Every HOSTDOG shared hosting account includes automated daily backups at no extra cost. Your website files, databases, email accounts, and server settings are all copied to a secure location every day — giving you a safety net against accidental changes, failed updates, or data loss.
What HOSTDOG backs up
Each automated backup captures a full snapshot of your hosting account. This includes:
- Website files — everything inside your
public_htmldirectory, including scripts, images, themes, and plugins. - Databases — all MySQL/MariaDB databases associated with your account, including their structure and data.
- Email accounts — mailbox contents, forwarders, autoresponders, and email filters.
- Account settings — DNS zone records, cron jobs, redirects, and other control panel configurations.
All backup data is stored on high-performance NVMe SSD infrastructure in our Germany-based data centre, powered by 100% renewable energy.
Backup schedule and retention
The backup frequency depends on your hosting plan:
| Plan type | Frequency | Retention |
|---|---|---|
| Personal & Business Shared Hosting | Daily (automated) | Multiple recent snapshots |
| Managed VPS (Advanced tier) | 7 daily + 4 weekly + 1 monthly | Up to 30 days (offsite monthly copy) |
For shared hosting, backups run automatically during off-peak hours to minimise any impact on your site's performance. You do not need to schedule, configure, or trigger them — the system handles everything.
What is not backed up
While HOSTDOG's backups are comprehensive, there are important limitations to be aware of:
- Backups are not guaranteed recovery — server-level backups are provided as a courtesy. HOSTDOG makes every effort to maintain reliable backups, but they should not be your only copy of critical data.
- Very recent changes — any changes made after the most recent backup snapshot will not be included until the next cycle runs.
- Third-party remote data — external API data, CDN caches, or content stored on other platforms is not part of your hosting backup.
How to restore from backup
If you need to restore files, databases, or email from a backup, you can do so directly from your hosting control panel. The restore tool lets you choose exactly what to recover — a single file, a specific database, email accounts, or your entire account.
For detailed step-by-step instructions, see our dedicated guide: How to restore from a backup.
If you are unsure which backup to restore from, or if the situation is complex (e.g., a hacked site), open a support ticket and our team will help you choose the right recovery point.
Best practices
- Create manual backups before major changes — before updating your CMS, changing themes, or editing critical files, create a manual backup so you can roll back immediately.
- Download backups to your local machine — periodically download a full backup and store it locally or in cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox, etc.).
- Use a WordPress backup plugin — if you run WordPress, plugins like UpdraftPlus or All-in-One WP Migration let you schedule and store backups independently.
- Test your restores — a backup is only useful if it works. Occasionally verify that your downloaded backups are complete and functional.
Frequently asked questions
Shared hosting accounts are backed up once every day, automatically. Managed VPS accounts on the Advanced tier receive 7 daily, 4 weekly, and 1 monthly backup with offsite storage.
Yes. The restore tool in your control panel lets you selectively restore individual files, specific databases, or email accounts without affecting the rest of your hosting.
No. HOSTDOG's automated backups are stored separately and do not consume your hosting account's disk space. However, any manual backups you create within your control panel do count against your quota.
Daily automated backups are included with every shared hosting plan at no additional cost. Managed VPS backup tiers (Advanced and Premium) are part of the managed service package.