Regular backups protect you against a bad update, a hack, or an accidental deletion. cPanel can back up your files, databases, and email settings, and restore them when needed.
Creating a Backup
- In cPanel, open Backup under the Files section.
- To save everything, click Download a Full Account Backup, choose Home Directory as the destination, and click Generate Backup. You receive an email when it is ready, then download it.
- For a smaller backup, use the partial options to download just the Home Directory, a single MySQL database, or email forwarders.
A full backup is large, so partial backups are quicker when you only need one part.
Restoring From a Backup
The Backup page also restores partial backups:
- Under Restore a Home Directory Backup, choose your backup file and upload it.
- Under Restore a MySQL Database, upload the database backup to bring data back.
A full account backup must be restored by support, as it overwrites the whole account.
Using Backup Wizard
If you prefer a guided process, open Backup Wizard under Files. It walks you through Backup or Restore step by step and is friendlier for first-timers.
Good Backup Habits
- Keep a recent copy off the server, on your own computer or cloud storage.
- Back up before any major change, such as a CMS upgrade or theme switch.
- Test that a backup actually restores; an untested backup is not a backup.
Server-level backups may also run on a schedule, but never rely on them alone. If you need a backup restored that you cannot do yourself, contact support through the /contact page.