How to Download a Manual Backup in DirectAdmin
In addition to Hostking's automatic daily backups, you can create and download your own manual backup at any time. This is useful before making major changes to your website, updating plugins or themes, or as an extra safety copy stored on your own computer.
Downloading a Full Account Backup
Step 1 — Log into DirectAdmin.
Step 2 — Under Your Account, click Create/Restore Backups or search for "Backup" in the DirectAdmin search bar.
Step 3 — Select what you want to include in the backup:
- Domains — your website files
- Databases — all MySQL databases
- Emails — your email accounts and messages
Tick all three for a complete backup.
Step 4 — Click Create Backup.
DirectAdmin will generate a backup file. Depending on the size of your website this may take a few minutes.
Step 5 — Once complete, the backup file will appear in your home directory. Go to File Manager, navigate to your home directory and download the backup .tar.gz file to your computer.
Downloading Just Your Database
If you only need to back up your database (useful before updating WordPress):
Step 1 — In DirectAdmin, go to MySQL Management or phpMyAdmin.
Step 2 — In phpMyAdmin, select your database from the left panel.
Step 3 — Click the Export tab at the top.
Step 4 — Leave the format as SQL and click Go.
Your database will download as a .sql file.
How Often Should I Take Manual Backups?
As a rule of thumb:
- Before any major update — WordPress core, theme or plugin updates
- Before redesigning your website
- Before migrating to a new domain
- Monthly as a general habit
Hostking's automatic daily backups cover you for the last 7 days — but keeping your own copies gives you protection beyond that window.
Need Help?
Our support team is available every day from 7am to 10pm via live chat at hostking.host or by opening a ticket at my.hostking.host.
