Import SQL files into MySQL databases

If you backed up or exported a database to a SQL file, you can import it into one of your hosting account’s MySQL databases through phpMyAdmin.

 Note: You do not need to include the CREATE DATABASE line in your MySQL database. If you do include it, your import might fail. We recommend removing the line before importing your database. The phpMyAdmin interface only lets you import 8MB of data at one time. If you need to import more than 8MB, we recommend breaking up the file into 8MB pieces.

Warning: If you are importing a database for Managed WordPress, you must make additional changes to your SQL file for your site to work properly.

To Import SQL Files into MySQL Databases Using phpMyAdmin

1. Access your database via PHPMyAdmin (cPanel / Plesk / Managed WordPress).
2. On the left, click the database you want to use.
3. Select the Import tab.
4. Click Browse, locate the SQL file on your computer, click Open, and then click Go.

This runs the SQL file and updates the database as specified in your SQL file. It might take several minutes to restore the database.

 Note: If you receive an error message stating “Script timeout passed, if you want to finish import, please resubmit same file and import will resume” you can immediately select the same file to import and continue the restore where it left off.

After the database restores, make sure your connection strings are up to date. For more information, see Update WordPress database connection string.