How to download a backup with Backup Wizard in cPanel

Category: cPanel

cPanel Backup Wizard helps you download a full or partial copy of your hosting account. Use it before editing important files, moving a site, saving a database, or keeping a local copy for safety.

Keep in mind that a full backup is useful for storage or migration, but on shared hosting you usually cannot restore the full account directly from cPanel. If you need to recover the whole account, contact support to review the best option.

Before you start

  • Confirm that you have enough space on your computer to save the downloaded file.
  • Decide whether you need a full account copy or only a partial backup, such as files or databases.
  • If you are downloading a database, identify the correct name before opening the wizard.

Choose the backup type

  1. Log in to cPanel and find the Files section.
  2. Open Backup Wizard. In some localized themes, it may also appear as Asistente de backup.
  3. Click Back Up to start the download flow.
  4. Review the available options before choosing: full backup, home directory, MySQL databases, forwarders, or email filters.

Download a full backup

  1. Choose Full Backup if you want to save a copy of the entire account.
  2. Select Home Directory as the destination so cPanel generates the file inside your account.
  3. Type a notification email if you want to receive a message when the process finishes.
  4. Start the generation and wait until cPanel shows or sends the download link; do not sign out if you are still checking the status.

Download partial backups

  1. Go back to Backup Wizard and enter Back Up again if you need a partial copy.
  2. Download Home Directory to save site files without including the full account package.
  3. Download each database from MySQL Databases if you are backing up a CMS, an online store, Moodle, or another app with MySQL.
  4. Download forwarders or filters if your email setup depends on those rules.

Verify and store the files

  • Confirm that the downloaded file has the expected extension, such as .tar.gz, .sql.gz, or .gz.
  • Check that the file size is not 0 KB and that the download finished without interruptions.
  • Store the copy in a dated folder, for example backups-2026-05-18.
  • Keep the backup outside your hosting account if you will use it as a real safety copy.

Common errors

  • The full backup does not appear right away: cPanel is still generating it; wait for the notification email or check again in a few minutes.
  • The file is 0 KB or will not open: the download was interrupted; delete that copy and download it again from cPanel.
  • You do not know which database to download: check your application configuration file or open MySQL Databases to find the correct name.

Still need help?

If this guide didn’t solve your issue, our team can help you via ticket.

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