Run Backup Job is a WordPress ability from BackWPup — usable via Easy MCP AI, which connects Claude, ChatGPT, and any AI assistant to your site.
Install Free Plugin →Run Backup Job
WriteTriggers an immediate backup, either a specific configured job or the default 'Backup Now'.
Requires the BackWPup plugin on WordPress 6.9+ (each ability is guarded by a function_exists( 'wp_register_ability' ) check, so nothing registers on older cores). Individual abilities also require specific capabilities: 'backwpup' for listing jobs, reading backup history, reading the documentation resource; 'backwpup_jobs_start' for running or cancelling a backup job; and 'backwpup_logs' for reading backup logs.
What it does
This ability starts a backup run immediately. Passing a job_id (from backwpup/list-jobs) runs that specific job with its configured destinations; omitting job_id runs BackWPup's default 'Backup Now' job (files and database to a local folder), creating it if it doesn't already exist. Before starting, it checks that no job is already running, validates the job ID if provided, and runs pre-flight checks on the temp folder, log folder, and configured destinations. On success it marks the run as MCP-initiated and returns the job name and a confirmation message; on failure it returns a WP_Error describing what went wrong, such as a job already running, an invalid job ID, or a destination that isn't properly configured.
See it in action
You ask your AI assistant
"Kick off a backup right now using my Dropbox job before I update WooCommerce."
Inputs
| Name | Type | Required | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| job_id | integer | No | Job ID to run (from backwpup_list_jobs). Omit to trigger the default 'Backup Now' job. |
Returns
An object with a success boolean, job_name (the name of the job that was triggered), and a human-readable message, or a WP_Error if the run failed to start.
Permission
The current user must have the 'backwpup_jobs_start' capability (via the Capability::JOBS_START constant); unauthorized calls fire a backwpup_mcp_permission_denied action and are denied.
More BackWPup abilities
BackWPup Documentation Overview
Returns Markdown documentation describing the BackWPup MCP server's tools and recommended workflows.
Cancel Running Backup Job
Aborts a currently running BackWPup backup job.
Get Backup History
Returns recent backup history and whether a backup job is currently running.
Get Backup Logs
Retrieves the content of a backup log file for troubleshooting.
List Backup Jobs
Lists all configured BackWPup backup jobs with their destinations and schedules.