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Creating and restoring backups in cPanel

Create full and partial backups of your website, databases, and email in cPanel. Download them off-server and understand what can be restored by you or by su...

UnderHost NOC Network Operations
7 min read Updated June 2026
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Backups protect you from data loss caused by accidental deletion, malware, bad updates, database corruption, or server issues. cPanel includes Backup and Backup Wizard tools for creating manual backups. Keep at least one copy outside the hosting account.

Create a full account backup

A full backup includes your files, databases, email, and cPanel settings in one archive.

  1. Log in to cPanel and open Files -> Backup Wizard or Backup.
  2. Click Back Up.
  3. Select Full Account Backup.
  4. Choose a destination. Home Directory saves the backup inside your account; remote FTP options save it to another server.
  5. Enter an email address for the completion notice.
  6. Click Generate Backup.
  7. When the backup is complete, download it to your computer or secure cloud storage.
Do not leave backups in public folders. After downloading, remove old backup archives from web-accessible directories and keep your off-server copy secure.

Partial backups

Partial backups are useful when you only need one part of the account:

  • Home Directory - website files and account files.
  • MySQL Databases - SQL dumps of individual databases.
  • Email Forwarders - email forwarding configuration.
  • Email Filters - email filter rules.

Download partial backups before major WordPress updates, plugin changes, s, or database edits.

Restore from backup

In Backup Wizard, click Restore to restore previously downloaded partial backups:

  • Home Directory - upload a supported home-directory backup archive.
  • MySQL Database - upload a .sql or .sql.gz database backup.
  • Email Forwarders / Filters - restore email configuration.

Important: Full account backups can only be restored by a server administrator. Open a support ticket if you need a full account restore from a cPanel backup file.

Automated backups

UnderHost shared hosting plans include server-side backup protection, but retention and restore options can vary by plan and platform. Treat service-level backups as a safety net, not your only copy. To request a restore from an UnderHost-managed backup, open a technical support ticket and specify:

  • Your domain name.
  • The date or approximate time you want restored.
  • Whether you need files, a database, email data, or a full account restore.
  • Whether the restore should overwrite the current site or be staged for review.
Keep offsite backups too

Do not rely entirely on server backups. Download a copy of important backups to your local computer or cloud storage at least monthly, and before major site updates.

Related: How to log in to cPanel (and fix login issues) | Using phpMyAdmin in cPanel-import, export, and manage databases | Database backup and restore-quick reference | How to restore files and databases from a backup | How to secure your website

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