How to manage snapshots

Reviewed on August 07, 2025

Snapshots allow you to restore data in a new Database Instance, instead of creating individual automated database backups. It is only available for Database Instances that use Block Storage volumes.

When you set up autobackups for Database Instances that use Block Storage, the automatic backups are created in snapshot format.

You can create new Database Instances from a snapshot.

You can have up to 100 snapshots per Instance and Project (depending on quotas).

Before you start

To complete the actions presented below, you must have:

• A Scaleway account logged into the console
• Owner status or IAM permissions allowing you to perform actions in the intended Organization
• A PostgreSQL or MySQL Database Instance

How to create snapshots

1. Go to the Snapshots tab of your Database Instance of choice.
2. Click + Create snapshot.
   Important

   Make sure your Instance is in READY state before creating a snapshot.

   A pop-up displays.
3. Enter a name for your snapshot and set up the expiration date and time.
   Note

   The default retention period for snapshots is 7 days.

4. Click Create snapshot to confirm.

How to set up autobackups

With the autobackup feature, the creation and management of your Database Instance backups is automated according to your backup schedule configuration.

Two types of autobackups are available at Scaleway: backups and snapshots.

Backups are used when your Database Instance's storage option is a Local volume. Snapshots are available for Database Instances that use Block Storage volumes.

1. Click PostgreSQL and MySQL under Databases on the side menu. A list of your Database Instances displays.
2. Select the geographical region of the Instance you want to manage from the drop-down.
3. Click the Database Instance name or more icon > More info to access the Database Instance's Overview page.
   Note

   If you have a Database Instance using Block Storage, you can follow the next steps from the Snapshots tab.

4. Scroll down to Backup configuration and click edit icon.
   Note

   Although autobackup is enabled by default, you can select Manual in the Choose a backup configuration step of the Database Instance creation wizard to disable the feature before you create the Instance. You can also disable it after the Database Instance is ready.

5. Configure the backup frequency and retention, then click validate icon to confirm.

How to delete snapshots

When you delete an Instance, its associated snapshots are not deleted. Snapshots can be manually deleted or will be deleted after the retention period defined.

If you do not wish to wait for the snapshot to expire, you can delete it manually.

1. Go to the Snapshots tab of your Database Instance of choice.
2. Click more icon next to the name of the snapshot.
3. Click Delete. A pop-up displays to warn you that:
   Important

   This action is irreversible and will permanently destroy your snapshot and all its data.

4. Type DELETE and click Delete snapshot if you wish to continue.