cPanel Convert Roundcube to SQLite – How to Do It the Right Way

Learn how to cPanel convert Roundcube to SQLite for better performance. Our cPanel team is always here to help you.

cPanel Convert Roundcube to SQLite – How to Do It the Right Way

Looking to switch your Roundcube webmail from MySQL to SQLite? If you’re managing a cPanel server and want to reduce database load while improving Roundcube’s performance, switching to SQLite can be a smart move. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to cpanel convert Roundcube to SQLite using native scripts and commands provided by cPanel.

This change is particularly helpful for servers under resource strain or those with many users accessing webmail, such as when dealing with cPanel error no space left on device. Starting from cPanel 11.25, the software includes a conversion script to make this process simple.

Why Convert Roundcube to SQLite?

The built-in MySQL database works fine, but Roundcube doesn’t require complex relational queries. SQLite offers a lightweight alternative, reducing memory usage and increasing speed, especially noticeable on servers with heavy mail traffic.

Important Note Before You Begin

Before you proceed with cpanel convert Roundcube to SQLite, understand this:

• The conversion is permanent. You cannot revert back to MySQL after converting.
• The conversion is server-wide by default.
• It creates individual SQLite databases per user under this path:
  /home/username/etc/domain/username.rcube.db

How to Convert Roundcube to SQLite in cPanel

The script to do this comes pre-installed with WHM/cPanel, and here’s exactly how to use it:

1. Run the Server-Wide Conversion

To convert Roundcube for all users on the server:

/scripts/convert_roundcube_mysql2sqlite

This will update all user mailboxes to start using SQLite instead of the shared MySQL database.

2. Convert Roundcube for a Specific User

If you’ve already done a server-wide conversion and later need to convert an individual user manually, run:

/scripts/convert_roundcube_mysql2sqlite

Replace <user> with the actual cPanel username.

Migrating Roundcube from One Server to Another with SQLite

Planning to migrate a cPanel account or the entire server? Here’s how to migrate the Roundcube data and switch to SQLite during the process:

Step 1: Backup Roundcube MySQL Database on Source Server

mysqldump roundcube > roundcube.dump

Step 2: Create a Temporary MySQL Database on Destination Server

Refer to cPanel’s MySQL Databases documentation to create a new database.

Step 3: Edit the Conversion Script

On the destination server, open this script:

/usr/local/cpanel/scripts/convert_roundcube_mysql2sqlite

Comment out the code snippet that restricts custom database usage.

Step 4: Import and Convert

Now import the data and perform the conversion:

/usr/local/cpanel/scripts/convert_roundcube_mysql2sqlite user exampledatabase

Replace user with the actual cPanel username, and exampledatabase with the name of the temporary database.

Step 5: Automatic Retry on Errors

The script will attempt the conversion and retry if any errors occur, ensuring a successful migration.

[If needed, Our team is available 24/7 for additional assistance.]

Conclusion

Switching to SQLite offers real benefits in terms of performance, especially for webmail. The cpanel convert Roundcube to SQLite process is straightforward and supported directly by cPanel’s scripts. Just remember, it’s a one-way trip.