Do not keep the only backup on the server that may fail
Home Assistant can create encrypted automatic backups, but a copy stored only on the same device remains difficult to reach after storage or hardware failure. Keep a recent backup on another system and preferably another location.
The encryption emergency kit is required to restore encrypted backups. Store it separately from the host and make sure the owner—not only the installer—can retrieve it.
Decide how often to back up, what to keep and where to store it
The current Home Assistant backup interface can schedule backups, retain a chosen number and use available backup locations. Large media or database content can slow backup and restore, so include what the home needs rather than letting unrelated files grow indefinitely.
Monitor failures. A scheduled task that has silently failed for months does not become useful because a green checkbox existed at handover.
Remember the hardware that a Home Assistant backup cannot replace
The backup contains configuration and application data, but recovery also depends on radios, network addresses, external databases, certificates, vendor accounts and credentials. Keep an architecture record and device register beside the backup plan.
When moving to a different Zigbee radio or host, follow the relevant migration process rather than assuming a file restore alone recreates the radio network.
Practise restoring the system before you need to
A safe test may use replacement or spare hardware, a maintenance window and a documented rollback. Confirm that the owner can locate the archive and emergency key, reach the restored system and identify integrations that need additional attention.
After material updates or architectural changes, create a new known-good backup and update the handover record.
Primary references
Quick answers to common questions.
01Are Home Assistant backups encrypted?+
Current automatic backups support encryption, and Home Assistant Cloud backups are encrypted. Keep the matching emergency-kit key somewhere safe.
02Where should backups be stored?+
Keep at least one recent copy outside the Home Assistant device, such as supported network or cloud storage, so host failure does not remove the recovery file.
03Can a backup move Home Assistant to new hardware?+
Home Assistant supports restoration during onboarding on new hardware. Check storage capacity, attached radios and integration-specific migration requirements.
04How often should backups run?+
Choose a schedule from how much configuration change the household can afford to lose. Home Assistant’s setup offers daily or selected-day schedules and optional pre-update backups.