Backups & Restore

Your Stratos server is automatically backed up throughout its lifetime. You can also create manual backups, restore to any previous point, and download your data for safekeeping.

# Automatic Backups

Stratos automatically creates backups of your server while it's running. These backups capture your world data, configurations, and any other server files.

Backup Retention: Older backups are automatically cleaned up over time. If you want to keep a backup permanently, download it to your computer.

# Creating a Manual Backup

You can create an immediate backup at any time:

1. Open the Stratos desktop app and select your server
2. Click the Create Backup button (next to Stop/Restart/Configure)
3. Wait for the backup to complete (usually a few seconds)

Note: Your server must be running to create a backup.

# Viewing Your Backups

All your backups are listed in the Backups section, showing:

• Date and time the backup was created
• Size of the backup
• Safe indicator - Backups created while your server was stopped are marked as "Safe" (no risk of corrupted save data)

# Restoring from a Backup

To restore your server to a previous state:

1. Find the backup you want to restore to
2. Click Restore
3. Confirm that you want to restore

Important: Restoring replaces your current server data with data from the backup. Any changes made after that backup will be lost.

The restore process will:

1. Stop your server (if running)
2. Replace your server data with the backup
3. Restart your server automatically

# Downloading Backups

To keep a permanent copy of your server data:

1. Find the backup you want to download
2. Click the Download button
3. Save the .tar.gz file to your computer

Downloaded backups are yours to keep forever, even if the original is cleaned up by automatic retention.

# Tips for Best Practices

• Before major changes: Create a manual backup before updating your server, installing mods, or making significant world changes
• Safe backups: Stop your server before creating a backup if you want to ensure no data is being written during the backup
• Regular downloads: Periodically download important backups for permanent safekeeping
• Check the Safe indicator: Backups marked "Safe" were created while your server was stopped, ensuring no partial or corrupted data

# Troubleshooting

# "Server must be running to create a backup"

Start your server first, then try creating the backup again.

# Backup taking too long

Large worlds may take longer to back up. The time depends on your world size and server activity.

# Can't find an old backup

Older backups are automatically cleaned up to save storage. Download important backups to keep them permanently.

Need help? Visit our Support page or join our Discord community.