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How to Import / Restore a Backup

Import and restore are basically the same process: loading a backup file (.sql) into a database. The only difference is the goal:

  • Import → load data from the backup file into a database.
  • Restore → bring the database back to the backup's state, overwriting the current data.

The backup file usually comes from a database export or from another hosting/server.

Make sure you have connected to the database first.

WARNING — DATA CAN BE PERMANENTLY OVERWRITTEN
  • If the .sql file contains DROP TABLE / DROP DATABASE commands (usually from checking Add DROP TABLE during export), tables with the same name will be dropped and replaced with the backup contents.
  • Back up first your active database before restoring, so the latest data is not lost.
  • For a restore, the safest option is to point it to a new database, then change the application/server.cfg configuration to that new database.
  • If you do restore into a database that already has data, clear its tables first (right-click → Drop table(s)) to avoid conflicts.
  • Make sure the target database is correct. This process cannot be undone.

1. Select the Target Database​

  1. In the left panel of HeidiSQL, click the target database so it becomes active.
  2. If the target database does not exist yet, create it first via How to Create a Database, or right-click the session → Create new → Database.
  3. Restoring into a database that already has data? Clear its tables first: select all tables → right-click → Drop table(s).

2. Run the Backup File​

  1. Open the File menu → Run SQL file. On Windows, you can press Ctrl + O directly.
  2. Select the .sql file you want to import.
  3. HeidiSQL will display the contents of that file in the Query tab.
  4. Click Run (or press F9) to run it.
  5. Wait until the process finishes. If there are errors, read the message that appears at the bottom.

Running the SQL file import

3. Verify​

  1. Refresh the table list in the left panel.
  2. Open one of the tables, then check the Data tab to make sure the contents are correct.
  3. Run the application/server that uses the database to make sure it works normally.
LARGE FILE

For large backup files, run the import via the command line (mysql -u user -p database < backup.sql). The process is usually faster and more stable.

Next Steps​