JetBackup is a powerful tool provided in cPanel that creates daily backups of your hosting account. To maintain speed, efficiency, and data integrity, certain files and directories are automatically excluded from these backups. This article explains what’s excluded and why, so you can manage your data accordingly.
Note: Our backup system is provided as a courtesy. It is your responsibility to keep your own off-site backups. We cannot guarantee availability, and accounts that take longer than 1 hour to back up may be excluded automatically.
Why Are Some Files Excluded?
Excluding certain files and directories helps keep the backup system efficient, reliable, and secure. Common reasons include:
- Performance: Frequently changing temporary or cache files waste resources and rarely hold critical data.
- Size Limits: Large media and archive files can dramatically increase backup size and time.
- Security: Executable files and some system files pose potential security risks and are avoided in backups.
What File Types Are Excluded?
These file types are skipped automatically during JetBackup routines:
- Archives:
*.zip,*.rar,*.tar.gz,*.gz,*.7z,*.iso - Backups:
*.bkup,*.jpa,*.sql,*.wpress,*_backup,/backup-*.tar.gz - Media Files:
*.mp4,*.mp3,*.avi,*.mkv,*.mpeg - Executables:
*.exe - Logs:
*.log,php_error_log,/error_log - Misc:
*.zi,*.pbo,.MirrorSearch
Excluded Directories and Patterns
- Cache and Temp:
lscache/,cache/,tmp/,wp-content/cache/,/var/cache/,/var/tmp/ - Backups:
/backup_,/wpbackitup_backups/,/com_akeeba/backup/,/softaculous_backups/ - Optimization:
/autoptimize/,/widget-cache/ - Control Panel/System:
.cagefs/,.cpanel/caches,.cpanel/*.sock - Logs:
/var/log/,/var/report/ - Email Folders:
mail/**/.Trash/,mail/**/.Drafts/ - Others:
public_ftp/,access-logs/,/updraft/,/core.[0-9],.wysiwygPro_*
Important Reminders:
- Any account taking longer than 1 hour to back up may be skipped entirely.
- Backups should never be your only protection—regular off-site backups are essential.
- If your critical data falls under any excluded type, consider storing it differently or using a dedicated backup solution.
Conclusion
Understanding what is and isn’t included in JetBackup helps you make better decisions about your data. Exclusions ensure speed and reliability, but they also mean you must take control of your own backup practices. For full peace of mind, always keep separate off-site backups of your most important files.
