Can backups be scheduled on shared hosting?

In a shared hosting environment, multiple websites are hosted on the same physical server, and this can impact the options available for scheduling backups.
Shared hosting providers often offer backup solutions through their control panel interfaces, allowing users to schedule automatic backups of their website files and databases. These built-in tools may have limitations on the frequency and timing of backups due to resource constraints and server load considerations. Some providers may limit the frequency of automated backups to off-peak hours to minimize the impact on server performance.

For users requiring more flexibility in backup scheduling, some shared hosting environments support the use of cron jobs, which are scheduled tasks that can be programmed to run at specific times. This can enable website owners to set up custom backup scripts or third-party backup solutions to create and store backups at desired intervals.

However, it's important to note that not all shared hosting plans provide access to cron job functionality, and users should review their hosting provider's dоcumentation or contact support to determine the availability of this feature.

In situations where built-in backup tools or cron job access are limited, website owners may need to explore alternative backup options, such as using remote backup services or plugins that allow for manual initiation of backups.
Regardless of the method used, it's crucial for website owners to regularly back up their data to safeguard against issues such as data corruption, accidental file deletion, or security breaches. Implementing a well-rounded backup strategy that includes automated and manual backups can help ensure the integrity and availability of website data in the event of unforeseen circumstances.

While most hosting providers offer backup services, some only include them in specific tariff plans. However, solely relying on these backups may not protect your website from all potential issues. There have been cases where hosting users lost all their data, including backups. For instance, a German datacenter had all its servers seized by the police, resulting in data loss for the users. Additionally, there have been instances of cloud hosting services losing data due to technical glitches, and some hosting providers have simply disappeared along with all the stored data, without any explanation.

In my view, it is essential to set up automatic backups to third-party servers or cloud storage. This approach enables quick deployment of backups, even on a different hosting platform if necessary, and allows you to manage the frequency and number of backups yourself.

I can share that most hosting providers include creating backups in their service plans. However, it's important to consider the backup frequency and the storage duration of the copies. Typically, standard backups on virtual hosting don't retain copies for extended periods, such as six months to a year.
If you require multiple copies of your site from various timeframes, you may need to manage the backups yourself. One way to do this is by renting space on a separate backup server and installing a control panel like ISPmanager, which allows deploying backup copies. It's advisable to check with your hosting provider whether their control panel supports this functionality.

Really can we scheduled backup on shared hosting?
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Many shared hosting providers offer built-in backup solutions that allow users to automate backups at specified intervals. However, these services can be restrictive in terms of storage space and frequency, often leading to incomplete or outdated backups.
While some providers may tout their backup features, the reality is that users often find themselves at the mercy of the host's policies, which can be inadequate for critical projects.