Unlike full backups, partial backups let you download and restore individual components of your account. This is faster and more practical for routine backups or when you only need to recover specific data.
Please note: Screens and options may vary slightly depending on your cPanel version and hosting plan.
Downloading Partial Backups
- Log in to your cPanel account.
- In the Files section, click Backup.
- Scroll down to the partial backup sections:
Home Directory Backup
Click Home Directory to download a compressed archive of all files in your home directory (including public_html, email data, and configuration files).
MySQL Database Backups
A list of your databases is shown. Click any database name to download an SQL dump file for that database.
Email Forwarders and Filters
Click a domain name to download the forwarder or filter configuration for that domain.
Restoring Partial Backups
On the same Backup page, scroll to the Restore section:
Restoring Home Directory
- Click Choose File under Restore a Home Directory Backup.
- Select the backup archive file.
- Click Upload.
The files will be restored to their original locations, overwriting any existing files with the same names.
Restoring a MySQL Database
- Click Choose File under Restore a MySQL Database.
- Select the
.sqlor.sql.gzfile. - Click Upload.
The database named in the SQL file will be restored. If the database doesn't exist, you may need to create it first via MySQL Databases.
Restoring Email Configuration
- Click Choose File under the appropriate restore section.
- Select the configuration file and upload it.
Tips
- Partial backups are the recommended way to maintain your own backup schedule, as they can be restored through cPanel without server administrator intervention.
- Create a database backup before every WordPress or application update.
- Download backups to your local computer or an offsite location — don't rely solely on backups stored on the same server.
- Home directory backups include email data (the
maildirectory), so you don't need separate email backups unless you specifically need just the forwarder/filter configuration.
What Next?
- Creating a Full Account Backup — Complete account archiving.
- Using the Backup Wizard — Step-by-step guided backup process.
