Backing Up WordPress Without Running Out of Hosting Space
I run several WordPress sites on Cafe24, a managed hosting provider widely used in Korea. Instead of maintaining my own server at home, I chose a professional hosting service for one simple reason: fewer things to worry about.
Stability, security, automatic updates — those things matter. But there was one issue that kept bothering me over time.
Storage space.
Once you start publishing image-heavy posts, disk space fills up faster than you expect. Add local backup files on top of that, and suddenly your hosting quota feels very small.
Still, skipping backups is not an option. So I started looking for a way to protect my data without constantly fighting storage limits.
This post is a breakdown of what actually worked.
The Built-in Cafe24 Backup: Pros and Limitations
Cafe24 includes a native backup system for files and databases. It’s fast, easy to access, and doesn’t require installing anything.
I’ve personally relied on it after accidentally breaking my site configuration. Within minutes, everything was restored. That part is genuinely excellent.
What Cafe24 Backup Does Well
- One-click restore from the hosting dashboard
- No plugins or setup required
- Separate management of files and databases
The problem shows up over time.
As your site grows — especially with media uploads and plugins — backup files start consuming the same storage space your site needs to operate.
Where the Built-in Backup Falls Short
- Backup files count against your hosting storage quota
- Retention period is short (often only 7 days)
- Backups may fail entirely when storage is low
In other words, keeping backups on the same server creates a ceiling you eventually hit.
That’s why I started looking for a true off-site backup solution.
UpdraftPlus + Dropbox: Off-Site Backups Without Storage Pressure
If you’ve spent any time around WordPress, you’ve probably heard of UpdraftPlus. It’s one of the most widely used backup plugins in the ecosystem.
The free version alone covers most real-world needs. More importantly, it supports multiple remote storage providers out of the box.
This single feature changes everything.
UpdraftPlus can upload backups to Dropbox (or other cloud services) and automatically delete local copies afterward. That means your hosting storage stays clean.
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| UpdraftPlus official website |
Why I Chose UpdraftPlus
- Dropbox integration available in the free version
- Separate scheduling for files and databases
- Clear, beginner-friendly restore process
- Automatic off-site storage
- Backups remain safe even if the site goes down
My hosting plan offers just 1GB of storage. Thanks to UpdraftPlus, I never felt the need to upgrade.
Off-site backups essentially replaced the need for more disk space.
Is Free Dropbox Storage Enough?
Dropbox’s free plan includes 2GB of storage. For text-focused blogs, that can last surprisingly long.
If your site includes lots of images, a bit of strategy helps.
- Limit retained backups to 2–3 versions
- Use image optimization plugins
My setup runs weekly file backups and daily database backups, keeping three versions. Even with the free Dropbox plan, it works smoothly.
Other Cloud Storage Options Are Also Supported
Dropbox is just one example. UpdraftPlus supports multiple cloud storage providers.
Google Drive, OneDrive, and several others are available. You can choose whatever fits your existing workflow.
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| Cloud storage services supported by UpdraftPlus |
Step-by-Step: Connecting UpdraftPlus to Dropbox
1. Install UpdraftPlus
- WordPress Admin → Plugins → Add New
- Search for “UpdraftPlus”
- Install and activate
2. Configure Backup Schedules
Go to Settings → UpdraftPlus Backups. You can set different schedules for files and databases.
I publish frequently, so I prefer shorter intervals. Since everything is stored off-site, frequent backups don’t hurt.
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| Backup schedules and retention settings |
3. Select Dropbox as Remote Storage
Choose Dropbox from the storage options. After saving settings, you’ll be prompted to authenticate.
- Log in to Dropbox
- Approve folder access for UpdraftPlus
- Return to WordPress to complete setup
4. Disable Local Backup Storage
Make sure UpdraftPlus is set to remove local backup files after uploading them to Dropbox.
5. Run a Test Backup
Click “Backup Now” and wait. Then check your Dropbox account under Apps → UpdraftPlus.
If the progress bar seems stuck, don’t panic. Uploads often continue in the background.
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| Completed backups stored in Dropbox |
Final Thoughts
Cafe24’s built-in backups are great for quick recovery. But they’re not designed for long-term storage.
By combining native backups with UpdraftPlus and cloud storage, you get the best of both worlds.
- No hosting storage pressure
- Redundant off-site backups
- No additional cost
If you plan to run WordPress seriously, this setup is less of an option and more of a baseline.
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