How to Use phpMyAdmin to Import or Export a Database Print

phpMyAdmin lets you look inside your MySQL databases, and import or export them. It's useful when moving a website or making a quick backup.

Opening phpMyAdmin

1. Log in to cPanel (see How to Log In to cPanel)
2. In the Databases section, click phpMyAdmin
3. Click your database in the list on the left

Exporting (Backing Up) a Database

1. Select the database on the left
2. Click the Export tab
3. Leave the method as Quick and the format as SQL
4. Click Export (or Go)

A .sql file downloads to your computer.

Importing a Database

1. Create an empty database first if you don't have one
2. In phpMyAdmin, select the database on the left
3. Click the Import tab
4. Click Choose File and select your .sql file
5. Click Import (or Go) at the bottom

Be Careful

phpMyAdmin changes your live website straight away and there's no undo. Export a copy of the database before changing or deleting anything. You can also restore an earlier copy with JetBackup.