> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.mainwp.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Why Doesn't MainWP Include Backups in the Dashboard?

> MainWP focuses on site management features rather than building native backups. We offer backup add-ons that connect with top-tier providers and free API-based backups for popular hosting platforms.

MainWP focuses on site management rather than building a native backup system. Dedicated backup tools already solve this problem well, and creating our own would divert resources from features that make MainWP more valuable for managing your sites.

## Why Not Native Backups?

Backups for a self-hosted Dashboard managing multiple child sites come with complex requirements:

* Storage management across multiple sites
* Different hosting environments and configurations
* Scheduling and retention policies
* Restoration procedures that vary by host
* Ongoing maintenance and troubleshooting

Building and maintaining a native backup solution would slow development of core management features.

## How MainWP Handles Backups Instead

MainWP provides two approaches to backups:

### Backup Add-ons

Add-ons connect MainWP with established backup providers:

| Add-on | Provider |
| - | - |
| [BackWPup](https://mainwp.com/add-on/backwpup/) | BackWPup |
| [BackupBuddy](https://mainwp.com/add-on/mainwpbuddy/) | BackupBuddy |
| [Time Capsule](https://mainwp.com/add-on/time-capsule/) | Time Capsule |
| [UpdraftPlus](https://mainwp.com/add-on/updraftplus/) | UpdraftPlus |
| [WPVivid](https://mainwp.com/add-on/wpvivid-backup-for-mainwp/) | WPVivid |

### API Backups (Free)

[API Backups](/sites/backups/manage-backups#api-backups) trigger backups directly through your hosting provider at no additional cost:

* cPanel and Plesk
* Kinsta, Cloudways, GridPane
* Vultr, DigitalOcean, Linode

This approach lets you use backup services built specifically for that task while MainWP focuses on site management.

***

## Related Resources

* [Manage Backups](/sites/backups/manage-backups) - Configure backup add-ons and API backups
* [Backup Add-ons](https://mainwp.com/mainwp-add-ons/add-on-category/backups/) - View all backup options


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