Do backups cover my MySQL databases?
Your file copies and your databases are two separate things — a file download never includes your MySQL data. To protect a setup that relies on a database, you need to back that database up on its own.
How it works
Downloading your server files captures worlds, configs, and plugins/mods. Your MySQL databases live separately from those files, so they aren't swept up in a file copy. Backing them up means exporting them with a SQL tool.
How to back up both
- Downloading your server files (Files/SFTP) captures worlds, configs, and plugins/mods — not databases.
- MySQL databases are hosted separately; export them from an external SQL tool to back them up.
- Store both copies together so a full restore is possible later.
Warning: If your setup relies on MySQL, don't assume copying files preserves it — export the database separately.
Frequently asked questions
Does restoring my files touch my database? No — files and databases are independent. Restoring files leaves your database untouched, and vice versa.
How do I export my database? Connect an external SQL tool to your MySQL database and export/dump it.
More in Backups
- How do I create a backup right now, and how do I back up before a version change?
- How do I restore my server to an earlier state?
- Where do I see and download my backups?
- Can support restore or create a backup for me (a specific date, folder, or file)?
- Can I get backups delivered off-panel (email, Google Drive, download link, daily)?
- Will restoring bring back files I deleted?