# Creating a full account backup/snapshot in cPanel

> Create an on-demand full backup of your entire cPanel account with JetBackup, and learn the safe way to restore it.

Source: https://www.kualo.com/knowledgebase/cpanel-backups/creating-a-full-account-backupsnapshot-in-cpanel
Updated: 2026-06-11

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A full backup is a complete copy of your entire cPanel account at a point in time - all your files, databases, email accounts, and settings. Kualo takes these automatically, but you can also create one on demand, for example just before making a big change.

:::tip
**Running WordPress?** If you only need to back up a single WordPress installation rather than your whole account, [WP Toolkit](/knowledgebase/wp-toolkit/backing-up-your-wordpress-website-with-wp-toolkit) is the better option. It backs up just the right files and database for that site, making restores quicker and simpler.
:::

## Create a backup on demand

1. Log in to cPanel and, in the **Files** section, open **JetBackup 5**.
2. Under **View & Manage**, click **Create Backup On Demand**.
3. Confirm by clicking **OK**. JetBackup queues the backup and it runs in the background.

![Confirming Create Backup On Demand in JetBackup](https://kb-cdn.kualo.com/d8/c2/d8c23690326b2a68f6da42c674aa73052b4ca460.png)

The new backup appears under the **Full Account** tab on the **Restore & Download** screen once it has finished, where you can [download it](/knowledgebase/cpanel-backups/how-to-download-a-full-account-backup-in-cpanel) for safekeeping.

## Restoring from a full backup - read this first

:::danger
**A full account restore overwrites everything on your account** - all your files, databases, email accounts, email messages, and settings are replaced with the contents of the backup. There is no way to undo this once it starts.
:::

In almost every situation, a targeted restore is safer and faster than restoring the entire account. JetBackup lets you restore individual components without touching anything else:

- **Files** - [Restoring file backups in cPanel](/knowledgebase/cpanel-backups/restoring-file-backups-in-cpanel).
- **Databases** - [Restoring a database backup in cPanel](/knowledgebase/cpanel-backups/restoring-a-database-backup-in-cpanel).
- **Email accounts** - [Restoring an email account backup in cPanel](/knowledgebase/cpanel-backups/restoring-an-email-account-backup-in-cpanel).
- **DNS zones** - [Restoring a DNS zone backup in cPanel](/knowledgebase/cpanel-backups/restoring-a-dns-zone-backup-in-cpanel).

Restore only what you actually need. A full account restore is a last resort, typically only when an account has been completely destroyed or corrupted. If you are considering one, we strongly recommend [contacting our support team](/knowledgebase/billing-account/sharing-sensitive-data-using-the-secure-vault) first so we can advise on the best course of action.


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_Source: Kualo Knowledgebase — https://www.kualo.com/knowledgebase/cpanel-backups/creating-a-full-account-backupsnapshot-in-cpanel · © Kualo Ltd._