Are you facing the issue where UpdraftPlus isn't deleting old backups as expected? This can lead to storage issues, especially if you have a large website with frequent backups.
Don't worry, this is a common issue, and there are several solutions you can try.
Understanding UpdraftPlus Backup Retention
Before diving into solutions, let's clarify how UpdraftPlus handles backup retention:
- Automatic Deletion: By default, UpdraftPlus doesn't automatically delete old backups.
- Manual Deletion: You need to manually manage your backups using the 'Manage Backups' section in the UpdraftPlus plugin settings.
Troubleshooting Steps
Here's a step-by-step approach to resolve the issue:
1. Check your Backup Retention Settings:
- Go to UpdraftPlus > Settings > Backups > Backup Destinations
- Select the destination where your backups are stored.
- Check the 'Keep Only' option and ensure it's set to your desired number of backups.
- Click 'Save Changes'
2. Verify Schedule Settings:
- Go to UpdraftPlus > Settings > Backups > Schedule.
- Verify the backup schedule is set correctly.
- If you're using a specific day or time, ensure it's aligned with your backup retention settings.
- Click 'Save Changes'
3. Delete Old Backups Manually:
- Go to UpdraftPlus > Manage Backups.
- Select the backups you want to delete.
- Click the 'Delete' button.
4. Increase UpdraftPlus Storage Limit:
- Go to UpdraftPlus > Settings > Backups > Backup Destinations.
- Check the 'Storage Limit' setting. If it's too low, increase it.
- Save the changes.
5. Clear Cache and Plugin Conflicts:
- Clear your website's cache.
- Temporarily deactivate other plugins to rule out conflicts.
6. Update UpdraftPlus:
- Ensure you're using the latest version of UpdraftPlus.
- Go to Plugins > Updates and update the plugin.
7. Contact Support:
If the above steps don't resolve the issue, consider contacting UpdraftPlus support. Provide them with detailed information about your setup, backup schedule, and the specific errors you're encountering.
Additional Tips:
- Use a Backup Retention Strategy: Implement a clear strategy for how long you want to keep backups. Consider factors like legal requirements and your website's history.
- Offsite Backups: Store backups offsite, either in a cloud storage service or on a separate server, for added security and disaster recovery.
- Regular Monitoring: Monitor your backup storage regularly to ensure you're not exceeding your storage limits.
By following these steps, you can troubleshoot the issue of UpdraftPlus not deleting old backups and maintain a clean and organized backup system.