Downloading a MySQL backup gives you a copy of the database before changes or migration. This guide explains how to use cPanel’s Backup page to save that copy outside the hosting account.

Download the database

  1. Log in and open Files > Backup.

    Go to Backup

  2. Find Download a MySQL Database Backup.

  3. Select the required database.

    cpanel

  4. Save the completed download in a protected location on another device or backup service.

    zip file

Check the backup

Confirm the file downloaded successfully and test restoration to a separate database. Avoid storing the only copy on the hosting server or in a publicly accessible website folder.

This backup contains database data, not the site’s files or email. Restoring it returns data to the backup’s point in time; changes made afterwards are not automatically recovered.