How to Backup and Restore WordPress Using cPanel

Introduction

Backing up your WordPress site regularly is essential to protect your content, settings, and customizations. Whether you're making big changes, migrating your site, or recovering from errors or malware, a recent backup gives you peace of mind.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to create and restore full WordPress backups using cPanel tools such as Backup Wizard, JetBackup, and File Manager + phpMyAdmin.

Method 1: Backup and Restore Using cPanel Backup Wizard

Step 1: Access Backup Wizard

1. Log in to your cPanel account

2. Under the Files section, click on Backup Wizard

Step 2: Create a Full Backup

1. Click Back Up

2. Choose Full Backup or Partial Backup (Home Directory + MySQL Databases)

3. For full backups:

   • Select the destination (usually Home Directory)

   • Enter your email to receive a notification

   • Click Generate Backup

Full backups are for download only and cannot be restored via the Wizard. Use them for disaster recovery or migration.

Step 3: Download Your Backup

• Once completed, the backup will be available in File Manager > home/user/

• Download the .tar.gz file to your local storage

Step 4: Restore (Partial Backup Only)

• Go to Backup Wizard > Restore

• Restore Home Directory (WordPress files) and MySQL Database (WordPress database)

️ Method 2: Backup and Restore with JetBackup (if available)

JetBackup provides automated and on-demand backups with easier restore functionality.

Backup:

1. In cPanel, open JetBackup

2. Click on Full Account Backup or choose:

   • File Backups

   • Database Backups

Restore:

1. Open JetBackup

2. Select the latest backup

3. Click Restore for files or databases

4. Confirm and wait for the process to complete

✅ JetBackup is ideal for one-click recovery from recent issues or updates gone wrong.

️ Method 3: Manual Backup via File Manager + phpMyAdmin

Backup WordPress Files

1. In cPanel, go to File Manager

2. Navigate to your site’s root folder (usually public_html)

3. Select all files, then click Compress

4. Download the compressed zip file

Backup Database via phpMyAdmin

1. Go to phpMyAdmin in cPanel

2. Select your WordPress database from the left panel

3. Click Export at the top

4. Choose Quick and SQL format

5. Click Go to download

How to Restore Manually

Restore Files:

1. Upload your previously saved zip file to public_html via File Manager

2. Extract the files

Restore Database:

1. Open phpMyAdmin

2. Select the database (or create a new one in MySQL Databases)

3. Click Import, choose the .sql file, and click Go

Best Practices

• Backup before major changes (themes, plugin updates, migrations)

• Schedule automatic backups (via JetBackup or hosting tools)

• Store offsite backups (download to your PC or use Google Drive)

• Maintain at least 3 recent backups for safety

Conclusion

Using cPanel’s built-in tools, you can easily back up and restore your WordPress website whenever needed. Whether through Backup Wizard, JetBackup, or manual methods, consistent backups ensure you're always prepared for the unexpected.