A full account backup creates a compressed archive containing everything in your cPanel account: website files, databases, email accounts and data, DNS zone settings, and account configuration.
Please note: Screens and options may vary slightly depending on your cPanel version and hosting plan.
When You Would Use This
Create a full backup before major changes, server migrations, or as part of a regular offsite backup routine.
Creating a Full Backup
- Log in to your cPanel account.
- In the Files section, click Backup.
- Under Full Backup, click Download a Full Account Backup.
- Choose the Backup Destination:
- Home Directory — Stores the backup file in your home folder. You can then download it via File Manager or FTP. - Remote FTP Server — Transfers the backup directly to an external FTP server. Enter the server details. - Remote FTP Server (passive mode) — Same as above, using passive FTP (useful when standard FTP is blocked). - SCP — Securely transfers the backup to a remote server via SCP.
- Enter an Email Address to be notified when the backup is complete (optional but recommended).
- Click Generate Backup.
The backup process runs in the background. Depending on your account size, it may take from a few minutes to several hours. You'll receive an email notification when it's ready.
Downloading the Backup
If you chose Home Directory as the destination:
- Return to the Backup page after receiving the completion notification.
- Click the backup filename to download it.
- Alternatively, use the File Manager or FTP to navigate to your home directory and download the file.
Important Notes
- Full backups are intended for archiving and migration purposes. They cannot be restored through cPanel by the account holder — they require restoration by a server administrator or your hosting provider.
- Full backups can be very large. Ensure you have enough disk space in your account and enough bandwidth to download the file.
- After downloading, delete the backup file from your home directory to reclaim disk space.
- Store backup files securely — they contain your entire account, including database credentials and email data.
What Next?
- Downloading Partial Backups — Back up specific components that you can restore yourself.
- Using the Backup Wizard — A guided backup and restore process.
