Import and export a MySQL database

Whether you’re migrating a site in or taking a backup, you’ll need to import and export .sql files. OrbixPanel gives you two ways.

The easy way: phpMyAdmin

Best for small-to-medium databases.

Export:

1. Open phpMyAdmin from the panel and select your database.
2. Go to the Export tab → Go. You get a .sql download.

Import:

1. Create the target database first.
2. Select it in phpMyAdmin → Import tab → choose your .sql file → Go.

phpMyAdmin has an upload size limit. If a large import fails or times out, use the command-line method below.

The reliable way: command line

Best for large databases. Use the web terminal or SSH.

Export (dump):

mysqldump -u YOURUSER -p YOURDB > backup.sql

Import (restore):

mysql -u YOURUSER -p YOURDB < backup.sql

For a big file, compress it to move it around faster:

mysqldump -u YOURUSER -p YOURDB | gzip > backup.sql.gz
gunzip < backup.sql.gz | mysql -u YOURUSER -p YOURDB

Migrating a WordPress site?

Export the old database, import it into a fresh one here, then update the site URL if the domain changed. Full walkthrough: Deploy WordPress.

Keep regular backups

Don’t rely on manual exports. Set up automated, offsite backups — 3-2-1 backup strategy and Back up & restore a database.

---

Running OrbixPanel? phpMyAdmin is built in. OrbixPanel.com → — the free, self-hosted, AI-powered hosting control panel.