How to manage Database snapshots

Reviewed on January 06, 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 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 365 days.

4. Click Create snapshot to confirm.

How to create a Database Instance from a snapshot

You can restore the data contained in a snapshot to a Database Instance. When you do so, a new Database Instance is created and billed to your account.

1. Go to the Snapshots tab of your Database Instance of choice.

2. Click the more icon next to the name of the snapshot.

3. Click Create Database Instance from snapshot. A pop-up appears.

4. Enter a name for your new Instance.

5. Choose a node type and configuration.

   Important

   It is possible to select a different (larger or smaller) node type for your new Instance. However, the Block volume size will be the same as the size of the restored snapshot. All Instance settings will be restored if you chose a node type with the same or more memory size than the initial Instance. Settings will be reset to the default if your node type has less memory.

6. Click Create Database Instance to confirm.

   You can see the new Instance in your Database Instances list.

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.