# Backing up your email accounts with cPanel's File Manager

> Back up the email data for one or more accounts by compressing and downloading mail folders in cPanel's File Manager.

Source: https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/cpanel/files/backing-up-your-email-accounts-with-cpanels-file-manager/

Backing up your email accounts is a smart precaution before migrating, archiving, or making major changes. While cPanel has a full backup tool, sometimes you only need to back up **email data**. This guide shows you how to do it using **File Manager**.

## Why Back Up Email Separately?

- Preserve important messages before migration.
- Archive accounts for compliance or record‑keeping.
- Add an extra layer of protection beyond full account backups.

## Steps to Back Up Email Accounts

1. ### Log in to cPanel

   - If you’re unsure, see our guide: *Logging in and out of cPanel*.
2. ### Open File Manager

   - On the **cPanel Home screen**, go to **Files → File Manager**.
3. ### Locate the Mail Directory

   - Navigate to your home directory: `/home/username/`
   - Find the folder named **mail**.
   - Inside, you’ll see subfolders for each domain (e.g., `/mail/example.com`).
4. ### Compress the Mail Folder

   - Right‑click the domain’s mail folder.
   - Select **Compress**.
   - Choose a compression type:
   - Click **Compress File(s)**.
5. ### Download the Backup

   - Once the compressed file appears, right‑click it → **Download**.
   - Save it to your local computer (and ideally, to multiple locations).
6. ### Clean Up

   - To save space on your hosting account, delete the compressed file after downloading.
   - Right‑click → **Delete**

> **Note:**
- To back up **all email accounts**, compress the entire `/mail` directory instead of just one domain.
- Deleting a subaccount later will also delete its stored messages so keep backups if you need them.
- Always store backups securely (encrypted drive, cloud storage, or multiple devices).