phpMyAdmin is a browser-based tool for working directly with your MySQL databases. You don't use it day-to-day, but it's indispensable for importing a database dump, exporting a copy before a migration, or fixing a stuck table.
How to open phpMyAdmin
- Log into cPanel.
- In the Databases section, click phpMyAdmin.
- Choose your database from the left-hand list when prompted.
What you're looking at
- Left panel: your databases and tables.
- Main panel: the structure and contents of the selected table.
- Tabs across the top: Browse, Structure, SQL, Search, Import, Export, Operations.
Exporting (backing up) a database
- Click your database name in the left list.
- Click the Export tab.
- Choose Quick method and format SQL, then click Go.
- A
.sqlfile downloads to your computer — that's your backup.
Importing a database
- Select the target database in the left list.
- Click the Import tab.
- Choose your
.sqlfile and click Go.
Careful: importing replaces data. It drops existing tables in that database (depending on the file). Back up the current database before importing over it.
Browsing and editing data
Click a table, then the Browse tab to inspect rows. To change a single value, click the pencil icon on a row, edit, and save. Beware — there's no undo, so edit cautiously.
When not to use it
If you just need a copy of your whole site or database for safety, prefer cPanel's own backup tools — see How to Create a Manual Backup in cPanel. Keep phpMyAdmin for specific data tasks.