Backup types in cPanel — full vs partial
A cPanel backup restore uses one screen for a partial file, another for a JetBackup snapshot, and WHM for a full account archive. Match the file you have before you upload anything. Making the archive is covered in the cPanel full backup guide.
| File you have | Restore it here | It worked when |
|---|---|---|
| Home directory backup | Files, Backup, Restore, Home Directory, Upload | The site files match that archive |
| One database backup | Files, Backup, Restore, that database, Upload | The site reads the restored rows |
| Forwarders or the global filter file | Files, Backup, Restore, that item, Upload | The forwarder or global filter is listed again |
| JetBackup snapshot | JetBackup, then Files, Databases, or Email Accounts | That item matches the snapshot time |
| Full account tar.gz or cpmove | The host, in WHM, not cPanel Backup | The account logs in and matches the archive |
A home-directory file and a full-account tar.gz are different layouts. Uploading the full archive as a home-directory restore can unpack extra folders into the account.
Why the host restores a full cPanel backup
cPanel cannot restore a full account backup from the Backup screen. That job runs in WHM. On shared hosting you do not have WHM, so email support@webji.services with the file name and the date you need. The office phone is not a support line.
The full archive is a .tar.gz. If the account is near its disk quota, the restore can fail because cPanel cannot write temporary files. Free space, then ask the host to run it again.
In WHM, Backup Restoration is for copies the server already stored. A file you upload yourself, including a cpmove archive, uses Transfer or Restore a cPanel Account. People with only a cPanel login should not expect either screen.
Restore a home directory or database backup in cPanel
A partial backup is the one you can restore yourself. That includes the home directory, one database, email forwarders, and the global email-filter file. It does not include a full account archive.
- Log in to cPanel and open Files, then Backup. Backup Wizard is the same restore with fewer choices on one screen.
- Click Restore. Under Select Restore Type, choose Home Directory, the database, the forwarder, or the filter file.
- Click Choose File and select that backup on your computer. For the home directory, use the file from Download a Home Directory Backup, not the full-account tar.gz.
- Click Upload. It worked when the page finishes with no error and the site, database, or forwarder matches that file.
The filter backup stores only Global Email Filters. Filters set on one mailbox are not in that file. If the upload fails and disk use is near the quota, delete unused files and upload again.
Restore cPanel files, a database, or email in JetBackup
On WebJi® cPanel hosting, JetBackup holds the scheduled snapshots. Open JetBackup, choose Files, Databases, or Email Accounts, then Browse Backups, pick the snapshot, and click Restore.
It worked when that file, database, or mailbox matches the snapshot time you chose. If the list is empty, no snapshot is stored for this account. Email support@webji.services and name the domain.
Restore files and the database from the same snapshot. Mixing dates leaves the site and its data out of step. Mailboxes are a third choice in that same JetBackup list, not a separate backup product.
Restore cPanel files in File Manager and phpMyAdmin
Use cPanel File Manager when you only need the website out of a full tar.gz. Uncompress the archive on your computer, open the homedir folder, and upload those public_html files into the account. Overwrite the broken copies.
For a database dump, open phpMyAdmin, select the database, and use Import. It worked when a page that reads the database shows the restored rows, not an empty table. Use a dump from the same moment as the files.
Restore a cpmove file on a new cPanel server
A cpmove file is a full account moved onto another server. WHM restores it under Transfer or Restore a cPanel Account, and that restore overwrites the account. Shared cPanel does not show this screen.
On WebJi®, free migration is subject to terms and approval. Email support@webji.services before the old host deletes the account. The hand-off steps are the cPanel-to-cPanel migration guide.
Where automatic cPanel backups come from
The Backup screen does not schedule a restore, and it does not turn automatic cPanel backups on by itself. The host does. When that is enabled, older full copies are listed under Account Backups with names such as backup-MM-DD-YYYY.
On a WebJi® cPanel account, the copies you restore yourself are the JetBackup snapshots. A separate offsite backup is quoted by email before you pay. Seeing the Backup icon does not mean that extra copy is already included.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I restore a full cPanel backup from inside cPanel?
No. The Backup screen does not restore a full account archive. The host does that in WHM. Email support@webji.services with the file name and the date. On WebJi® you can still restore a JetBackup snapshot of files, a database, or email from the panel.
How do I restore a home directory backup in cPanel?
Open Files, then Backup, then Restore. Choose Home Directory and upload the file from Download a Home Directory Backup. It worked when the page finishes with no error and the site files match. Do not upload the full-account tar.gz on that screen.
How do I restore one database from a cPanel backup?
Under Backup, click Restore, choose that database, and upload its file. Or open phpMyAdmin, select the database, and Import the dump. Use a dump taken at the same time as the files you restored.
How do I restore one file or a mailbox with JetBackup?
Open JetBackup, choose Files or Email Accounts, then Browse Backups. Pick the snapshot and restore that item. It worked when the file or mailbox matches that time. An empty list means the account has no stored snapshot.
Who restores a cpmove file on shared hosting?
The host does, in WHM, under Transfer or Restore a cPanel Account. A shared cPanel login does not include that screen. Email support@webji.services. On WebJi®, free migration is subject to terms and approval.
Can cPanel schedule automatic backups?
Not from the Backup screen. The host's backup system does. On WebJi® those copies appear in JetBackup. Names such as backup-MM-DD-YYYY show under Account Backups only when the host has enabled them.