How to Use cPanel’s Backup Wizard to Back Up Your Website (Step-by-Step)
A backup can be a lifesaver — whether you’re updating your site, migrating to a new server, or recovering from a crash. Fortunately, cPanel makes backups simple with its built-in Backup Wizard.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to create and download a full website backup using cPanel’s Backup Wizard, and how to restore it when needed.
✅ Why Regular Backups Matter
- 💥 Protects against data loss
- 🔄 Helps with website migration
- 🧪 Enables safe experimentation (restore if something breaks)
- 🧩 Stores downloadable copies of your full website
🚀 How to Use the Backup Wizard in cPanel
Step 1: Log in to cPanel
Go to yourdomain.com:2083 or use your hosting dashboard to access cPanel.
Step 2: Open Backup Wizard
Scroll to the Files section and click on Backup Wizard.
This tool simplifies both backup and restore processes.
🔄 To Create a Backup
Step 3: Click Backup
You’ll see two main options: Backup and Restore. Click Backup.
Step 4: Choose Backup Type
- Full Backup: Includes everything – files, databases, emails, settings (best for migrations and complete safety).
- Partial Backup: Choose to back up only files, MySQL databases, or email forwarders & filters.
Click Full Backup to download everything.
Step 5: Choose Backup Destination
- Leave it as Home Directory
- Optionally, add your email to receive a notification when the backup is complete
- Click Generate Backup
The system will start creating the backup file.
🔔 Backups may take a few minutes depending on the size of your website.
📥 How to Download the Backup File
Once the backup is ready:
- Go back to Backup Wizard > Backup > Full Backup
- You’ll see your backup file listed
- Click to download it to your local computer
Keep it safe and store it in an external or cloud location as an extra layer of protection.
🔁 To Restore a Backup
If you need to restore your site:
- Go to Backup Wizard
- Click Restore
- Choose what you want to restore: files, databases, or email settings
- Upload the corresponding backup file
⚠️ Note: Full backups can’t be restored via cPanel unless your host supports it. For full restore, contact your host support.
🧠 Best Practices for Backups
- Schedule regular backups (e.g., weekly)
- Store backups in multiple locations (PC, Google Drive, Dropbox)
- Keep the last few versions just in case
- Before major updates or migrations, always back up first
🧩 Related cPanel Articles
- How to Restore a Backup in cPanel
- How to Use File Manager to Upload Website Files
- How to Manage MySQL Databases in cPanel
📌 Final Thoughts
Backups are your website’s safety net — don’t wait until it’s too late. cPanel’s Backup Wizard gives you full control over your site’s security with just a few clicks.
Need help with backups or site restoration? Reach out to our support team here.