Configuring Akeeba Backup Pro for use in Watchful

Akeeba Backup Pro (ABP) is a versatile backup solution that can be used with both WordPress and Joomla. Below you will find detailed instructions for each platform.

Additional information is available in our ABP troubleshooting guide and the official documentation at akeeba.com. 

Configuring ABP in WordPress

1. Download ABP 7 or greater directly from the developer's website. 
2. Log in to the administrative backend of your WordPress web site and install ABP using the plugin uploader. This can be found by navigating to the Plugins > Add New area and selecting the Upload Plugin button at the top of the page.
3. When the install is complete, activate the plugin using the button at the bottom of the post-installation screen.
4. Select Akeeba Backup from the side menu and then scroll to the very bottom and click the System Configuration button. Select the Public API tab.
5. Switch the Enable JSON API toggle to the Yes position.
6. In the secret word field, enter a complex string of characters using a complex combination of numbers and letters (avoid special characters).
   1. Note: Do not confuse the Akeeba secret word with the Watchful Secret Key.
7. Click the Save and Close button at the top to save your changes.
8. After saving changes to the System Configuration, you will now be returned to the main Abeeba Backup area. Select the Backup Now button to perform and test the backup process.
9. Once you can successfully create a backup from the site admin, proceed to schedule backups from Watchful. 

Configuring ABP in Joomla

1. Download ABP 7 or greater directly from the developer's website. 
2. Login to the administrative backend of your Joomla web site. Locate the extension installer and install ABP using the Upload Package File method.
3. Once installed, go to Components > Akeeba Backup or Components > Akeeba Backup > Control Panel. In the top-right corner click on Options button.
4. Select the Front-end backup tab. Switch the Enable JSON API toggle to the Yes position.
5. In the secret word field, enter a complex string of characters using a complex combination of numbers and letters (avoid special characters).
   1. Note: Do not confuse the Akeeba secret word with the Watchful Secret Key.
6. Complete the Akeeba configuration by selecting Save & Close.
7. After saving changes to the System Configuration, you will now be returned to the main Abeeba Backup area. Select the Backup Now button to perform and test the backup process.
8. Once you can successfully create a backup from the site admin, proceed to schedule backups from Watchful.