> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://www.meilisearch.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Backing up Meilisearch data

> Meilisearch offers two backup methods: snapshots for periodic safeguards and dumps for version migration. Learn when to use each.

Meilisearch offers two backup methods: **snapshots** and **dumps**. They serve different purposes and have different trade-offs.

## Snapshots vs dumps

|                           | Snapshots                                                                                                | Dumps                                    |
| ------------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------- |
| **What it is**            | Exact copy of the database (`data.ms`)                                                                   | Portable blueprint of all instance data  |
| **Import speed**          | Fast (data is already indexed)                                                                           | Slow (requires full re-indexing)         |
| **Version compatibility** | Same Meilisearch version only                                                                            | Compatible across versions               |
| **File size**             | Larger                                                                                                   | Smaller                                  |
| **Best for**              | Periodic backups, disaster recovery                                                                      | Migrating to a new Meilisearch version   |
| **Scheduling**            | Can be [scheduled at launch](/resources/self_hosting/configuration/reference#schedule-snapshot-creation) | Created on demand via API                |
| **Cloud support**         | Self-hosted only                                                                                         | Cloud (via UI) and self-hosted (via API) |

## When to use snapshots

Use snapshots as a safeguard. If something goes wrong, you can recover and relaunch your database quickly. You can schedule periodic snapshot creation at launch.

[Learn how to create and import snapshots](/resources/self_hosting/data_backup/snapshots).

## When to use dumps

Use dumps when migrating data between Meilisearch versions. Dumps are not bound to a specific version, so they are ideal for upgrades.

<Note>
  You can import dumps from older Meilisearch versions into newer ones. Importing a dump from a newer version into an older one can lead to unexpected behavior.
</Note>

[Learn how to create and import dumps](/resources/self_hosting/data_backup/dumps).

## Backup recommendations

* **Schedule snapshots** for regular backups. A daily snapshot (`--schedule-snapshot=86400`) is a good starting point.
* **Create a dump before upgrading** Meilisearch to a new version.
* **Test your restore process** periodically to make sure backups work.
* **Store backups off-server** using [S3 snapshot storage](/resources/self_hosting/configuration/reference#s3-options) or by copying dump files to external storage.