How to Generate a Full cPanel Backup
Step 1: Accessing the Backup Wizard
- Log in to cPanel.
- Navigate to the Files section and click Backup Wizard.
- Click the Back Up button to start the process.
Step 2: Selecting the Backup Type
You will see two options:
- Full Backup: Use this for migrations or a complete "safety net" of your entire account. Note: Only a server administrator can restore a full .tar.gz file.
- Partial Backup: Use this to download just the public_html folder or a specific database. You can restore these yourself via the same interface.
Step 3: Generating a Full Backup
- Click Full Backup.
- Backup Destination: Select Home Directory.
- Email Address: Enter your email if you want a notification once the backup completes.
- Click Generate Backup.
Step 4: Downloading the Backup
The system will bundle your account into a single file. This may take 5 minutes to 1 hour depending on account size.
- Once finished, a link appears under Backups Available for Download.
- The file will be named backup-MM.DD.YYYY_HH-MM-SS_username.tar.gz.
- Click the link to download the file to your computer.
Important Rules for Backups
| Do... | Don't... |
|---|---|
| Download the file immediately to your computer or cloud storage. | Leave the backup on the server; it consumes space and isn’t safe if hardware fails. |
| Delete the backup from cPanel after downloading to save space. | Rename the backup file; the filename contains metadata needed for restoration. |
| Run backups during low-traffic hours. | Rely solely on automated backups; always keep a manual copy before major updates. |
Step 5: Restoring Your Data
- Partial Backups: Go back to Backup Wizard, click Restore, select the file type (Home Directory or MySQL), and upload your file.
- Full Backups: Open a support ticket with Jiinubi and provide the backup file or a link. Only our team can restore a full .tar.gz backup.
