Learn how to back up and restore important data in cPanel.
Regular backups of site files, databases and email help you recover from data loss or failed changes. Depending on available tools, cPanel provides full and partial backup options. Keep important copies outside the hosting account too.
How to back up and restore in cPanel
Create a partial or full backup
1. Sign in to cPanel (More details), then openFiles and click Backup Wizard
2. Click Back Up
Choose either a partial backup or a full backup. A partial backup lets you download the home directory, individual MySQL databases, email forwarders or filters separately, while a full backup creates an account archive that can be downloaded for safekeeping or used for migration with authorized administrator assistance.
Choose the backup type
Download a full backup
Click Full Backup
On the next page, choose the destination and an email address for completion notifications, then click Generate Backup
Complete and download the backup
When the archive is ready, find it under Backups Available for Download Download and store the backup securely.
Download a partial backup
Select the data to back up: Home Directory, MySQL Databases, Email Forwarders or Filters, under Select Partial Backup
On the next page, select the required item and download it.
Restore a backup
Backup Wizard restores supported partial backups. A full account archive normally requires administrator or hosting-support assistance. To restore a partial backup, open Files >Backup Wizard>Restore
Choose the type of data to restore using the available buttons
Select the appropriate backup file and click Upload
After restoration, check the affected services.
Video tutorial
Use these steps to keep backups and verify that your recovery procedure works.
Check the result and troubleshoot
A full backup is not generally restored by an ordinary user through cPanel. Support may need to intervene. For a dynamic site, preserve both files and database. After restoring, test sign-in, pages and important functions.
Reference documentation:
Sources accessed on October 11, 2026. Available features depend on your hosting version and options.
