One thing every webmaster should learn how to do is backing up his/her website’s databases. Everyone webmaster who’s managing a website should first learn how to perform a full website backup, including databases.
This brief tutorial shows users how to perform a full database backup via CPanel using phpMyAdmin.
phpMyAdmin comes with almost all CPanel installations. It’s a great PHP tool that allows webmasters and website owners to manage MySQL/MariaDB databases with ease in their web browsers.
Also, a good practice for webmasters and website owners is to always backup their website content, including databases before making changes. Whether the change is a minor or a major one, always do a full backup.
It might sound like an overkill, but you’ll be grateful when something goes wrong doing a change after taking a full backup copy of your content and you need to restore.
If you were implementing a change without a backup copy of your content and something went wrong, you’ll probably by out of luck in those situations.
That’s why it’s important to backup everytime you’re about to make a change.
So, go perform a full backup via CPanel using phpMyAdmin, logon to CPanel and navigate to the Databases section and click phpMyAdmin as shown below.
Next, select the database you wish to backup from the left. Then to the right click Export from the menu tab shown in the image below.
Finally, click Go as shown in the image below.
The next screen pops up asking where you should download the database. Select a location on your computer to save your database file.
After saving it, you’re done. A full copy of your database content has now been saved. In the event that you mistakenly delete a file or table from your database you’ll be able to restore your content up to the point you last created backup copy.
There might be other custom built-in tools that come with your CPanel account to perform backups.. If you feel comfortable with those, you should use them instead.
phpMyAdmin has always worked for me and I prefer if over others.
Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I backup my WordPress database via CPanel using phpMyAdmin?
To backup your WordPress database via CPanel using phpMyAdmin, log in to CPanel, navigate to the Databases section, select phpMyAdmin, choose the database to backup, click Export, and save the database file to your computer.
Why is it important to backup my website's databases before making changes?
It's crucial to backup your website's databases before making changes to avoid data loss in case something goes wrong. Always perform a full backup to ensure you can restore your content if needed.
What is phpMyAdmin and how does it help in managing databases?
phpMyAdmin is a PHP tool that allows webmasters and website owners to manage MySQL/MariaDB databases easily through a web browser. It simplifies database management tasks and provides a user-friendly interface.
Can I backup multiple databases using phpMyAdmin in CPanel?
Yes, you can backup multiple databases using phpMyAdmin in CPanel. Simply select the databases you want to backup from the left panel before proceeding with the export process.
What should I do if I accidentally delete a file or table from my database?
If you accidentally delete a file or table from your database, having a recent backup will allow you to restore the lost data. Regularly backing up your databases is essential to prevent data loss.
How often should I backup my website's databases?
It's recommended to backup your website's databases regularly, especially before making any significant changes. Establish a backup schedule that suits your update frequency to ensure data security.
Is it possible to automate the database backup process in CPanel?
Yes, you can automate the database backup process in CPanel using scheduled tasks or cron jobs. Set up automated backups to ensure regular and consistent database backups without manual intervention.
What are the benefits of performing a full database backup?
Performing a full database backup ensures that you have a complete copy of your website's data, allowing you to restore it in case of emergencies such as data corruption, hacking, or accidental deletions.