> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://support.webcentral.au/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Backing up and restoring databases in Plesk

> Refer to these step-by-step instructions and learn how to back up Plesk as an SQL file and how to restore databases in Plesk with just a few simple clicks.

This article describes how to back up and restore your databases using Plesk.

## Backing up a database

You can quickly and easily create a database backup using Plesk. When you do this, Plesk exports the database as an SQL file.

To back up a database using Plesk, follow these steps:

1. Log in to Plesk.
   <Note>
     If you do not know how to log in to your Plesk account, please see [this article](/websites-hosting/plesk/logging-in-and-out-of-plesk).
   </Note>
2. In the left sidebar, click **Databases**.
3. Click the database you want to back up, and then click **Export Dump**.
4. Select a destination directory for the backup file, specify a filename, and then click **OK**. Plesk creates the backup file.
   <Tip>
     To download the backup file to your local computer automatically, select the **Automatically download dump after creation** check box.
   </Tip>

## Restoring a database

You can quickly and easily restore a database using Plesk.

<Warning>
  To avoid potential data loss, you should always back up the existing database to a different filename before you try to restore from a previous backup.
</Warning>

To do this, follow these steps:

1. Log in to Plesk.
   <Note>
     If you do not know how to log in to your Plesk account, please see [this article](/websites-hosting/plesk/logging-in-and-out-of-plesk).
   </Note>
2. In the left sidebar, click **Databases**.
3. Click the database you want to restore, and then click **Import Dump**.
4. Browse to the backup file location, select the file, and then click **OK**.