How to Create a Full Backup in cPanel
Quick Summary
A full cPanel backup contains your website files, databases, email accounts, forwarders, and hosting settings. You should create a backup before major website changes.
When to Create a Backup
Create a backup before:
- Updating WordPress
- Changing themes
- Installing new plugins
- Editing website files
- Migrating your website
- Making database changes
- Testing new scripts
Steps to Create a Full Backup
- Log in to cPanel.
- Go to the Files section.
- Click Backup or Backup Wizard.
- Click Download a Full Account Backup.
- Choose the backup destination.
- Enter your email address if notification is available.
- Click Generate Backup.
- Wait for the backup to complete.
- Download the backup file when ready.
What a Full Backup Includes
A full backup may include:
- Website files
- MySQL databases
- Email accounts
- Email forwarders
- DNS zone information
- cPanel settings
- Cron jobs
- FTP accounts
Important
A full cPanel backup is usually used for account restoration or migration. It may not be restorable by customers directly from cPanel unless restoration tools are available.
Partial Backup Options
You may also download:
- Home directory backup
- MySQL database backup
- Email forwarder backup
- Email filter backup
Where to Store Backups
Store backups in a safe place, such as:
- Your computer
- External drive
- Cloud storage
- Remote backup storage
Do not keep only one backup copy inside the hosting account.
Common Problems
Problem: Backup generation takes too long.
Solution: Large accounts may take longer to compress.
Problem: Backup file is too large.
Solution: Download partial backups or remove unnecessary files.
Problem: Not enough disk space.
Solution: Free disk space before generating a backup.
Need Help?
Open a support ticket:
