The cPanel backup interface allows you to generate and download a backup of your MySQL databases. Backing up your website’s database periodically is always recommended, as it can save you from a lot of pain in case anything happens with your data. It is often necessary to take a backup (or “dump”) of an entire database management system along with all databases and tables, including the system databases which hold the users, permissions, and passwords.

1) Log into cPanel.

2) Look for the “Files” section and click on the “Backup” icon.

3) In the “Partial Backup” section under “Download a MySQL Database Backup “ click on your database name you want to backup, in this case, it’s chemiclo_demo and the download will start automatically.

A copy of the database will now to saved on your PC, and you should now see the compressed .sql.gz file in the folder your web-browser downloaded it.

How to restore a MySQL Database Backup

If your database is corrupted or you have removed some useful data,  restoring the database from a previous working backup might be a great option to save the day. Luckily this can easily be done by following the next steps:

1) Log into cPanel.

2) Look for the “Files” section and click on the “Backup” icon.

3) In the “Partial Backup” section click the “Choose File” button located under “Restore a MySQL Database Backup “  and select the backup file you want to use from your PC and click “Open“.

4) Now the name of the backup file you selected should be displayed, please double check that this is the right backup and click “Upload“.

5) A new tab will open showing you information about the restore process.

The cPanel backup interface allows you to generate and download a backup of your Home directory, this will make a copy of all of your files located in your Home directory.

1) Log into cPanel.

2) Look for the “Files” section and click on the “Backup” icon.

3) In the “Partial Backup” section, click the “Home Directory” button to proceed and click “Save As” or select “Save File” in the pop-up that appears.

4) Select a destination where you would like to store your home directory backup locally and click “Save“. The backup file created will now be downloaded to the chosen destination in a .tar.gz file.

If you want to generate a full backup of your website, which includes all your website files, emails and databases just follow the instructions provided in this tutorial: Full Website Backup.

How to Restore a Home Directory Backup

A home directory backup can be restored within cPanel, following these steps you can learn how to restore a backup of your Home directory.

1) Log into cPanel.

2) Look for the “Files” section and click on the “Backup” icon.

3) In the “Partial Backup” section, click the “Choose File” button located under “Restore a Home Directory Backup” select the backup file you intend to use from your PC and click “Open”.

4) Now the name of the backup file you selected should be displayed, please double check that this is the right backup and click “Upload“.

5) A new tab will open showing all the files that are currently being replaced.