# Backing up and restoring data with WebHost Manager

> Configure scheduled backups in WHM and restore cPanel accounts, files or databases from them.

Source: https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/vps/whm/backing-up-and-restoring-data-with-webhost-manager/

**WebHost Manager (WHM)** includes built‑in tools to back up and restore account data. This ensures that customer websites, emails, and databases can be recovered in case of accidental deletion, corruption, or server issues.

## Why Use WHM Backups?

- Protect customer data against accidental loss.
- Restore accounts quickly after server issues.
- Migrate accounts between servers with minimal downtime.
- Provide peace of mind to resellers and administrators.

## Configuring Backups

1. **Log in to WHM.**
2. In the search box (top left), type **backup**.\
   ![WebHost Manager - Backup Configuration](https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/kb-images/d4e9be8854f8.webp)
3. Click **Backup Configuration**.\
   ![WHM - Backup Configuration - Enable Backups check box](https://helpcenter.ruachost.com/kb-images/7667cdfdc9d7.webp)
4. On the **Backup Settings tab**:

   - **Enable Backups** → Check this box to activate backups.
   - **Backup Type** → Choose:

     - **Compressed** → Saves disk space, takes longer to create.
     - **Uncompressed** → Faster, uses more disk space.
     - **Incremental** → Only saves changed files since the last backup.
   - **Scheduling and Retention** → Set how often backups run and how long they are kept.
   - **Files and Databases** → Select which user accounts, system files, and MySQL databases to include.
   - **Backup Directory** → Define where backups are stored.
5. Click **Save Configuration**.

## Enabling Remote (Offsite) Backups

WHM supports storing backups on external services:

- ### Amazon S3
- ### Backblaze B2
- ### Google Drive
- ### FTP, rsync, SFTP, WebDAV

To configure:

1. In **Backup Configuration**, go to the **Additional Destinations tab**.
2. Select the desired storage service.
3. Enter authentication details (API keys, credentials).
4. Click **Save and Validate Destination**. Backups will now be stored remotely.

## Restoring Data from Backups

### Restore by Account

1. In WHM, search for **Backup Restoration**.
2. Click the **Restore by Account tab**.
3. Select the user account to restore.
4. Choose the backup date.
5. Select options (subdomains, mail files, MySQL databases).
6. Click **Restore**.

### Restore by Date

1. In WHM, search for **Backup Restoration**.
2. Click the **Restore by Date tab**.
3. Select the backup date.
4. Choose the account to restore.
5. Select options (subdomains, mail files, MySQL databases).
6. Click **Restore**.

> **Note:**
- You must have **root access** to configure and restore backups.
- Always validate remote destinations before relying on them.
- Large restores may take time depending on account size.