# Back up and restore a Minecraft server

> Create consistent server backups, download them, and restore with a safety point.

Backups protect the Minecraft service volume, including worlds and server files handled by the backup workflow.

## Create a consistent backup

For the safest snapshot, stop the server cleanly first so world saves and plugin data finish writing.

1. Open **Server → Backups**.
2. Click **Create Backup**.
3. Add an optional name.
4. Confirm once and wait for **Completed**.

Only one backup job can run at a time. The dashboard shows manual quota, retry status, and errors.

## Download or rename

Download completed backups and keep the browser tab open during large transfers. Manual backups can be renamed; automatic backups cannot. Renaming does not change the stored UUID.

## Restore

1. Stop the server and disconnect players.
2. Choose a completed backup and click **Restore**.
3. Enable **Create safety restore point** to save the current state.
4. Click **Restore Now**.
5. Wait until restore finishes before using files, console, or configuration.
6. Start the server, follow **Console**, and join to inspect the world and plugin data.

Restoring replaces current data. Without a safety restore point, changes since the selected snapshot may be unrecoverable.

## Delete

Deletion is permanent. Keep at least one known-good local or AppLaunch copy before removing an important backup. When the node is offline, existing downloads may work, but create, restore, and delete actions are unavailable.

For a world-only transfer, also see [Manage Minecraft files and SFTP](/minecraft/files-and-sftp/).