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How to Create and Restore Backups Using cPanel Backup Wizard

ajith June 17, 2025

Website backups are essential not just for tech-savvy developers, but for every website owner. Whether you’re updating a theme, installing a plugin, or facing a sudden crash, having a recent backup can be the difference between a quick fix and total data loss.
In this article, we’ll walk you through how to create and restore backups step-by-step, all from the cPanel interface.

What Is the Backup Wizard in cPanel?

The Backup Wizard is a user-friendly tool within cPanel designed to help you create full or partial backups of your website and restore them easily. It’s ideal for clients who want a no-code solution to safeguard their website data.

The tool allows you to:

  • Create full website backups (files + databases)

  • Backup only specific parts (like databases or home directory)

  • Restore backups created earlier

Why Regular Backups Matter

Here’s why every website owner should back up regularly:

Scenario Without Backup With Backup
Plugin update fails Data loss or site crash Quick recovery
Hacked website Manual cleanup required Restore clean copy
Mistaken file deletion Permanent data loss Recover from backup
Migration to a new host Tedious and risky Smooth and fast

How to Access the Backup Wizard in cPanel

  1. Log in to your cPanel account

  2. Under the Files section, click on “Backup Wizard”

This opens a 3-step interface that simplifies the process of creating and restoring backups.

Step 1: Creating a Backup

Option A: Full Backup (Recommended)

A full backup includes:

  • Website files (themes, plugins, uploads)

  • Databases (posts, settings, users)

  • Email forwarders & filters

Note: Full backups cannot be restored via the Wizard you’ll need your host’s assistance. But they’re excellent for migrations or complete restorations.

How to Create a Full Backup:

  1. In the Backup Wizard, click “Back Up”

  2. Click “Full Backup”

  3. Choose Backup Destination:

    • Home Directory (default)

    • Or select Remote FTP if you want to store it elsewhere

  4. Enter your email address to be notified when the backup is ready

  5. Click “Generate Backup”

The backup file will be stored in your home directory (usually something like: backup-6.09.2025_xxxxx.tar.gz).

Option B: Partial Backups

If you only want to back up certain components:

Home Directory Backup

  • Click on “Home Directory”

  • It includes all files in your account (public_html, emails, config files)

  • Click Download, and it saves a .tar.gz file to your computer

MySQL Database Backup

  • Click on “MySQL Databases”

  • Select the database you want to back up

  • Click Download

Email Forwarders & Filters

  • Useful for preserving your mail rules

  • Click and download as needed

Step 2: Restoring a Backup

Restoring is just as easy especially if you used partial backups.

Restoring Home Directory:

  1. Go to Backup Wizard

  2. Click “Restore”

  3. Select “Home Directory”

  4. Click Choose File and upload your .tar.gz backup

Restoring MySQL Database:

  1. In Restore section, select “MySQL Databases”

  2. Upload the .sql file from your backup

Note: If your database already exists, you might need to delete it first or restore under a different name to avoid conflicts.

Restoring Email Settings:

  • Choose Email Forwarders or Filters

  • Upload the corresponding backup files

Best Practices for Clients

Tip Why It Helps
Download backups after generation Keeps a local copy in case your server fails
Name backups with date labels Easy to identify and manage
Schedule regular backups Weekly or monthly backups depending on update frequency
Test restore process on a staging site Avoid surprises during emergencies
Clean old backups Saves space on your hosting account

Common Questions Answered

Q: Can I schedule automatic backups with Backup Wizard?
A: No, Backup Wizard doesn’t offer scheduling. You’ll need to create backups manually or ask your host about automated options.

Q: Will restoring a home directory erase my site?
A: It replaces the contents of your public_html and related directories. Always back up current data before restoring.

Q: Are backups stored securely?
A: Yes, they are stored in your account’s home directory. But for extra safety, download and store them offline or on cloud storage.

Conclusion

The Backup Wizard in cPanel is one of the simplest yet most powerful tools available to website owners. Whether you’re launching a new plugin, updating core files, or preparing for migration, having a current backup gives you peace of mind.
You don’t need to be technical to use it just follow the steps to create or restore backups when needed. It’s a must-have habit for anyone who values their website content and uptime.
If you haven’t used the Backup Wizard before, now is the time. One click can save your entire site.