How to Take Backup of SQL Database in Hostinger – Complete Step-by-Step Guide

Backing up your SQL database is one of the most important tasks for maintaining the security and stability of your website. Whether you are running a WordPress site, an e-commerce store, or a custom web application, having a recent database backup can save you from data loss due to errors, hacks, or accidental deletions.
If you are hosting your website on Hostinger, the process of taking an SQL backup is simple and can be done in multiple ways.

? Method 1: Backup via phpMyAdmin (Recommended)

1. Login to your Hostinger account.

2. Open your hPanel and go to Databases → phpMyAdmin.

3. Select the database you want to back up.

4. Click on the Export tab from the top menu.

5. Choose:

   • Export method: Quick

   • Format: SQL

6. Click Go to download your .sql file.

Your SQL database backup will be saved on your computer. You can use this file to restore your database later if needed.

? Method 2: Using Hostinger’s Automatic Backup Tool

If your hosting plan includes automatic backups:

1. Open hPanel → Files → Backups.

2. In the Databases section, select your target database.

3. Click Generate New Backup (if a recent one isn’t available).

4. After it’s ready, click Download.

This is the easiest method for non-technical users and ensures regular database protection.

? Method 3: Full Manual Backup (Files + Database)

For complete site protection:

1. Use File Manager or FTP to download all website files.

2. Then follow Method 1 to export your .sql database file.

3. Save both in a secure folder or cloud storage.

This ensures you have a full snapshot of your website (files + database).

? Method 4: Backup via SSH (For Advanced Users)

If SSH access is enabled:

mysqldump -u your_db_user -p your_db_name > backup.sql

After the backup completes, download the file via SFTP.
This is ideal for developers or automated backup setups.

? Restoring SQL Database in Hostinger

To restore your database backup:

1. Go to phpMyAdmin in hPanel.

2. Select your database and click Import.

3. Upload the .sql backup file.

4. Click Go to restore all tables and data.

✅ Pro Tips for Database Backup

• Schedule weekly backups to stay secure.

• Keep 3–5 versions of your recent backups.

• Store copies on Google Drive, Dropbox, or external storage.

• Always check that the .sql file opens properly before deleting older backups.

? Conclusion

Taking regular backups of your SQL database in Hostinger ensures your website data remains safe, secure, and recoverable at all times. Whether you prefer manual backups via phpMyAdmin or automated backups using Hostinger tools, keeping a copy of your data is the best insurance against unexpected issues.