How to Use the Backup Features in cPanel - Knowledgebase

Introduction

Regular backups are one of the most important parts of website management. A backup allows you to restore your website, databases, email accounts, and other account data if files are accidentally deleted, corrupted, or otherwise lost.

cPanel includes built-in backup tools that allow you to create and download backups of your hosting account.

This guide explains how to use the Backup feature in cPanel.

Important Backup Notice

While we perform server backups as a courtesy, backups are not guaranteed and should not be relied upon as the sole source of your data.

All website owners are strongly encouraged to maintain their own backups on a regular basis and store copies in a secure off-site location.

Please note that while our remote backup system includes website files, databases, and individual email accounts, email stored in the main cPanel account's default email address is not included in the remote backup system.

Accessing the Backup Feature

Step 1: Log in to cPanel

Step 2: Open the Backup Tool

Navigate to the Files section and click Backup.

The Backup interface provides options to:

Download a Full Account Backup
Download partial backups
Restore certain backup types

Understanding Backup Types

Full Account Backup

A Full Account Backup contains most of the data associated with your hosting account, including:

Website files
Databases
Email account settings
Email messages
DNS zone configurations
FTP account settings

A Full Account Backup is primarily intended for archival purposes or migration to another server.

Partial Backups

Partial backups allow you to download specific components of your account, such as:

Home Directory
MySQL Databases
Email Forwarders
Email Filters

These backups can often be restored individually through cPanel.

Creating a Full Account Backup

Step 1: Open Backup

Within the Backup interface, locate the Full Backup section.

Click Download a Full Account Backup.

Step 2: Select a Backup Destination

Under Backup Destination, choose:

Home Directory (recommended)
Remote FTP Server (if available)
Other remote destinations supported by your hosting provider

Most users should select Home Directory.

Step 3: Enter a Notification Email Address

Provide an email address where cPanel can notify you when the backup process is complete.

Step 4: Generate Backup

Click Generate Backup.

The backup process will begin and may take several minutes depending on the size of your account.

Step 5: Download the Backup

Once completed:

Open File Manager.
Navigate to your home directory.
Locate the backup file.
Download it to your local computer.

Downloading a Home Directory Backup

The Home Directory contains your website files and most account content.

To download a Home Directory backup:

Open the Backup interface.
Under Partial Backups, click Home Directory.
Save the generated archive file to your computer.

This backup does not include databases.

Downloading a Database Backup

Database backups are important for websites that use content management systems such as WordPress, Joomla, Drupal, or custom applications.

To download a database backup:

Open the Backup interface.
Scroll to the Download a MySQL Database Backup section.
Click the database you wish to download.

The database will be downloaded as an SQL file.

Alternative Method

Databases can also be exported through phpMyAdmin.

Downloading Email Forwarder Backups

To download email forwarders:

Open the Backup interface.
Locate the Email Forwarders section.
Click the forwarder backup file.

Downloading Email Filter Backups

To download email filters:

Open the Backup interface.
Locate the Email Filters section.
Click the filter backup file.

Restoring Backups

The cPanel Backup interface allows restoration of certain backup types.

Restore a Home Directory Backup

Open the Backup interface.
Under Restore a Home Directory Backup, click Choose File.
Select your backup archive.
Click Upload.

Restore a Database Backup

Open the Backup interface.
Under Restore a MySQL Database, click Choose File.
Select the SQL backup file.
Click Upload.

Restore Email Forwarders or Filters

The process is similar:

Choose the backup file.
Upload it through the corresponding restore section.

Best Practices

Maintain Multiple Backup Copies

Store backups in more than one location, such as:

Local computer
External drive
Cloud storage

Create Backups Before Major Changes

Always create a backup before:

Updating WordPress
Installing plugins or themes
Modifying databases
Making website code changes
Migrating a website

Verify Backup Integrity

Periodically confirm that backup files can be downloaded and opened successfully.

Do Not Rely Solely on Server Backups

Server backups should be considered an additional layer of protection, not a replacement for maintaining your own backup strategy.

Common Questions

How Often Should I Create Backups?

For active websites, weekly backups are generally recommended. Websites that change frequently may require daily backups.

Can I Restore a Full Backup Myself?

In most shared hosting environments, Full Account Backups cannot be restored through cPanel by the account owner. Contact your hosting provider if you need assistance restoring a full account backup.

Are Databases Included in a Home Directory Backup?

No. Home Directory backups contain website files only. Databases must be backed up separately or included as part of a Full Account Backup.

Are Email Messages Included?

Email messages are included in Full Account Backups. However, be aware that email stored in the main cPanel account's default email address is not included in our remote backup system.

Conclusion

The Backup feature in cPanel provides an easy way to protect your website files, databases, and account settings. Creating regular backups before making changes can significantly reduce downtime and simplify recovery if a problem occurs.

For maximum protection, always maintain your own backup copies in addition to any backups provided by your hosting provider.

This article works especially well alongside companion knowledgebase articles on JetBackup, phpMyAdmin Database Exports, File Manager, and How to Restore a Website from Backup.

Categories