Knowledgebase

Removing Backup Files (Firstserv Guide)

If you’ve received a notification about backup files on your hosting account, it means these files are using a significant amount of disk space and should be reviewed or removed.

Firstserv already performs automatic server-level backups, so additional backups created via plugins or cPanel are often unnecessary and can quickly consume your storage allowance.

What You Should Do

Please choose one of the following:

• ✅ Delete the backup files and disable the backup plugin, or
• ✅ Keep the plugin but remove the existing backup files

Removing WordPress Backup Files

Option 1: Via WordPress Dashboard

1. Log in to your WordPress admin area
2. Open the backup plugin you are using (e.g. UpdraftPlus, All-in-One WP Migration, etc.)
3. Locate existing backups
4. Delete any stored backups

Option 2: Via cPanel File Manager

1. Log in to cPanel
2. Open File Manager
3. Navigate to your website directory (/public_html/)
4. Locate and delete backups in the following common locations:

/wp-content/updraft/
/wp-content/ai1wm-backups/
/wp-content/backups-dup-pro/
/wp-content/backups-dup-lite/
/wp-content/uploads/   (BackupBuddy)

✅ Delete only the backup files—do not remove essential site files.

Removing cPanel Backup Files

1. Log in to cPanel
2. Open File Manager
3. Navigate to your home directory (not just public_html)
4. Look for backup files with names similar to:

backup-YYYY-MM-DD_accountname.tar.gz

1. Delete these files

✅ These are full account backups and can take up significant disk space.

Important Notes

• Firstserv automatically backs up your account, so additional backups are usually not required
• Regularly storing backups in your hosting account can:
  • Use excessive disk space
  • Impact account performance

👉 For best practice, store backups off-site (e.g. local computer, cloud storage)

Summary

To free up space and stay within your hosting limits:

• Remove unnecessary backup files
• Disable or configure backup plugins appropriately
• Store backups externally for long-term use

If you’re unsure where your backups are located or need assistance cleaning up your account, the Firstserv support team is always happy to help.