Game server backups and databases – create and restore

In short

Under Backups you back up your whole server with one click and later restore it the same way. Under Datenbanken (databases) you create MySQL databases, for example for DarkRP, LuckPerms or shop plugins. How many backups and databases you can create depends on your plan.

panel.nexthosting.net/server/…

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You find databases and backups in the sidebar under Verwaltung (management).

1. Datenbanken (databases)
2. Backups

How many backups do I have?

Every plan has a fixed number of backup slots. An example from the shop (Minecraft, as of October 2026):

Plan	Backup slots	Databases
Basic	2	1
Advanced	5	3
Premium	5	5
Community	10	10

For other games the numbers differ – they are on the respective game page in the shop. If your plan includes no backups or databases, the panel shows “Für diesen Server sind keine Backups vorgesehen.” (no backups are provided for this server) or “… keine Datenbanken vorgesehen.” (no databases provided).

Create a backup

1. Open Backups in the sidebar.
2. Click the button for creating a backup.
3. Give the backup a name you will recognise later, for example “before DarkRP update”.
4. Start the backup. A progress bar shows how far packing and uploading have got – on the backup page and as a thin line under the control buttons.
5. When it is done, the backup appears in the list with Name, Größe (size), Prüfsumme (checksum) and Erstellt am (created on).

Your server can keep running during the backup. For a clean backup of game worlds, though, it is better to stop the server briefly or save in the game beforehand (for example save-all in Minecraft).

Back up automatically

With a schedule the panel creates backups by itself, for example every night at 4 am. How that works is explained under Schedules and restarts. Keep in mind: if all slots are in use, you have to delete an old backup before a new one has room.

Restore a backup

How a restore works

1. ▶Select the backup
3. 2Confirm the restoreThe server is stopped
5. !Files are written backa few minutes depending on size
7. ✓Start the server

1. Open Backups and click the menu next to the backup you want.
2. Choose Wiederherstellen (restore) and confirm.
3. Wait until the restore has finished. During this time the server cannot be started.
4. Start the server and check that everything is there.

Restoring overwrites

When you restore, the files from the backup are written back. Changes you made after the backup are lost. If you are unsure, create another backup of the current state first.

Download a backup

Via a backup’s menu you can also download it. You get an archive with all the files of your server. Keep important versions on your own computer as well – in case you want to move later or the contract ends.

Backups end with the contract

When your contract ends, Nexthosting may permanently delete the server together with all data and backups after 48 hours. Back up what you want to keep beforehand. More on this under Data after the end of the contract.

Backup question before big changes

Under Einstellungen (settings) there is the switch Vor großen Änderungen nach einem Backup fragen (ask about a backup before big changes). When it is on, the panel asks you before a template, a modpack or another server version is set up. It never asks when you simply upload files. See Templates, mods and modpacks.

Databases

Many addons and plugins store their data in a MySQL database: permissions, money, shops, statistics. In the panel you create such a database in a few clicks, and the panel generates the login details automatically.

1. Open Datenbanken in the sidebar.
2. Create a new database and give it a name, for example darkrp.
3. The database appears in the list with Name, Benutzername (username) and Adresse (address).
4. Open the details to see the password.
5. Enter address, port, database name, user and password in the settings file of your addon or plugin.
6. Restart the server.

An example of how such details look in a configuration file (the field names depend on the plugin):

host=address from the panel (without port)
port=3306
database=database name from the panel
username=username from the panel
password=password from the panel

With programs like HeidiSQL or MySQL Workbench you can also view the database from your own computer, provided access from outside is allowed.

Protect your login details

Do not share the database password in screenshots, Discord messages or public forums. Anyone who knows it can change or delete your data.

Frequently asked questions

Are databases included in my backups?

Better not to count on it. A backup saves the files of your server. Back up important databases separately with an export, for example via HeidiSQL.

The backup fails. Why?

Often all backup slots are in use – delete an old backup. Very large servers also take longer. If neither helps, report a problem.

Does Nexthosting also make backups for me?

You are responsible for your game data yourself. Use your plan’s backup slots and download important versions. In short – the terms and conditions are what is binding.

Further reading

• Schedules for automatic backups
• Files, editor and SFTP
• Pause your server instead of cancelling
• Contracts and cancellation