# Managing backups in cPanel

> Create, download and restore full or partial backups of your website files, databases and email in cPanel.

Source: https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/cpanel/files/managing-backups-in-cpanel/

This article explains how to create, download, and restore website backups using cPanel.

**About backups**\
Backups help protect your website. By storing copies of your website files and settings, you can restore your site if something goes wrong. You can create full or partial backups at any time.

*Note:*\
cPanel can **only restore partial backups**. Full backups cannot be restored in cPanel directly.

## Creating a full backup

1. Log in to cPanel.
2. On the **Tools** page, in the **Files** section, click **Backup**.
3. Under **Full Backup**, click **Download a Full Account Backup**.
4. Under **Generate a Full Backup**, choose where to save the backup.

   - You can save to your home directory or transfer to another server using FTP or SCP.
5. (Optional) Select **Do not send email notification** if you don’t want a notification.
6. Click **Generate Backup**.

## Downloading a full backup

1. Log in to cPanel.
2. On the **Tools** page, in the **Files** section, click **Backup**.
3. Under **Full Backup**, click **Download a Full Account Backup**.
4. Under **Backups Available for Download**, click the file name to download it.

## Restoring a full backup

*Warning:*\
Restoring a full backup **replaces all data** in the account. Any changes made after the backup was created will be lost.

- If you **do not have root access**:\
  Upload the full backup to your home directory, then contact [**ruachost.com Support**](https://dashboard.ruachost.com/submitticket.php?step=2&deptid=3) and request a restore.
- If you **have root access**:

  1. Log in to WHM.
  2. Select **Restore a Full Backup/cpmove File**.
  3. Ensure the backup filename matches the required format.
  4. Upload the backup to one of the listed directories.
  5. Make sure **Restricted Restore** is selected.
  6. Choose **Restore with Username**, select the username, and enable **Overwrite the existing user**.
  7. Click **Restore**.

## Downloading a partial backup

1. Log in to cPanel.
2. On the **Tools** page, in the **Files** section, click **Backup**.
3. Under **Partial Backups**, select the type of backup to download, such as:

   - Home directory
   - MySQL databases
   - Email forwarders
   - Email filters

## Restoring a partial backup

1. Log in to cPanel.
2. On the **Tools** page, in the **Files** section, click **Backup**.
3. Under **Partial Backups**, click **Browse**, choose the backup file, and click **Upload**.