How to create automatic database backups (recommended) Print

Overview

Regular database backups protect your website from data loss. You can generate backups manually or set up automatic backups using cron jobs.

Method 1 — Manual backup via phpMyAdmin

1. Open phpMyAdmin
2. Select your database
3. Click Export
4. Select Quick → SQL
5. Download the backup

Method 2 — DirectAdmin full account backup

This option includes files + databases.

1. Go to DirectAdmin → Create/Restore Backups
2. Select Database
3. Click Create
4. Download your backup when ready

Method 3 — Cron job (automatic daily backups)

Create a folder for backups:

/backups/

Cron command example:

mysqldump -u username_dbuser -p'YOURPASSWORD' username_dbname \
| gzip > /home/username/backups/db-$(date +\%F).sql.gz

Method 4 — JetBackup (recommended)

Some hosting plans include JetBackup:

• Daily DB backups
• Restore points
• 1-click rollback

Recommendations

• Store backups off-server (Google Drive, Dropbox)
• Keep at least 7–14 days of backups
• Test your restore process regularly