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Backups

A backup is a restore point of your server: a copy of its files at one moment. If an update, a plugin or a mistake breaks something, you can go back to the backup.

What you see​

Each backup in the list shows:

  • its name
  • its size
  • a sha1: checksum (a fingerprint used to check that the file is intact)
  • how long ago it was made
  • its status, for example CREATED
  • a lock icon if it is locked

At the bottom, a line like 2 of 2 backups have been created for this server. tells you how many of your backup slots are in use. The second number is the number of slots in your plan. When you are at the limit you must delete a backup (or unlock and delete one) before you can make a new one.

Create a backup​

  1. Open Backups in the sidebar.
  2. Use the button to create a new backup and, if asked, give it a name.
  3. Wait until the status says CREATED.

If you cannot find a create button, your slots are probably all in use. Delete a backup you no longer need and try again.

tip

Make a backup before you change versions, install many plugins or mods, edit important config files or reinstall the server.

The actions menu​

Click the ... menu on the right of a backup to see what you can do:

  • Download: save the backup to your computer. Keep a copy somewhere safe if the data matters to you.
  • Restore: bring the server back to the state of this backup.
  • Lock / Unlock: a locked backup cannot be deleted, so it cannot be removed by mistake. Unlock it if you want to delete it.
  • Delete: remove the backup and free its slot.

Restore a backup​

  1. Open the ... menu of the backup and click Restore.
  2. Confirm.
  3. Wait for the restore to finish, then start the server if it is off.

Restoring puts your server back as it was at the time of the backup, so anything you changed after that moment can be lost. If you are not sure, download or create another backup first.

Automatic backups​

The panel also makes backups for you before risky actions. You will recognize them by their names:

  • Before changing to Paper 26.3 (date UTC): made when you change the Minecraft software or version. The name shows the new software and version. See Versions.
  • Pre-wipe date UTC: made before a Rust wipe when Create a backup first is ticked. See Wipes.
  • Reinstalling the server also offers to make a backup first (see Settings).

Automatic backups use your backup slots like any other. If a version change fails and the server is put back as it was, its backup is unlocked so it does not keep using a locked slot, and you can delete it from this page.

You can also make backups on a timer with Schedules by adding a Create backup task.

Tips​

  • Names include the date and time in UTC, which may differ from your local time.
  • Keep at least one recent backup you trust. Lock it.
  • Backups protect you from mistakes on the server, not from losing the only copy of data you care about. Download the important ones.
  • For a single Minecraft world, the Worlds page also has a Back up button.