How To Create Backup Of A MySQL Database?

Your MySQL database stores all your important data, such as user accounts, product details, blog posts, orders, and much more. Without this database, your website cannot work properly at all. The backup of your MySQL database means creating a copy of all this important information and keeping it safe.

This backup is very useful because problems can happen anytime. Servers can crash, websites can get hacked, or a small mistake can delete your important data by accident.

With a fresh backup ready, you can quickly restore your website without losing anything important. Thus, you must take regular backups.

In this guide, I will show you how to properly create a backup of your MySQL database. Know how to back up specific tables when needed, and what to do if you face any problems while creating backups.

Creating a Backup of Your MySQL Database

First, you will have to log in to your hosting control panel.
Then, search for the section named ‘MySQL Database’ inside. You will find it easily because it is a standard option in most hosting accounts.
After you open ‘MySQL Database’, look to the left side of your screen. You will see a list of all your databases there. Choose the database that you want to back up by clicking on it.
Now, on the right-hand side, a list of usernames will appear. Find the username linked to your database and click on the small Access icon next to it.
When you click on the Access icon, a new page will load. This page will be the phpMyAdmin tool. It is a place from where you can manage everything inside your database.
Once phpMyAdmin opens and you are inside the selected database, check the left-hand panel to make sure the correct database is highlighted.
Now you should click on the ‘Export’ tab at the top. Do not worry; it is very easy from here.

phpMyAdmin will automatically select all your database tables for export. You just have to make sure that the Format option is set to ‘SQL’, which is the safest format to keep your data intact.

Finally, click the ‘Go’ button.

Your database will now be exported, and a download will start. Save the file somewhere safe on your computer or a cloud storage.

Important Note: Always verify that the file has been downloaded completely without any interruption. Keeping half-downloaded backup files will not help during a real emergency.

How to Create a Backup of Selected Tables Only (On-Demand Backup)

Maybe you just want a few tables backed up and not the entire database. This could be when only certain parts of your site are updated, and you want to save just those changes.

To do this, first log in to your hosting control panel exactly the same way as before. Find and open the ‘MySQL Database’ section.
Pick the database you want to work with by selecting it on the left-hand side.
When the list of usernames shows up, click on the Access icon next to the correct one.

phpMyAdmin will open again for you. Make sure your database is active on the left panel.

Click on the ‘Export’ tab again. This time, before proceeding, you need to change the Export method to ‘Custom’. It is a dropdown option, so select it carefully.
Now, a detailed list of tables will appear. Select only the tables you want to back up by ticking the checkboxes next to them.
Scroll down slowly and make sure the Format is still ‘SQL’.
After checking everything, click on ‘Go’.

Your selected tables will now be downloaded as a backup file.

General Tip: Always give meaningful names to your backup files, like including the date or table names. It will help you later when you have multiple backup versions stored.

What to Do If You Face Issues While Trying to Back Up Your Database

If you are inside the MySQL Beta section under the ‘Manage Backups’ tab, and you click a database name but see no response, you just need to wait a bit. Give it some time and try again later when the server load is lower. There is no need to change any settings or contact support right away.

Well, the server is trying to show you an error, but sometimes the error message does not appear on the screen properly. The actual issue behind the scenes is that the server is simply too busy to process the backup request at that moment. It is not a permanent error.

Also, it is always good to schedule backups during off-peak hours when server activity is low. Early mornings or late nights usually work best.

Conclusion

Take regular backups of your MySQL database; it takes only a few minutes. Also, always keep your backup files somewhere safe and update them regularly. You can face issue anytime, but being prepared will always keep you a step ahead.