Backup WordPress Database (phpMyAdmin)

Overview

This part covers two essential steps of a WordPress migration:

1. Exporting (backing up) your WordPress database using phpMyAdmin.
2. Downloading all WordPress files from the old host and uploading them to the new host using FileZilla (FTP/SFTP) — including hidden files like .htaccess.

This is Part 1 of 3. After finishing this part you’ll be ready for Part 2 (create DB & edit wp-config.php) and Part 3 (import DB + final checks).

Before you start — checklist & warnings

• Make sure you have access credentials for both old and new hosting (cPanel or control panel, cPanel username/password, FTP/SFTP, client-area access).
• Don’t update WordPress core, themes, or plugins before migration (do this after verifying the site on the new host).
• For large sites (>500 MB or many small files), consider using SFTP/SSH, rsync, or ask Thamara support for Assisted Migration.
• Recommended: perform migration during low-traffic hours. 

Backup WordPress Database (phpMyAdmin)

Steps

• Log in to your cPanel (or control panel) for the old host.
• ----> From Thamara Client Area use: dashboard.thamara.cloud → Services → Login to cPanel (for Thamara servers).
• Open phpMyAdmin
• -----> In cPanel go to Databases → phpMyAdmin and open it.
• Select your WordPress database
• -----> From the left sidebar click the database name used by your WordPress site.
• Click the “Export” tab (top menu).

• Choose export method:
• ----> Select Quick.
• ----> Format: SQL.

• Click “Go” — the .sql file will download to your computer (e.g., yourdb.sql).

Notes & tips

• If export fails due to size limits, use BigDump (staggered import) later or export via SSH: mysqldump -u dbuser -p dbname > dump.sql.
• Keep the .sql file safe — this is the full DB backup.

Updated on: 03/11/2025