How to Back Up and Restore a MySQL Database?
Aug 02, 2025 am 11:15 AMTo back up a MySQL database, use mysqldump with the syntax mysqldump -u [username] -p [database_name] > backup_file.sql, which creates a SQL file containing all necessary commands to recreate the database, and include options like --databases, --all-databases, or --routines as needed; always prefer prompting for the password securely rather than including it in the command.To restore a MySQL database, ensure the target database exists or create it using CREATE DATABASE, then run mysql -u [username] -p [database_name]
Backing up and restoring a MySQL database is essential for data safety, disaster recovery, and migrations. The most common and reliable method uses mysqldump
for backups and the mysql
command-line tool for restoration. Here’s how to do it step by step.

1. Back Up a MySQL Database Using mysqldump
mysqldump
is a utility that generates a SQL file containing commands to recreate your database (tables, data, stored procedures, etc.).
Basic Syntax:
mysqldump -u [username] -p[password] [database_name] > backup_file.sql
Example:
mysqldump -u root -p my_database > my_database_backup.sql
- You’ll be prompted to enter the password after running the command.
- The backup file (
my_database_backup.sql
) will be created in your current directory.
Common Options:
Backup multiple databases:
mysqldump -u root -p --databases db1 db2 > backup_multiple.sql
Backup all databases:
mysqldump -u root -p --all-databases > full_backup.sql
Include stored procedures and events:
mysqldump -u root -p --routines --events my_database > backup_with_routines.sql
Add timestamp to filename (recommended):
mysqldump -u root -p my_database > my_database_$(date %F).sql
This creates a file like
my_database_2025-04-05.sql
.
? Security Note: Avoid writing the password directly in the command (e.g.,
-pmypassword
) as it may be visible in shell history. Use-p
alone to prompt securely.
2. Restore a MySQL Database from Backup
To restore, you use the mysql
command to execute the SQL dump file.
Prerequisites:
- Make sure the target database exists (or create it):
CREATE DATABASE my_database;
Basic Restore Command:
mysql -u [username] -p [database_name] < backup_file.sql
Example:
mysql -u root -p my_database < my_database_backup.sql
- Enter your password when prompted.
- The command reads the SQL file and re-creates tables and inserts data.
Notes:
- If the database doesn’t exist, create it first.
- If restoring a full backup (
--all-databases
), don’t specify a database name:mysql -u root -p < full_backup.sql
3. Best Practices for MySQL Backups
To keep your data safe and recovery smooth:
? Schedule regular backups using
cron
(Linux) or Task Scheduler (Windows). Example cron job (daily at 2 AM):0 2 * * * mysqldump -u root -pYourPassword my_database > /backups/my_database_$(date \%F).sql
? Compress backup files to save space:
mysqldump my_database | gzip > my_database_$(date %F).sql.gz
To restore from
.gz
:gunzip < my_database_2025-04-05.sql.gz | mysql -u root -p my_database
? Test your backups periodically by restoring to a test server.
? Store backups offsite or in cloud storage (e.g., AWS S3, Google Drive) for disaster recovery.
? Avoid restoring over a live production database without a rollback plan.
- Log in to phpMyAdmin.
- Select your database.
- Click Export → Choose "Custom" → Download SQL file.
- To restore: Select database → Import → Upload the
.sql
file.
4. Alternative: Using phpMyAdmin (for small databases)
If you're on shared hosting or prefer a GUI:
?? phpMyAdmin has file size limits (often 50–100MB). Use command line for larger databases.
Basically, mysqldump
and mysql
are the go-to tools for reliable, scriptable backups and restores. The process isn’t complicated, but consistency and testing are key.
The above is the detailed content of How to Back Up and Restore a MySQL Database?. For more information, please follow other related articles on the PHP Chinese website!

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