Home File & Database Management Using phpMyAdmin to Import or Export Database Data

Using phpMyAdmin to Import or Export Database Data

Last updated on Apr 30, 2025

phpMyAdmin is a web-based tool that allows you to view, manage, and edit the contents of your website’s databases. It's especially useful for tasks like importing backups, exporting a copy of your database, or running SQL queries.

With Eco Web Hosting, you can access phpMyAdmin directly from the Databases section in your hosting control panel — no separate login required.

🔐 Step 1: Access the Hosting Control Panel

If you’re not already logged in, follow this guide:
👉 How to Access Your Web Hosting Control Panel

📂 Step 2: Open phpMyAdmin

  1. In the hosting control panel, click on Databases

  2. Click the phpMyAdmin button near the top right of the page

  3. This will open phpMyAdmin in a new tab — no need to log in again

📥 Importing a Database (e.g. from a backup or external site)

  1. In phpMyAdmin, click the database you want to import data into (from the list on the left)

  2. Click the Import tab

  3. Click Choose File and select your .sql file (or .zip if it contains a SQL file)

  4. Leave the settings at default unless instructed otherwise

  5. Click Go at the bottom of the page

If the import is successful, you’ll see a confirmation message. Your tables and data should now appear in the database.

📤 Exporting a Database (for backup or migration)

  1. Select the database you want to export from the left-hand list

  2. Click the Export tab

  3. Choose Quick export method and SQL format (recommended for most users)

  4. Click Go — your browser will download the .sql file

You can keep this file as a backup or use it to migrate your database to another server or hosting account.

🛡 Tip: If you want more control over the export (e.g. only certain tables or formats like CSV), choose Custom export method instead.

🧠 Common Use Cases

  • Importing a WordPress site’s database

  • Backing up a live site before making changes

  • Migrating a database from another host

  • Viewing or editing specific tables or entries

⚠️ Caution When Importing

Importing a database will overwrite existing data if the structure (e.g. table names) is the same. If you're unsure, always back up the current database first — either using phpMyAdmin or JetBackup.