How to Import and Export a Database in Webuzo

Exporting a database creates a portable .sql backup of everything inside it; importing loads that file back in. You will do this when backing up, moving a site, or restoring after a problem. In Webuzo, phpMyAdmin handles both.

Export (back up) a database

1. Open phpMyAdmin in Webuzo.
2. Click the database you want to back up in the left-hand list.
3. Choose the Export tab.
4. Leave the method on Quick and the format on SQL, then click Export.
5. Your browser downloads a .sql file — keep it somewhere safe.

Import (restore) a database

1. In phpMyAdmin, first select (or create) the target database. Importing into the wrong one can overwrite data.
2. Choose the Import tab.
3. Click Choose File and select your .sql file.
4. Click Import and wait for the success message.

Working with large databases

Very large .sql files can hit the upload limit in phpMyAdmin. If that happens:

• Compress the file to .sql.gz or .zip before importing — phpMyAdmin accepts both.
• Or ask us to import it from the command line, which has no such limit. Just open a support ticket and attach the file.

Frequently asked questions

Does exporting lock or slow my site?

For small and medium databases the export is near-instant. Very large databases may add brief load, so back up during quiet hours if you can.

My import failed partway through.

This is usually the upload size limit or a mismatch in database engine or character set. Compress the file, or send it to us to import server-side.

How often should I back up my database?

Before any big change, and on a regular schedule otherwise. See backing up and restoring your website in Webuzo for full-site backups.