Very simple question, how can I back up my site without using plugins? If it can’t be done, which plugin would you recommend? Id just like a manual backup.
Simple. FTP (File-Transfer Protocol) into your server and simply drag and drop anything you would like to keep. Your web host can also help with this process.
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*edit* downvotes are well-deserved, forgot to mention that you need to export the database! 
The first method in this article is manual backup or without plugins (for files and database).
How to Back Up a WordPress Site Easily (4 Methods) [https://kinsta.com/blog/backup-wordpress-site/])
Do you have access to phpmyadmin? Simply select the database, and click export.
Download the site files via SSH/FTP or cPanel File Manager
Do you have access to the hosting control panel (e.g.: cpanel)
There would be options to backup and download a copy of the home directory, account, email forwarders, database, etc. These will create gzip/tar/zip files on the server as well as options to download. You can also go into wordpress account and download copy of wordpress files as well.
If you don’t have access to the control panel, or it’s too confusing, there are many plugins avail. Stick with ones that have a lot of downloads as they’re probably more often used/ tested/ updated. I use AIO to migrate and backup for some sites as it’s simple to use for clients not tech savvy.
Simple. FTP (File-Transfer Protocol) into your server and simply drag and drop anything you would like to keep. Your web host can also help with this process.
​
*edit* downvotes are well-deserved, forgot to mention that you need to export the database! 
The first method in this article is manual backup or without plugins (for files and database).
How to Back Up a WordPress Site Easily (4 Methods) [https://kinsta.com/blog/backup-wordpress-site/])
Do you have access to phpmyadmin? Simply select the database, and click export.
Download the site files via SSH/FTP or cPanel File Manager
Do you have access to the hosting control panel (e.g.: cpanel)
There would be options to backup and download a copy of the home directory, account, email forwarders, database, etc. These will create gzip/tar/zip files on the server as well as options to download. You can also go into wordpress account and download copy of wordpress files as well.
If you don’t have access to the control panel, or it’s too confusing, there are many plugins avail. Stick with ones that have a lot of downloads as they’re probably more often used/ tested/ updated. I use AIO to migrate and backup for some sites as it’s simple to use for clients not tech savvy.