WHM/cPanel servers automatically store backups in the /backup directory. Over time, these backups can consume a large amount of disk space. This guide explains safe methods to delete WHM backups from the /backup folder using SSH and WHM.

⚠️ Important: Deleting backups is permanent. Always confirm you no longer need them before proceeding.

Method 1: Delete WHM Backups via SSH (Recommended)

Step 1: Connect to the Server via SSH

Log in as the root user:

Step 2: Navigate to the Backup Directory

List existing backups:

Common backup folders/files:

• daily/

• weekly/

• monthly/

• cpbackup/

• .tar.gz backup files

Step 3: Delete Specific Backup Files or Folders

Delete a specific backup file

Delete daily backups

Delete weekly or monthly backups

Delete all backups (use with extreme caution)

Step 4: Verify Disk Space

After deletion, check available disk space:

Method 2: Delete Backups Using WHM Interface

Step 1: Log in to WHM

Access WHM:

Step 2: Disable Backup Service (Optional but Recommended)

1. Go to Backup Configuration

2. Set Backup Status to Disabled

3. Save changes

This prevents backups from being recreated immediately.

Step 3: Delete Backups via File Manager

1. Go to Files → File Manager

2. Navigate to /backup

3. Select unwanted backup folders/files

4. Click Delete

Method 3: Delete Backups Using Command Line by Date

Delete backups older than 7 days:

Delete backups older than 30 days:

Common Reasons to Delete WHM Backups

• Disk space is full

• Old backups are no longer needed

• Backup configuration has changed

• Migrating to remote backup storage

• Fixing backup-related errors