Backing up your website files ensures you always have a copy of your content in case of accidental changes, malware, or data loss. Whether you're updating your site or just playing it safe, it’s smart to create a backup before making changes.
Backup Website Files via cPanel:
Step 1: Log in to your cPanel account.
Step 2: Scroll down to the Files section and click on Backup.
Step 3: Under Partial Backups, look for Download a Home Directory Backup.
Step 4: Click the Home Directory button to start the download.
Step 5: Your browser will save a .tar.gz file – this is your backup copy of all website files, including email and configuration files.
Notes:
- This backup includes all files in your hosting account’s home directory, such as public_html (where your website files live), email settings, and more.
- This does not include your databases. Be sure to back them up separately using the MySQL Database Backup section in the same interface.
Pro Tip:
Before editing or replacing any files on your server, download a fresh backup. That way, if anything goes wrong, you can restore the original version quickly.