phpMyAdmin runs through PHP, so its imports are limited by upload size and execution time. For big databases, work around those limits.
1. Compress the file
A .sql file often compresses to a tenth of its size. Gzip it (.sql.gz) or zip it (.sql.zip) and import that. phpMyAdmin decompresses it on the server.
2. Allow interruption
On the Import screen, keep Allow the interruption of an import in case the script detects it is close to the PHP timeout ticked. If it stops, run the import again with the same file; phpMyAdmin offers to resume.
3. Split the file
Use a free SQL file splitter to break the dump into pieces that each fit the limit, then import them in order. Make sure the tool splits between complete statements.
4. Export and import table by table
On the old host, export the largest tables separately from the rest. Import the small tables in one file and each large table on its own.
5. Reduce what you’re moving
Large WordPress databases are often mostly logs, sessions, spam or expired transients. Clean up before exporting. Cleaning up and optimising the WordPress database
6. Use a DirectAdmin backup restore
If you’re moving from another DirectAdmin host, a full account backup restored through System Info & Files then Create/Restore Backups imports databases without phpMyAdmin’s limits. How to restore a full account backup
Check the result
Compare table counts and row counts for key tables with the original.
Looking for somewhere to run PHP and MySQL? Traxio’s free PHP MySQL hosting includes phpMyAdmin and is free for your first 30 days.