# Back Up & Restore a MySQL Database (phpMyAdmin)

> Canonical: https://jethost.com/kb/mysql-backup-restore/ · Last modified: 2026-10-21T16:52:06+00:00

Backing up a MySQL database means **exporting** it to a file you keep safe; restoring or moving it means **importing** that file back. This guide shows both, using [phpMyAdmin](https://jethost.com/kb/phpmyadmin/) in cPanel – handy for backups before a big change, or for moving a site to JetHost. phpMyAdmin is available on every [JetHost web hosting plan](https://jethost.com/web-hosting/).

## Open phpMyAdmin

![Access phpMyAdmin](https://jethost.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/access-phpmyadmin.png)Log in to cPanel and, in the **Databases** section, click **phpMyAdmin**. Your databases appear in the left sidebar. Click the one you want to work with.

## Export (back up) a database

1. Select your database in the left sidebar.
2. Click the **Export** tab at the top.
3. Leave the method on **Quick** and the format on **SQL** for a full backup, then click **Export** (or **Go**).

![Export SQL](https://jethost.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/export-sql.png)A `.sql` file downloads to your computer. That single file contains your whole database, so store it somewhere safe.

## Import (restore or move) a database

Importing works the same way in reverse. First make sure the target database exists – if not, [create one](https://jethost.com/kb/creating-a-mysql-database-and-user-in-cpanel/). Then:

1. Select the target database in the left sidebar.
2. Click the **Import** tab, then **Choose File** and pick your `.sql` file.
3. Click **Import** (or **Go**) and wait for the success message.

![Import SQL](https://jethost.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/import-sql.png)Moving a site to JetHost? After importing, update the app’s config file with the new database name, user, and password so it points to the imported copy. For WordPress that’s `wp-config.php`. It’s also worth exporting on a regular schedule, not just before changes, so you always have a recent copy to fall back on.

## JetHost Experts Tip

Import failing on a large database? phpMyAdmin has an upload size limit. Compress the file to `.sql.gz` before importing, or open a ticket and we’ll import it for you from the command line – no size limit that way.

## Quick vs. custom export

The **Quick** export is right for almost everyone: it saves the whole database, structure and data together, in one file. Choose **Custom** only when you need finer control – for example, to export just a few tables, to add `DROP TABLE` statements so an import overwrites cleanly, or to compress the file as it downloads. If you’re backing up before an update, Quick is the safe, complete choice. If you’re moving only part of a database, Custom lets you pick exactly which tables to include, which keeps the file smaller and the import faster.

## Need more help?

Backup or restore not going smoothly? Open a ticket through **Client Area → Support Tickets** and our team will help – we can also migrate your whole site for free.