How to restore backup in cPanel

February 4, 2024

Restore backup in cPanel is a straightforward process. Here’s a general guide to help you through the steps:

Note: The exact steps might vary slightly depending on your cPanel version or the hosting provider’s configuration.

The Backup Restoration interface:

This interface contains two tabs, the Restore by Account tab and the Restore by Date tab. In each tab, the interface marks the step that you’ll need to complete with a blue border. The interface does not mark the Options section since you can customize your selections.

In the example below, the blue border highlights the calendar. The selection indicates that the user should select a date from the Available Backup Dates calendar.

Steps to restore backup:

  1. Login to cPanel:
    • Open your web browser and go to the cPanel login page provided by your hosting provider.
    • Enter your cPanel username and password to log in.
  2. Navigate to Backup Section:
    • Once logged in, look for the “Files” section or “Backup” section in cPanel. The location may vary depending on the cPanel theme.
  3. Access Backup Wizard or Backup Manager:
    • In the Backup section, you may find options like “Backup Wizard” or “Backup Manager.” Click on the appropriate option.
  4. Choose Restore:
    • Look for the “Restore” or “Restore a Full Backup” option. Click on it.
  5. Select Backup File:
    • You’ll be prompted to choose the backup file you want to restore. You can upload the backup file directly or choose from backups available on the server.
  6. Upload or Choose File:
    • If you have the backup file on your local computer, you may need to upload it. Alternatively, if the backup is already on the server, you can choose it from the available backups.
  7. Start Restore:
    • Once you’ve selected the backup file, click on the “Upload” or “Restore” button to initiate the restoration process.
  8. Wait for Completion:
    • The restoration process may take some time depending on the size of the backup. You’ll see progress indicators, and you might receive a confirmation once the restore is complete.
  9. Verify the Website:
    • After the restoration process is finished, it’s a good practice to visit your website and ensure that everything is working as expected. Check different pages and functionalities to confirm that the backup restoration was successful.

The Options list:

This list allows you to control how much of the account’s information you wish to restore. The system enables the Restore SubdomainsRestore Mail Configuration, and Restore MySQL options by default.

The list contains the following options:

  • Restore Subdomains — Restores any subdomains that appear in the account’s backup archive.
  • Restore Mail Configuration — Restores the account’s email configuration.
  • Restore MySQL — Restores the account’s MySQL® databases.
  • Restore from — From the menu, select a backup destination from which to restore your backup.
  • Give Dedicated IP Address — Assigns the account a dedicated IP address during the restoration process.

Important Tips to restore backup in cPanel:

  • Make sure you have a recent backup before starting the restoration process.
  • If your website uses a database, ensure that you also restore the database backup along with the file backup.
  • Follow any specific instructions provided by your hosting provider or cPanel interface for the best results.

Restore MySQL Database (if needed)

If you are restoring a website that uses a database (e.g., WordPress, Joomla), you will need to restore the database separately:

  1. In the Backup Wizard, select “MySQL Databases.”
  2. Choose the database you want to restore.
  3. Click “Choose File” and select the SQL file for your database backup.
  4. Click “Upload.”

Remember, if you’re unsure about any step or encounter issues during the process, it’s always a good idea to contact your hosting provider’s support for assistance. They can provide guidance based on the specific setup and configuration of your cPanel hosting environment.