Importing and Exporting Databases via Plesk

Plesk provides a user-friendly way to import and export databases directly through the control panel. This guide explains how to transfer your database to or from your hosting account efficiently.

Step 1: Log in to Plesk #

1. Open your web browser and go to the Plesk login page.
2. Enter your credentials and click Log in.

Part 1: Exporting a Database #

Step 2: Navigate to the Databases Section #

1. In the Plesk dashboard, go to the Websites & Domains section.
2. Select the domain associated with the database.
3. Click on Databases to open the database management interface.

Step 3: Export the Database #

1. Locate the database you want to export and click Export Dump.
2. In the export settings:
   • Choose the storage location (e.g., save on the server or download to your computer).
   • Optionally, compress the file for faster download.
3. Click OK or Export to start the process.
4. If you selected a server location, the database dump will be saved in the Private folder of your hosting. If you selected download, it will be saved to your computer.

Part 2: Importing a Database #

Step 4: Prepare Your Database File #

Ensure the database file is in a compatible format (e.g., .sql or .zip). If the file is compressed, Plesk will extract and process it during import.

Step 5: Import the Database #

1. In the Databases section, locate the database where you want to import data. If no database exists, create one first (refer to the How to Create a New Database guide).
2. Click Import Dump.
3. Choose the location of the database file:
   • From Local Computer: Upload the file from your computer.
   • From Server Repository: Select a file already stored on the server.
4. Click OK or Import to start the process.
5. Wait for the import to complete. Plesk will notify you when the process is done.

Step 6: Verify the Imported Data #

1. After the import, click Webadmin (phpMyAdmin) next to the database to review its contents.
2. Verify that all tables and data have been correctly imported.

Tips #

• Use compressed files (e.g., .zip) for faster uploads and downloads.
• Always verify your database file is free of errors before importing to avoid failed processes.
• Back up your database before importing new data to avoid accidental overwrites.