Use cPanel to save a copy of your hosting data before a migration or important change. Choose a full account archive for a broader backup, or a partial backup for a specific component. A database backup does not include your website files, and a home directory backup does not replace a database backup.
The video may show an older cPanel layout. Current interfaces may say Full Account Backup where the video says Full Website Backup.
Before you start
- Have access to the correct cPanel account and enough space on your computer for the download. If generating an archive, check the hosting account's available disk space too.
- Choose private storage for the backup. Archives can contain email, application settings, customer information, and credentials.
Instructions
Open the backup tool
Sign in to cPanel and open Files, then Backup. Backup Wizard is an alternative if you prefer a guided process.
Choose the backup scope
For a full archive, select Download a Full Account Backup. For a partial copy, use the Home Directory or database download option under Partial Backups.
Generate a full archive if needed
Select Home Directory as the destination, enter a notification email if wanted, and choose Generate Backup. Wait for completion before downloading.
Download the completed file
Return to the full backup screen and select the completed archive under Backups Available for Download. Existing Account Backups appear only when your provider enables them.
Store a separate copy
Keep the downloaded file in secure storage outside this hosting account. Record the account, backup date, and whether the file is a full or partial backup.
Check the result
- Confirm the browser finished downloading and the saved archive has a plausible, nonzero size.
- Check that you saved every component required for recovery. Arrange a restore test separately before depending on an archive.
Troubleshooting
- The archive is missing or generation fails.
- Allow time for generation and check available disk space. If it still fails, send support the account name, approximate start time, and error text.
- I cannot upload a full archive to restore it.
- Full account restoration requires WHM or hosting support. Use the matching cPanel restore option only for a supported partial backup.
Watch the video
The video may show an older interface. Use the written instructions above when screen names differ.
Continue with a related task
- How to Send a cPanel Backup to a Remote Server
- How to Restore a Partial Backup in cPanel
- How to Export a Database Table with phpMyAdmin in cPanel
