How to Restore a Website Backup in cPanel
Quick Summary
You can restore website files, databases, or email data from backups if your hosting plan and cPanel tools support restoration.
Before Restoring
Before restoring a backup, make sure:
- You have the correct backup file
- You understand what will be overwritten
- You have a copy of the current website
- The backup is from the correct date
- The backup belongs to the correct domain
Restore Website Files
- Log in to cPanel.
- Open File Manager.
- Go to the website folder.
- Upload your backup ZIP file.
- Extract the files.
- Confirm files are in the correct document root.
- Test the website.
Common main domain folder:
public_html
Common addon domain folder:
public_html/example.com
Restore a MySQL Database
- Log in to cPanel.
- Open Backup or Backup Wizard.
- Look for database restore options.
- Upload the database backup file.
- Restore the database.
Alternative method:
- Open phpMyAdmin.
- Select the database.
- Click Import.
- Upload the SQL file.
- Click Go.
Restore WordPress
For WordPress, restore both:
- Website files
- Database
If you restore only files and not the database, the website may still show old content or errors.
Important
Restoring a backup can overwrite existing files or database tables. Always create a fresh backup before restoring an older backup.
Common Problems
Problem: Website shows database error after restore.
Solution: Check database name, username, password, and wp-config.php.
Problem: Website files restored but site still broken.
Solution: Restore the correct database backup.
Problem: Backup file upload fails.
Solution: Check file size limits or upload using FTP.
Need Help?
Open a support ticket:
