A remote backup keeps a copy of your account on another server. cPanel can generate a full account archive and send it to an available remote destination. Ordinary FTP does not encrypt the transfer; choose Secure Copy (SCP) when offered and supported by the destination.
The legacy video demonstrates FTP. Available destinations and field labels depend on the cPanel version and hosting configuration.
Before you start
- Obtain the destination hostname or IP address, username, password, port, and writable directory from the remote server administrator. Confirm sufficient storage at both ends.
- Use a destination you control or are authorized to use. A full backup may contain private email, website data, and application credentials.
Instructions
Open full account backup
In cPanel, open Files, then Backup, and select Download a Full Account Backup.
Select the transfer method
Choose a supported option from Backup Destination: Remote FTP Server, Remote FTP Server (passive mode transfer), or Secure Copy (SCP). Passive FTP changes connection behavior; it does not add encryption.
Enter the remote details
Complete the remote server, user, password, port, and directory fields. Use the destination's confirmed port and path rather than assuming an example value will work.
Start generation
Enter an email address for completion notices if wanted, review the destination, and choose Generate Backup. Avoid starting repeated jobs while the first one is running.
Check the destination
After completion, sign in to the remote storage separately and locate the new archive. Keep its filename and generation date with your recovery records.
Check the result
- Confirm a completed archive exists at the intended remote location and its size is plausible for the account.
- Confirm your recovery process can retrieve this archive. A full account restore requires WHM or hosting support.
Troubleshooting
- The remote connection fails.
- Check the hostname, credentials, port, write permissions, and allowed connections with the destination administrator. For FTP connection issues, ask whether passive mode is required.
- SCP is not available.
- Ask support which secure backup transfer methods your account supports. Do not assume selecting FTP provides an encrypted connection.
Watch the video
The video may show an older interface. Use the written instructions above when screen names differ.
