---
url: /zoho-payments-whmcs/backup-and-restore.md
description: >-
  How to back up and restore Zoho Payments for WHMCS — the gateway has no
  built-in backup, so use standard WHMCS database and file backups before every
  update.
---

# Backup and restore

Zoho Payments has **no built-in backup system** — no automatic pre-update snapshots or one-click restore. Protect the module using **standard WHMCS backup procedures**: back up the database and save file copies before updating.

## Back up before every update

Because a [manual update](/zoho-payments-whmcs/updating) overwrites files directly, create backups first:

* **WHMCS database:** Stores credentials, Data Center, Webhook Secret, License Key, invoices, and logs.
* **Gateway files:**
  * `modules/gateways/zohopayments.php`
  * `modules/gateways/zohopayments/` (entire folder, including webhook handler)

::: tip Keep off-server copies
Use scheduled database backups for daily safety. Save a manual file and database snapshot off-server immediately before running module updates.
:::

## Where backups are stored

The gateway does not create local backup folders:

* **Database backups:** Stored in your host panel or remote backup destination.
* **File backups:** Saved to your secure off-server storage.
* **Best practice:** Keep at least one verified copy off the primary server.

## Rolling back

To return to a previous working state after a bad update or a settings change:

1. **Restore module files:** Delete existing gateway files and copy saved `zohopayments.php` and `zohopayments/` to `modules/gateways/`.
2. **Restore database:** Restore the WHMCS database backup only if gateway configuration or transaction tables were corrupted.
3. **Verify configuration:** Open **Setup → Payment Gateways → Zoho Payments**, verify settings, and run a test transaction in **Test Mode**.

Restoring files alone restores full functionality because credentials and license keys persist in the WHMCS database.

## Related pages

* [Updating](/zoho-payments-whmcs/updating) — always back up first
* [Uninstalling](/zoho-payments-whmcs/uninstalling) — removing the gateway cleanly
* [Troubleshooting](/zoho-payments-whmcs/troubleshooting) — fixes before you roll back