# Data export and backup

Managed backups and in-platform restore for SurrealDB Cloud instances, plus logical export for portable data.

This section covers **managed backups** on SurrealDB Cloud and how to restore an instance from a snapshot. For retention policy configuration and what backups cannot do, see **[Backups & recovery](/docs/manage/cloud/backups-and-recovery.md)**.

## Managed backups

SurrealDB Cloud takes **automated volume snapshots** of your instance on a schedule (paid plans). Snapshots are stored in the platform — you **cannot download or extract backup files** to your own storage today. Recovery is by **creating a new instance** from a snapshot in the console or SurrealDB Studio.

> [!IMPORTANT]
> Automated backups are not available for free instances. Upgrade to a paid [Start or Scale plan](https://surrealdb.com/pricing) to enable scheduled backups and restore.

### Restoring from a backup

In the resources section of the instance dashboard, open the list of available backups. To restore, click **Create from selected** on the snapshot you want.

<img src="~/assets/img/image/cloud/backup.png" alt="Restoring from a backup" />

This opens the [create a new instance](/docs/build/deployment/surrealdb-cloud/getting-started/create-an-instance.md#create-an-instance) flow with the backup pre-selected.

<img src="~/assets/img/image/cloud/restore.png" alt="Restoring from a backup" />

You can also pick a backup from the backup dropdown when creating a new instance.

## Logical export (portable data)

If you need a **portable copy** of your data outside Cloud backup restore — for migration, archival, or local development — connect to the running instance and use [`surreal export`](/docs/reference/cli/surrealdb-cli/commands/export.md). That is separate from managed snapshot backups. See [Migrating data](/docs/build/deployment/surrealdb-cloud/operations/migrating-data.md).

## Limitations of backup restore

- The source and restore instance must be in the **same region**
- You cannot restore a backup **into an existing** instance (only create a new one)
- The restore instance **storage** must be equal to or greater than the source
- Backup snapshots are **not downloadable** as files

## Next steps

- [Backups & recovery](/docs/manage/cloud/backups-and-recovery.md) — retention policy and operational detail
- [Configure an instance](/docs/build/deployment/surrealdb-cloud/getting-started/create-an-instance.md)
- [Network access](/docs/build/deployment/surrealdb-cloud/operations/network-access.md)
- [Migrating data](/docs/build/deployment/surrealdb-cloud/operations/migrating-data.md)