directly from the WordPress dashboard.
Does WPMU DEV Backup include incremental backups?
Yes, after the initial full backup, only changed files are uploaded, which saves bandwidth and speeds up the backup process.
Is WPMU DEV Backup part of the WPMU DEV membership?
Yes, the backup service is included in the WPMU DEV membership alongside Smush, Hummingbird, Defender, and other plugins.
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