How to Create a Full Website Backup in cPanel

To back up your website in cPanel, go to Files → Backup (or open the Backup Wizard) and choose Full Backup. cPanel packages all your files, databases, and account settings into a single compressed file you can download to your computer.

This guide covers every step — from generating the backup to storing it safely — plus tips on automating the process so you never have to think about it again.

Why you shouldn't skip website backups

Mistakes happen: a failed plugin update, an accidentally deleted file, or a malware injection can take your site offline within minutes. A recent backup is the difference between recovering in an hour or losing weeks of work.

Even if your hosting provider runs automatic backups, don't rely on them exclusively. Retention policies vary — some keep only 7 days of history, others exclude databases, and budget plans may not guarantee backups at all.

Types of backups available in cPanel

For full protection, always use the Full Backup option. The other types are faster but only cover part of your site.

Step by step: how to generate a full backup

1. Log in to cPanel

Access cPanel using the URL your host provided — typically yourdomain.com/cpanel or cpanel.yourdomain.com. Enter your username and password.

2. Open the Backup section

In the main dashboard, look for the Files section. You will find two tools:

• Backup — generates partial backups by type.
• Backup Wizard — an interactive guide recommended for beginners.

Click Backup Wizard if this is your first time.

3. Select "Full Backup"

In the Backup Wizard, click Back Up, then choose Full Backup. This option creates a .tar.gz archive that includes:

• All files in your home directory (public_html, mail, etc).
• All MySQL databases linked to your account.
• DNS zone files and email account settings.

4. Choose where to save the backup

cPanel asks where the backup file should be stored:

• Home Directory — saves the file on your hosting server (you download it afterward).
• Remote FTP Server — sends the file directly to another server.
• Email notification — alerts you when the backup is ready (file stays on the server).

For most users, select Home Directory and enter your email address for the notification. Click Generate Backup.

5. Download the backup file

The process can take seconds to several minutes depending on how large your site is. Once you receive the confirmation email:

1. Return to Backup Wizard → Download.
2. Or open cPanel's File Manager, navigate to the root directory, and find the file named backup-YYYY-MM-DD_HH-MM-SS_yourdomain.tar.gz.
3. Download it to your computer and store it somewhere safe — an external drive, Google Drive, or Dropbox.

Never leave the backup only on the server. If your hosting fails, the backup disappears with it.

How to back up only the MySQL database

If you run WordPress, Joomla, or any database-driven CMS, the database holds all your content. A standalone database backup before updates is a smart habit:

1. Go to Files → Backup (not the Wizard).
2. Scroll to Download a MySQL Database Backup.
3. Click the name of the database you want to back up.
4. An .sql.gz file downloads directly to your computer.

Keep this file alongside your full backup. In an emergency, you can restore just the database in minutes using phpMyAdmin → Import.

Setting up automatic backups

Many cPanel hosts include JetBackup, which lets you schedule daily or weekly automatic backups. If yours does not, consider these alternatives:

• WordPress plugins such as UpdraftPlus or All-in-One WP Migration (if your site runs WordPress).
• cPanel cron job running a mysqldump script on a schedule you define.
• Managed hosting from an agency that includes daily backups as part of the plan.

Follow the 3-2-1 backup rule: keep 3 copies of your data, on 2 different media, with 1 copy stored off-site (cloud or external drive).

If you prefer to hand off technical hosting management to professionals, the team at elenlace.com offers managed plans that include daily backups and monitoring.

Key takeaways

• A full cPanel backup includes files, databases, email accounts, and DNS settings in one archive.
• Use the Backup Wizard for a guided experience; the Backup tool for more granular control.
• Always download the backup to your computer or a cloud storage service — never leave it only on the server.
• Create a standalone database backup before updating plugins, themes, or your CMS.
• Apply the 3-2-1 rule: three copies, two media types, one off-site.

Want automatic daily backups without lifting a finger? Get in touch with elenlace.com and we'll show you managed hosting plans with backups included.

Browse more hosting guides and comparisons in our comparisons section.

FAQ

How large is a full cPanel backup file?

It depends on your site size. A basic WordPress installation might produce a 50–500 MB archive; a media-heavy site can exceed 2 GB. cPanel compresses the output as a .tar.gz file, which typically reduces the size by 30–70% compared to the raw data.

Can I restore a full backup directly from cPanel?

Restoring a full backup usually requires contacting your hosting support or having WHM/root access. To restore files only, upload the .tar.gz via FTP and extract it. To restore the database, import the .sql file through phpMyAdmin.

How often should I back up my website?

For sites with daily content changes — online stores and active blogs — back up the database daily and run a full site backup weekly. For static or brochure sites, once a week or before any significant change is sufficient.

Does a cPanel backup include my email messages?

Yes. A full backup includes all email accounts and the messages stored on the server. Home directory backups also capture email because mail folders live within the account's file tree.

Further reading

Other providers and guides worth comparing:

• GoDaddy
• HostGator México
• Hostinger