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Brian Widtmann edited this page Jan 5, 2024 · 6 revisions

KeePassDX remains as flexible as possible for better security and management of your data. It is therefore up to you to set up your backup redundancy system.

There are two types of backup related to KeePassDX:

  • KeePass database backup, which contains each entry
  • Application backup, for configuration and parameters

In order not to depend on third-party services and not to disclose sensitive information, only the application settings are saved by the Google automatic backup service. Others backups can contain sensitive data, so it is important to know which elements to back up manually.

App backup

Manual backup

You can perform a manual backup of the application properties using the property import/export system (Import/Export app properties).

Google Backup

If your Android device is connected with a Google account and uses the Android backup services, the data of non-sensitive parameters will be backed up automatically.

Note: Some monitoring systems detect this automatic backup as an internet data transfer from the KeePassDX application, which is clearly not the case and causes fear among some users! It is the Google services that takes care of these backups and indicates to the monitoring that the application is transferring data but KeePassDX never accesses the internet because there is no internet permission granted. If you don't want this feature, it's up to you to configure your Google account properly.

What is backed up by the Google Android Backup API:

  • Preferences in the "App settings" section (theme used, display size of elements, etc...)

What is not backed up by the Google Android Backup API:

  • Preferences in "Database settings" section (contained directly in the KeePass file).
  • Internal SQLite database which stores recently used links.
  • Fingerprints linked to each KeePass file.

For more technical information: Key-Value BackupAuto Backup

KeePass database backup

KeePass databases are designed to be contained in a single encrypted file (.kdb or .kdbx). The data in this file is very sensitive, and since automatic backup does not allow to save KeePass databases, it is important to set up a backup routine to not lose your information if your device is stolen, loss or broken.

Note: It is important to remember your main password and to be able to easily recover your key file (if you use one). Without these elements, you will no longer be able to use your KeePass database and the information it contains will be lost.

An advanced unlocking tool, such as a fingerprint, is only an opening help and will never be saved! You will therefore have to reconfigure your advanced unlocking using your main password after a reset or a reinstall of KeePassDX.

Manual backup

If you rarely save new items to your database, just keep a copy of your database file in a safe place:

  • on a backup hard drive
  • on a NAS (Network Attached Storage)
  • on a Cloud storage Remember to save a copy of your file again if new entries are added.

Do not forget to save your key files!

Backup by app routine

To go further in the backup process, you can set up automatic routines that will back up KeePass files by using tools like Syncthing or by using file manager application which perform backups after file modifications (See file-manager and sync section).