# Create a database backup

{% hint style="info" %}
A database backup allows you to roll back after an update or a mistake.\
You can also **download** the backup to keep it locally.
{% endhint %}

### Objective

Create a **backup** of the database, then **download** or the **restore** if necessary.

### Step-by-step guide

{% stepper %}
{% step %}
**Start creating a backup**

On the relevant database, open the menu **⋯** then click **Create a backup**.

<figure><img src="https://2305008112-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Ftkl0lsnxYxJPTz5fY4IW%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-9431848fdaa6909b1bcfec2e533c3276d6a3663b%2Fimage_109.png?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Name and confirm**

Give a **name** to the backup (e.g. `before-update-2026-01-06`) then confirm.
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Download the backup**

Wait for the backup to be in **finished** (or available).

On the line for the backup, open the menu **⋯** then click **Download**.

<figure><img src="https://2305008112-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Ftkl0lsnxYxJPTz5fY4IW%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-3477f4e6d6b7cac86ef55b5daa91037cb89aaaf1%2Fimage_121.png?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

You will get an export of the database (SQL file).
{% endstep %}

{% step %}
**Restore the backup**

On the line of the backup to use, click **Restore**.

<figure><img src="https://2305008112-files.gitbook.io/~/files/v0/b/gitbook-x-prod.appspot.com/o/spaces%2Ftkl0lsnxYxJPTz5fY4IW%2Fuploads%2Fgit-blob-8041832275376057d55059a5b424cdbe4f505de9%2Fimage_21.png?alt=media" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

Confirm the operation, then wait for the restoration to complete.

{% hint style="warning" %}
The restoration **overwrites** the current state of the database.\
Make a “before restore” backup if you are unsure.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}

### Common issues

* **Very long backup** : wait for the operation to finish, especially on a large database.
* **Error during restoration** : restore an older backup, then contact support with the name + time of the test.

### FAQ

#### What is the difference between “server backup” and “database backup”?

Server backup concerns the **files**.\
DB backup only concerns the **MySQL database** (application data).

#### When to make a database backup?

Before an update, adding a plugin/mod, or a migration.

#### What to provide to support if a backup/restoration fails?

The **backup name**, and a screenshot of the error if displayed: [Contact Oxygenserv support (ticket dashboard and Discord)](https://docs.oxygenserv.com/en/dashboard/contacter-le-support-oxygenserv-ticket-dashboard-et-discord).