How to make one manual backup (no plugin needed)

How to make one manual backup (no plugin needed)

Sometimes you want a backup right now, before a big change. Your site has two halves, and you need both.

1. The files (your themes, plugins, images). Log into your hosting control panel, the website where you manage your hosting account. Find File Manager, select the folder named after your site, and click Compress to make one zip you can download.
2. The database (your actual posts and settings, stored in a separate filing cabinet). In the control panel, open the tool called phpMyAdmin, choose your database on the left, click Export, then Go.

Save both files somewhere safe with today's date in the name.

In plain words: a real backup is two pieces, the files and the database, grab both or you've only saved half.