phpMyAdmin is a web‑based tool in cPanel that lets you manage MySQL databases. Most customers use it to import a database backup into a website, or to export a database so they can keep a copy or move it to another server.

Before you begin, make sure the database you want to work with already exists in cPanel. If you still need to create one, you can follow our guide on creating a database and user in cPanel.

You’ll need:

• Access to cPanel (If you need help, follow our guide How to log into your cPanel)
  
• The correct database file (usually a .sql file)
• A backup of your database before making any changes (If you need help, follow our guide Creating a cPanel Backup)

Taking a backup first means you can restore your data if anything doesn’t go as planned.

• Log in to your cPanel.
• In cPanel Tools, open phpMyAdmin from the Databases section.

In the left‑hand menu, select the database you want to import into.

• At the top of the page, select the Import tab

Under File to import:

• Select Choose File and select your database backup file you have saved

Leave the default settings unchanged unless you know you need something different.

Once you have chosen the file, scroll down to the bottom of the page: 

• Select Import

If the import is successful, you’ll see a confirmation message in phpMyAdmin.

Helpful import tips

• Database imports are usually .sql files.
• Very large files may fail to upload due to server limits.
• Always make sure you’re importing into the correct database, as importing into the wrong one can cause your site to stop working.

• Log in to your cPanel
• In cPanel Tools, open phpMyAdmin from the Databases section

In the left‑hand menu, select the database you want to import into.

• At the top of the page, select the Export tab

• For most common cases Select Quick as the export method
• Leave the format set to SQL

• Select Export