How to create backup and restore emails in cPanel webmail via roundcube interface

Roundcube webmail includes a built-in backup and restore feature that lets you export your emails as a file and re-import them later. This is useful for migrating between accounts, creating backups, or recovering messages.

Exporting (Backing Up) Emails

1. Log in to Roundcube Webmail.
2. Navigate to the folder you want to back up (e.g., Inbox).
3. Select the emails you want to export:
   • To select all emails: click the checkbox at the top of the message list.
   • To select specific emails: hold Ctrl (Windows) or Cmd (Mac) and click each message.
4. Click the More or Actions dropdown in the toolbar.
5. Select Export (or Export selected).
6. Selected messages will be downloaded as individual .eml files (one per message) to your computer. Save them in a safe location.

Importing (Restoring) Emails

1. Log in to the target Roundcube account where you want to restore emails.
2. Navigate to the folder where you want the emails to appear.
3. Click the More or Actions dropdown.
4. Select Import.
5. Browse and select the .eml file(s) you previously exported.
6. The emails will be imported into the selected folder.

Important Tips

• Export emails regularly to keep an up-to-date backup of important correspondence.
• Large mailboxes may take time to export — consider backing up in smaller batches.
• The imported emails will retain their original dates, senders, and subjects.
• Back up multiple folders separately (Inbox, Sent, Drafts) to ensure a complete archive.

Need assistance with your email backup? Open a support ticket.

Troubleshooting

• Export option is greyed out or missing: Make sure you have selected at least one email in the message list. The Export button only appears when messages are selected.
• Downloaded .eml files will not open: .eml files can be opened with most email clients (Outlook, Thunderbird, Apple Mail). On Windows, right-click the file and select "Open With". If no program is associated, install an email client or use a free .eml viewer.
• Import fails with "file too large": Roundcube may have upload size limits. Try importing smaller batches of emails instead of all at once. If the issue persists, contact your hosting provider to increase the upload limit.
• Imported emails do not appear: Check the folder you imported into — emails may have gone to a different folder than expected. Also check the Roundcube Trash folder in case they were filtered there.
• Large mailboxes take very long to export: Export in smaller batches (100-200 emails at a time) rather than selecting all messages at once. This reduces server load and prevents browser timeouts.
• Want to backup ALL folders at once: Roundcube does not support full mailbox export in one click. Back up each folder (Inbox, Sent, Drafts) separately. For a complete server-side backup, use cPanel's backup tool or contact support.