How to import or export a database with phpMyAdmin Print

phpMyAdmin is a browser tool for working with your MySQL databases. Its most common uses are importing a database (for example when you move a website to HTN Cloud) and exporting one as a backup.

Open phpMyAdmin

In cPanel, open Databases → phpMyAdmin. Your databases are listed on the left. Click one to open it.

Export a database (backup)

1. Click the database on the left.
2. Click the Export tab.
3. Leave Quick and format SQL selected and click Export (or Go).
4. A .sql file downloads to your computer.

Import a database

1. First create an empty database and user. See How to create a MySQL database and user.
2. In phpMyAdmin, click the new, empty database on the left.
3. Click the Import tab.
4. Click Choose File and select your .sql file. It can also be compressed, for example .sql.gz or .zip.
5. Scroll down and click Import.

Common import errors

• "No database selected": click the database on the left before opening Import.
• "Access denied … CREATE DATABASE": your file tries to create a database. Remove the CREATE DATABASE and USE lines from the start of the file, or export again without them.
• "Table already exists": the database isn't empty. Drop the old tables first, or import into a new database.