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Back up and restore Docker data

Create, download, restore, rename, and delete backups of Docker persistent volumes.

2 min read • Updated 29 July 2026

The service-level Backups tab protects the Docker service's persistent volumes. Container filesystem changes that are not stored on a persistent volume should be treated as disposable.

Create a backup

  1. Open Dashboard → Services → your Docker service → Backups.
  2. Click Create Backup.
  3. Add an optional name.
  4. Confirm once and wait for Completed.

Only one active backup workflow can run at a time. The dashboard shows manual quota and retry state.

Download or rename

Download a completed backup for an offline copy. Keep the tab open while large downloads are prepared. You can rename manual backups; automatic backups keep their generated name. A rename does not change the backup UUID.

Restore

Restoring replaces current persistent-volume data.

  1. Stop or quiesce applications that write continuously when practical.
  2. Select a completed backup and click Restore.
  3. Enable Create safety restore point to preserve current data.
  4. Click Restore Now.
  5. Wait until the service restore operation finishes before using app controls.
  6. Start or redeploy the app only if required, then test its state.

Without a safety restore point, changes since the selected backup may be unrecoverable.

Delete

Backup deletion is permanent. Confirm another usable copy exists first. If the node is offline, existing downloads may remain available, but create, restore, and delete actions are disabled.

What is not covered

A volume backup is not a substitute for storing source code in version control, pinning images, recording environment configuration, or using application-native database exports. Keep those recovery materials separately.

See Troubleshoot a Docker app if a restored app does not start.