Halloween DealsAmazon USHalloween week deals: useful picks before month-endAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsPC HealthRecommendedCrashes, freezes, slowdowns? Check your PC nowSpot repairable issues before they interrupt work.Check PCHalloween DealsAmazon USOctober picks are moving - compare before checkoutAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.See Picks×
Skip to content
World desk10 min

How to Back Up and Restore Your Redis Data on Ubuntu

A practical Ubuntu guide to online Redis backups and safe restores, covering RDB snapshots, Redis 7+ multipart AOF, Redis 8.10 sealed backups, paths, permissions, and verification.
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Use BGSAVE for a point-in-time Redis backup without stopping clients, then copy the completed RDB file from the directory configured by dir and dbfilename. If your installation uses AOF, back up the complete multipart AOF set—base file, every incremental file, and its manifest—rather than one file. During a restore, stop Redis, replace the persistence files with a verified backup, start the service, and validate both connectivity and application data.

The exact service unit, data directory, permissions, authentication settings, and persistence mode vary with the Ubuntu release and installation method. Check the active configuration before copying or replacing anything; do not assume that /var/lib/redis is correct.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

What Redis is backing up

Redis can persist data with Redis Database (RDB) snapshots, an Append-Only File (AOF), or both. Each mode produces a different recovery artifact.

RDB snapshots

RDB is a compact, single-file, point-in-time representation of the dataset. Redis documentation describes RDB files as “perfect for backups.” A snapshot captures the keys and values as they existed when the snapshot was made; writes that arrive afterward are not in that file. This makes RDB straightforward to archive and generally quick to restore.

#1 Best Overall
Sale
TOZO A1 Wireless Earbuds Bluetooth 5.3 Light Weight in Ear Headphones | IPX5 Waterproof,2 Mics for AI Calls,Immersive Premium Sound Bass Headset with Charging Case,32 EQ via App Black
  • [Ultra-Lightweight Ear Buds Designed for Small Ears] Each earbud weighs only 3.7g and features a compact, ergonomic in-ear design made especially for small ears. Secure, low-profile, and comfortable for workouts, all-day wear or overnight sleeping.The ultra-slim profile sits flush in your ear with no hard edges poking or rubbing, so you can even sleep on your side without discomfort.
  • [Immersive Stereo Sound with TOZO OrigX Technology] TOZO OrigX tuning delivers clear vocals, balanced mids, and natural stereo sound for music, podcasts, and videos.
  • [Long Battery Life for Daily Use] Get up to 7 hours of playtime on a single charge, with up to 32 hours total using the charging case—ideal for workdays, commuting, and extended listening sessions.
  • [Bluetooth 5.3 & Stable Connection] Bluetooth 5.3 provides fast pairing, stable wireless performance, and reduced dropouts as you move around home or office.
  • [Deep Bass with Clear Vocals] High-performance drivers produce punchy bass while keeping vocals clean and detailed for everyday listening.

AOF logging

AOF records write operations so Redis can replay them during startup. It can therefore preserve changes made after an older RDB snapshot, but the backup is more operationally demanding. Redis 7.0.0 and later use a multipart AOF layout: one base file, one or more incremental files, and a manifest that identifies the set. A backup is incomplete if any of those parts is missing.

Using both modes

Many production installations enable both. RDB supplies compact periodic recovery points, while AOF can provide finer-grained recovery between snapshots. The correct backup procedure depends on which files the running server actually uses, so inspect the live configuration rather than relying on package defaults.

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Inspect the Ubuntu service and active configuration

Perform these checks before a backup and again before a restore. The package-installed service is commonly called redis-server, but some installations use a unit named redis.

  1. Check the service state:
    sudo systemctl status redis-server

    If that unit does not exist, try:

    sudo systemctl status redis
  2. Check the Redis protocol connection:
    redis-cli ping

    A healthy unauthenticated connection returns PONG. If authentication or TLS is enabled, use the connection options required by your deployment.

  3. Open the configuration used by the running service and record the values of dir, dbfilename, appendonly, and, on Redis 7 or later, appenddirname. You can also query settings from an administrative connection:
    redis-cli CONFIG GET dir dbfilename appendonly appenddirname

    Access to CONFIG may be restricted; in that case, inspect the service’s configured redis.conf.

  4. Record the Redis version and the service account that owns the data directory. The account must be able to read restored files when the service starts.

The conventional RDB filename is dump.rdb, but dbfilename can be changed. Likewise, an AOF directory name is configurable. Use the values from the active instance.

Back up Redis with an online RDB snapshot

BGSAVE is the normal online RDB command. Redis forks a child process to write the snapshot while the parent continues serving clients; the command normally returns immediately.

1. Start the snapshot

redis-cli BGSAVE

The response indicates that the background save was scheduled or is already in progress. Do not use SAVE as a routine production backup command: it is synchronous and can block all other clients while the file is written. Redis’s command reference describes SAVE as something you almost never want to call in production.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

2. Wait for completion

Check the persistence status instead of copying as soon as BGSAVE returns:

Rank #2
Sale
Smart Watch for Men Women Compatible with iPhone Samsung Android Phone 1.69 inch Full Touch Screen IP68 Waterproof Bluetooh Fitness Tracker Heart Rate/Sleep Monitor (Black)
  • 【IP68 Waterproof Multifunctinal Smart Watch】Torjalph fitness activity tracker smart watch is IP68 waterproof technology ,you can wear it when swimming,handwashing,it's rain-proof which means that you perform multiple exercise modes outside without worrying about sweat or rain corroding your fitness smart watch,and this watch equipped with a 230 mAh large capacity battery magnetic charging ,and this sports activity tracker watch can be used 5-7 days If fully charged.
  • 【Larger 1.83'' Full Screen Watch & Multi-dial Selection】1.83 inch full HD color touch screen smart watch for men / women provides excellent 240*284 resolution image quality ,This Bluetooth smart watch offers a better touch experience and remarkable immersion and ,more than 200 watch faces for you to choose from App"Da Fit ", you can change the dial style according to your mood to wear keeping the world on your wrist
  • 【Accurate Activity Tracker Smart Watch 】sports watch activity tracker uses sweat and dust resistant breathable silicone strap, our Fitness Tracker Smart Watch for Android iOS Phones supports 12 sports modes,walking,running,bicycle,swimming,badminton,basketball,football,rope skipping. This bluetooth calls smart watch for men women is lightweight and stylish, bringing more convenient and relaxing sports experience while also providing more protection.
  • 【Your 24 Hour Personal Daily Health Monitor】Fitness watch for women men full touch screen IP67 waterproof bluetooth smartwatch for Android iOS Phones with heart rate blood pressure monitor multifunction Andriod smart watch with steps counter sleep monitor sports fitness watch, monitoring blood oxygen saturation allows you to understand your physical condition in real time to track fitness progress ,to know your health status in time.
  • 【More Functions Bluetooth Call Smart Watch】This fitness activity smart watch full screen for iPhone and Android phones includes a bunch of new features including:The bluetooth smart watch can hang up the phone, receive and display WhatsAPP /Text /Facebook /Twitter /Messenger reminder.Support sedentary reminder, alarm clock, stopwatch, timer,weather information,music control, remote camera control compatible with Android 5.0 and above or iOS 9.0 and above smartphones.
redis-cli INFO persistence

Wait until rdb_bgsave_in_progress:0 and confirm that the latest background save completed successfully, using the reported status fields. LASTSAVE returns the Unix timestamp of the last completed save:

redis-cli LASTSAVE

Compare that timestamp with the time at which you started the operation. If another background save is still running, wait; copying an unfinished file can produce an unusable backup.

3. Locate the completed file

Combine the configured dir and dbfilename. For example, if the live configuration reports dir /srv/redis-data and dbfilename dump.rdb, the artifact is /srv/redis-data/dump.rdb. Do not substitute a guessed path.

What’s actually slowing this PC down?

Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

4. Copy and retain generations

Once the save is complete, copy the RDB file to storage independent of the Redis host. Keep dated generations so that a corrupt or accidentally deleted newest copy does not eliminate every recovery point. Redis writes a new snapshot to a temporary file and atomically renames it into place; that is why a completed RDB file can be copied safely, while a file being written must not be copied.

Preserve the file’s contents exactly and ensure your backup operator can read it. If you use a mounted backup volume or remote transfer, verify that the copy finished before deleting or rotating the source generation.

Back up a multipart AOF on Redis 7 and later

For AOF persistence on Redis 7.0.0 and later, treat the AOF directory as one inseparable backup unit. It contains a base AOF, incremental AOF files, and a manifest. Copying only the largest-looking file, or omitting the manifest, does not create a restorable backup.

1. Prevent a rewrite during the copy

An AOF rewrite can change the set of files while you are copying it. Temporarily disable automatic rewrites by setting auto-aof-rewrite-percentage to 0:

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
New Bee Guitar Cable 10ft Electric Instrument Bass AMP Cord
  • [Low Noise High Fidelity] New bee guitar cord with 22AWG oxygen-free-copper center conductors provides enhanced signal transfer, the PVC insulation material and the high-density stranded copper double shield provide noise rejection for quiet operation
  • [Ideal for Choice] New bee 1/4 straight and right angle metal connectors, ensures a secure connection in any instrument, pedal, or amp jack. L shape great fro on stage guitar stands
  • [Wide Compatible] Suitable for mixer, power amplifier, microphone, effector, decoder, equalizer, electoronic organ, electric guitar, electric bass and other electronic equipments. Widely used in the installation of smart home, karaoke speaker, professional stage audio, etc
  • [Easy Disassemble] Making incidental repairs quick and easy! Very nice, flexible cable
  • [Dont Hesite to Order] 24 hours customer services and professional technology team are standing by
redis-cli CONFIG GET auto-aof-rewrite-percentage
redis-cli CONFIG SET auto-aof-rewrite-percentage 0

Save the original percentage from the first command. The change affects the running instance; if your configuration management also writes redis.conf, make the corresponding temporary change there or ensure it will not overwrite your setting during the copy.

2. Confirm that no rewrite is active

redis-cli INFO persistence

Proceed only when aof_rewrite_in_progress:0. If a rewrite is in progress, wait for it to finish and check again. Disabling the percentage does not cancel a rewrite already under way.

3. Copy the complete AOF directory

Read appenddirname from the active configuration, then copy that entire directory—including the manifest, base file, and every incremental file—to independent backup storage. Keep the directory structure and filenames unchanged. Do not copy selected files individually and do not mix files from different backup times.

4. Restore the rewrite policy

Reapply the original value after the copy:

redis-cli CONFIG SET auto-aof-rewrite-percentage <original-value>

Replace <original-value> with the value recorded before the backup. If you changed a persistent configuration file, restore that file as well and restart only during a maintenance window.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Why the manifest matters

The manifest tells Redis which base and incremental files form one logical AOF. A directory missing one member can fail to load or silently represent an incomplete history. Always archive the whole directory from one consistent point in time.

Redis 8.10.0 and sealed backups

Redis Open Source 8.10.0 adds the BACKUP START and BACKUP SEAL command family. These commands provide a Redis-managed way to create a sealed backup suitable for later preload. Use the command syntax documented by the exact 8.10.x build you run, and wait for the seal operation to finish before transferring the resulting files.

A sealed multipart AOF backup still consists of its complete base, incremental files, and manifest. The advantage is that Redis defines a sealed point for the backup rather than leaving you to copy while an AOF rewrite is changing the directory. Older Redis versions do not have this command family; use the standard RDB or multipart-AOF procedures above.

Rank #4
BSIMB 15.6" Digital Family Calendar & Chore Chart, No Subscription Fees
  • Digital Family Calendar: BSIMB digital calendar wall touch screen puts an end to your chaotic life. Designed for busy families, the digital calendar keeps you organised and in step with your family. Assign different colours and tasks to each family member to make family scheduling easier and more intuitive.
  • Easy Setup and Auto-Sync: Plug in, connect to WLAN and auto-syn your electric calendar in minutes. Digital wall calendar compatible with Google calendar, iCloud calendar, Outlook calendar, Cozi calendar and Yahoo calendar. Add events directly on the device or through the ecalendar app. Electronic calendar stays current whether you're at work or traveling—no manual updates needed.
  • All-In-One Home Assistant: Smart calendar builds habits and encourage independence with personalised chores. Display daily meal plan to reduce the daily ‘What's for dinner?’ stress. To-do lists keep track of everything you want. Turning chores into valuable achievements with stars and rewards, making life easier and more enjoyable.
  • Manage Anytime Anywhere: BSIMB electronic calendar for family stay connected with the powerful ecalendar app. Access and manage your digital wall calendar anytime, anywhere with free features like stars & rewards, photo screensaver, chore charts, meals plans, to-do lists etc. Electronic planner paid features like Magic Import tailor advanced tools for users with special needs.
  • Stay in Touch with Loved Ones: Share photos or videos from your phone to electronic wall calendar with app, instantly update your life moment, and keep in touch with your family, especially those who are far away; you can also surprise your smart calendar digital wall by sending him a wish card; it's also great for keeping tech-illiterate elders in touch with the youngsters.

Restore an RDB backup on Ubuntu

Restoration replaces the persistence artifact that Redis will read at startup. Work from a verified backup and preserve the current files until validation is complete.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
  1. Stop Redis cleanly:
    sudo systemctl stop redis-server

    Use redis instead if that is the installed unit.

  2. Make a safety copy of the current data directory or move the current persistence files aside. This gives you a rollback path if the selected backup is wrong or damaged.
  3. Place the selected RDB file at the configured dir and with the configured dbfilename. For a default filename this is usually dump.rdb, but use the live configuration’s value. Set ownership and permissions so the Redis service account can read the file.
  4. Start the service:
    sudo systemctl start redis-server
  5. Check the connection:
    redis-cli ping

    A successful startup returns PONG. Then compare the restored key count and representative application-level records with the pre-incident record. A server that answers PONG can still contain the wrong snapshot, so validate data as well as process health.

Redis loads the RDB file during startup. If the file is incompatible, truncated, unreadable, or placed under the wrong configured name, inspect the service journal and correct the path, ownership, or selected generation before trying again.

Restore a multipart AOF backup

Stop Redis before replacing AOF files. Restore the entire directory from one backup generation: manifest, base file, and all referenced incremental files. Do not combine a manifest from one backup with data files from another.

  1. Stop the service with sudo systemctl stop redis-server (or the actual unit name).
  2. Preserve the current AOF directory, then copy the backed-up appenddirname directory into the path named by the active configuration.
  3. Check ownership and permissions for the Redis service account.
  4. Start Redis and inspect the service log for AOF loading errors.
  5. Run redis-cli ping, then check key counts and application invariants against your incident record.

If Redis reports a missing manifest member or an incomplete AOF, stop it again and restore a complete, matching directory. Do not delete the only copy of the failed set while diagnosing it.

Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Use preload-file for sealed backups

Redis 8.10.0 and later can preload a specified sealed artifact at startup. The option is startup-only; it is not a runtime CONFIG SET replacement.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Sealed multipart AOF

Start Redis with:

preload-file aof:/path/to/appendonly.aof.manifest

The manifest path must refer to the sealed backup, and the associated base and incremental files must remain where the manifest expects them. Configure this argument in the service’s startup definition or launch Redis with the corresponding command-line option, following your Ubuntu package’s systemd layout.

Single RDB preload

For one RDB artifact, use:

preload-file rdb:/path/to/backup.rdb

After startup, verify that the loaded dataset is the intended one. Remove the preload setting or point it back to the normal persistence location once the recovery procedure is complete, so a later restart does not unexpectedly load an old emergency copy.

RDB or AOF: which backup approach fits?

Criterion RDB AOF
Recovery point Point-in-time at each completed snapshot; writes after that snapshot are absent. Records subsequent write operations and can provide finer recovery points, subject to the configured persistence behavior.
Backup shape One compact file, normally named by dbfilename. On Redis 7.0.0 and later, a base file, incremental files, and a manifest in one directory.
Copy operation Copy after BGSAVE completes; Redis’s atomic rename protects the completed file. Prevent rewrites, confirm aof_rewrite_in_progress:0, and copy the complete directory consistently.
Restore complexity Place the file in the configured directory, then start Redis. Restore every manifest-referenced member with matching names and locations.
Archive and transfer Usually smaller and simpler to retain as dated generations. Potentially larger and operationally more complex because all multipart members are required.
Version note Supported as the standard snapshot format across the documented procedures. Multipart layout is the standard from Redis 7.0.0; sealed-backup commands require Redis Open Source 8.10.0 or later.

Choose RDB when compact, simple point-in-time archives and straightforward restores are the priority. Choose AOF when replaying more recent writes is worth the additional handling, and document the complete multipart procedure for everyone who may perform a recovery.

Can you back up Redis without stopping writes?

Yes. BGSAVE is designed for online RDB backups: the parent Redis process continues serving clients while the child writes the snapshot. You still need to wait for completion before copying the file.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

A multipart AOF copy also can be performed while Redis serves traffic, but only with consistency controls. Disable automatic AOF rewrites temporarily, verify that no rewrite is in progress, copy the complete directory, and restore the previous rewrite setting. A copy made while the file set is changing can be invalid even if every individual file transfer reports success.

Online backup does not make the storage destination immune to failure. Transfer to independent storage, retain more than one dated generation, and test that the service account can read the archived files.

Common failure modes and fixes

The expected file is not in /var/lib/redis

Ubuntu package defaults are not universal. Read dir, dbfilename, and appenddirname from the active configuration and use those values.

BGSAVE returns an error

Check INFO persistence for an existing background save, disk or permission errors, and the service log. Resolve the underlying condition, then issue a new BGSAVE and wait for a successful completion status.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Redis starts but the data is old

The selected RDB may predate the incident, or Redis may be loading a different configured directory or filename. Confirm the timestamp from LASTSAVE, inspect the startup configuration, and compare the restored key count with the backup inventory.

AOF loading reports missing files

Restore the manifest, base file, and every incremental file from exactly one backup generation. Never reconstruct a multipart set by guessing which files are newest.

The service cannot read restored files

Correct ownership, group, and filesystem permissions for the Redis service account. Also check that the parent directories permit traversal and that the restored path matches the systemd service’s configured working and data directories.

redis-cli ping fails after restart

Inspect the service status and journal first. Authentication, TLS, a non-default port, or a different bind address can make a plain local command fail even when Redis is running. Use the same connection parameters your application uses, then validate the dataset.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Operational checklist

  • Record the Redis version, service unit, persistence mode, dir, dbfilename, and AOF directory.
  • For RDB, run BGSAVE, wait for completion, and copy only the completed file.
  • For Redis 7+ AOF, preserve the entire multipart directory and manifest from one consistent point.
  • Keep backup copies on storage independent of the Redis host and retain dated generations.
  • Before a restore, stop Redis and preserve the current persistence files for rollback.
  • After starting, test PONG, key counts, and representative application records.
  • Document authentication, TLS, permissions, and any non-default paths so another administrator can repeat the procedure.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More from the Wire

  1. World desk4 min
    How to Spot an AI Voice Scam Before Sending MoneyDon’t rely on how a caller sounds. Pause, call back through a known number, and verify the emergency with another trusted person before sending money.
  2. Mountain View desk4 min
    Google’s SynthID Detector: How to Check AI-Generated Images, Video and AudioGoogle’s SynthID Detector looks for an embedded watermark in supported images, video and audio. Here is what its results do—and do not—show.
  3. Redmond desk20 min
    How to create a link to File or Folder in Windows 11Windows 11 gives you several ways to point to a file or folder without moving or duplicating it. You can create a desktop shortcut,…
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You DownFree scan - exact matches
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They SpreadFree repair scan

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.