How to Generate a cPanel Backup and Send It to an FTP Server

Creating regular backups is one of the most important steps in protecting your website. Whether you’re migrating to a new hosting provider, securing your data, or preparing for updates, taking a full cPanel backup and sending it to a remote FTP server keeps your files safe and easily recoverable.

Follow the steps below to generate a complete website backup and automatically upload it to your FTP storage.

1. Log in to your cPanel account.

2. In the Files section, click on Backup.

3. This page lets you download, restore, or remotely transfer your site’s full backup.

4. Under the Full Backup section, click on Download a Full Website Backup.

5. Under Generate a Full Backup, fill in the following FTP details:

   • Backup Destination: Select Remote FTP Server

   • Email: Enter an email address where the system can notify you when the backup is complete

   • Remote Server: Your FTP server’s IP or hostname (for example: ftp.example.com)

   • Remote User: The username for your FTP account

   • Remote Password: Your FTP password

   • Port: Usually 21 unless your server uses a custom FTP port

   • Remote Dir: The directory where the backup should be stored (example: /home/username/backupfolder/)

   These options tell cPanel exactly where to upload your backup file and how to authenticate with your FTP hosting.

6. After entering all the details, click on Generate Backup.
   cPanel will begin creating a full compressed backup of your account, including website files, databases, emails, and settings, and then automatically transfer it to your specified FTP server.