Schedule automatic backups in Plesk (and store them in remote FTP storage)

Backups are most useful when they are automatic and stored outside the same server. Plesk Backup Manager can create scheduled backups and (optionally) upload them to a remote FTP storage.

Before you start

• You need access to Plesk for your hosting subscription (via My.GARMTECH).
• If you want off‑server backups, you need an external FTP/FTPS storage (another server or storage service that provides FTP access).

Open Backup Manager

1. Log in to Plesk.
2. Open Websites & Domains → Backup Manager.

Optional: Configure remote FTP storage (off‑server)

1. In Backup Manager, open Remote Storage Settings.
2. Select FTP storage.
3. Enter:
   • FTP server hostname
   • Port (as required by your storage)
   • Directory/path (optional)
   • Username and password
4. Save settings and run a test if Plesk offers it.

Security note: Use a strong password for the remote FTP storage and store it securely.

Create a backup schedule

1. In Backup Manager, open Schedule (or Scheduled Backup Settings).
2. Enable scheduled backups and choose frequency:
   • Daily (recommended for active sites)
   • Weekly (for low-change sites)
3. Choose what to back up (website files, databases, mail configuration if applicable).
4. Select where to store backups:
   • Server storage (on the same server)
   • FTP storage (remote/off‑server)
   • Or both (if you want a quick local restore + an off‑server copy)
5. Set the number of stored backups (retention) so older restore points are removed automatically.
6. Save the schedule.

Best practices

• Keep at least one off‑server copy (remote FTP storage).
• Test restoring a backup occasionally (for example, on a staging domain).
• Do not keep only one backup copy — keep several restore points.