Backups are essential before updates, migrations, or major website changes. A backup kept only inside the hosting account is not enough; download important copies to another secure location.
### Create a full account backup
1. Sign in to cPanel.
2. Open **Backup** or **Backup Wizard**.
3. Choose **Back Up**, followed by **Full Backup**.
4. Select **Home Directory** as the destination unless another destination has been arranged.
5. Enter an email address for the completion notice.
6. Start the backup and wait for it to finish.
7. Download the completed archive and store it securely.
A full cPanel backup is mainly intended for account migration or administrator-assisted restoration. It may not be self-restorable from every shared-hosting account.
### Create partial backups
The Backup interface may also let you download:
- The home directory, including website files.
- Individual MySQL databases.
- Email forwarders and filters.
For a WordPress site, keep both the files and its database from approximately the same time.
### Restore a partial backup
1. Open **Backup** or **Backup Wizard**.
2. Locate the appropriate restore section.
3. Select the correct local backup file.
4. Start the restore and wait for confirmation.
5. Test the website, forms, logins, and email.
Restoring can overwrite current data. Create a new backup first if the current version might still be needed.
**Related articles:** How to Migrate WordPress to HillHost; How to Diagnose a Website That Is Down