---
title: How to manage backups for Serverless SQL Databases
description: Instructions for managing backups in Scaleway serverless SQL databases.
tags: sql-databases serverless database backup snapshot restore
dates:
  validation: 2025-07-29
  posted: 2023-12-05
---
import Requirements from '@macros/iam/requirements.mdx'


Serverless SQL Databases are automatically backed up every day at the same time. [Backups](/serverless-sql-databases/concepts/#backup) are stored for 7 days. They are useful when you need to restore a specific state of your Serverless SQL Database. You can restore a database to a previous state, create a new database from a specific backup, or export a backup in `.pg_dump` format.

<Message type="important">
  The restore duration depends on the size of your database. Restore operations are considered as regular database activity, and are therefore billed the same way. Refer to our [dedicated FAQ](/serverless-sql-databases/faq/) for more information.
</Message>

<Requirements />

- A Scaleway account logged into the [console](https://console.scaleway.com)
- [Owner](/iam/concepts/#owner) status or [IAM permissions](/iam/concepts/#permission) allowing you to perform actions in the intended Organization
- [Created a database](/serverless-sql-databases/how-to/create-a-database/)

## How to restore a Serverless SQL Database from a backup

1. Click **Serverless SQL** in the **Databases** section of the side menu. The Serverless SQL Databases page displays.

2. Click the name of the database you want to restore, then click the **Backups** tab. The list of backups displays.

3. Click the <Icon name="more" /> icon next to the backup you want to restore, then select **Restore database** from the drop-down menu. A pop-up displays.

4. Type **RESTORE**, then click **Restore database**. The restoration process begins.

## How to create a Serverless SQL Database from a backup

1. Click **Serverless SQL** in the **Databases** section of the side menu. The Serverless SQL Databases page displays.

2. Click the name of the database you want to restore, then click the **Backups** tab. The list of backups displays.

3. Click the <Icon name="more" /> icon next to the backup you want to restore, then select **Create database from backup** from the drop-down menu. The database creation menu displays.

4. Complete the following steps in the wizard:
    - Review the **Backup parameters** you will use to create a new database.
    - Choose a **region**, which is the geographical location in which your database will be created.
    - Select a **default engine version** from the drop-down menu.
    - Configure your **database autoscaling**. Your database will scale within the defined range to match the incoming load.
        <Message type="note">
            Define a minimum of 1 vCPU or more to avoid cold starts that can take a few seconds.
        </Message>
    - Enter a **name** for your database, or keep the randomly generated name. The name must only contain alphanumeric characters and dashes.
    - Verify the **estimated cost**.

5. Click **Create database** to finish. The setting up of your database will take a few seconds. Check the **Overview** tab to see its status.

## How to export a Serverless SQL Database backup

1. Click **Serverless SQL** in the **Databases** section of the side menu. The Serverless SQL Databases page displays.

2. Click the name of the database you want to export, then click the **Backups** tab. The list of backups displays.

3. Click the <Icon name="more" /> icon next to the backup you want to restore, then select **Prepare export** from the drop-down menu.

4. Click the **Download** button once your export is prepared to download your database backup in a `.pg_dump` format.

<Message type="tip">
  You can restore the downloaded backup using the [pg_restore](https://www.postgresql.org/docs/current/app-pgrestore.html) utility.
</Message>