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How to back up a database in cPanel

This guide shows you how to save a copy of your database, and how to put it back later.

cPanel2 min read19 steps2 screenshots

What is a database backup?

A database is where a website keeps its information, such as posts, users and orders. A backup is a spare copy. If you break something, you can restore the copy and get your data back. Make a backup before you update plugins, change settings or move a site.

Method 1: Backup page

  1. Log in to cPanel.
  2. In the Files section, click Backup.
    click-on-backup
  3. Scroll to Download a MySQL Database Backup.
    click-on-database-name
  4. Click the name of your database. A file ending in .sql.gz downloads to your computer.
  5. Keep the file in a safe place.

If you do not know your database name, open MySQL Databases in cPanel. For WordPress, the name is also in the wp-config.php file.

Method 2: phpMyAdmin

phpMyAdmin is a web tool for looking inside databases.

  1. In cPanel, click phpMyAdmin.
  2. Click your database name on the left.
  3. Click the Export tab.
  4. Choose Quick and the format SQL.
  5. Click Export or Go.
  6. Save the file.

For a huge database, choose Custom and pick compression such as gzipped. This makes the file smaller.

How to restore a backup

Warning: Restoring can overwrite the data in the database now. Export a fresh backup first, so you can undo the change.

  1. Open Backup in cPanel.
  2. Scroll to Restore a MySQL Database Backup.
  3. Click Choose File and pick your .sql.gz file.
  4. Click Upload.

Or use phpMyAdmin:

  1. Open phpMyAdmin and click your database.
  2. Click the Import tab.
  3. Click Choose File and pick your backup.
  4. Click Import.

phpMyAdmin has an upload size limit. For large files, ask Hostvento support for help at https://secure.hostvento.com/submitticket.php.

Good habits

  • Back up before every big change.
  • Store copies somewhere other than the server, such as your computer.
  • Name files with the date, like shop-2026-10-08.sql.gz.
  • Test restore on a spare site now and then.
Tip: A database backup does not save your site files. Back up both the files and the database for a full copy.

Quick recap

  • Use Backup in cPanel and click your database to download it.
  • Or use the Export tab in phpMyAdmin.
  • Restore with the upload box or the Import tab.
  • Always take a fresh backup before you restore.