What a world backup does and why you need one
A world backup is a complete copy of your Minecraft server's map, player data, and settings saved to your computer or cloud storage. If your server crashes, gets griefed, or you need to move to a different host, a backup lets you restore everything to the exact state it was in when you saved it.
Apex Hosting stores backups on their servers automatically, but you should also keep your own copy. Apex keeps backups for a limited time before they cycle out, and if something goes wrong with their infrastructure, their backups might not help. A local copy is your safety net.
The process takes 10 to 30 minutes depending on your world size, and the backup file can be several gigabytes. You'll need enough disk space on your computer to store it.
Key Takeaways
- Apex Hosting's built-in backup system saves your world automatically, but you should download your own copy to keep on your computer as well.
- You can download a backup through the Apex Hosting control panel by stopping the server, selecting the backup, and clicking Download.
- World backups include your map, player inventories, structures, and server settings, but not mods or plugins unless they're part of the world data.
- Downloaded backups are compressed into a .zip file that you can store offline or upload to another host if you need to move servers.
- Apex keeps automatic backups for a set number of days; check your server settings to see how many backups are retained.
How to download a backup from Apex Hosting
Log into your Apex Hosting account and select the server you want to back up. On the left sidebar, click Backups. You'll see a list of automatic backups with timestamps showing when each one was created.
Find the backup you want — usually the most recent one — and click the three-dot menu next to it. Select Download. Apex will prepare the file, which can take a few minutes for large worlds. A download link will appear; click it to save the .zip file to your computer.
Keep the file in a folder you can find later. Name the folder with the server name and date so you know what it contains and when it was made. Do not extract the .zip file unless you're restoring it to a new server.
Restoring a backup to your Apex server
If you need to restore a backup, go to the Backups section again and find the backup you want to use. Click the three-dot menu and select Restore. Apex will ask you to confirm — this will overwrite your current world with the backed-up version.
The server will stop automatically during the restore. Depending on world size, the process takes 5 to 15 minutes. Do not restart the server manually while it's restoring. Once it's done, the server will start back up and your world will be at the state it was in when that backup was made.
Any changes made to the world after the backup was created will be lost. Make sure you're restoring the right backup before you confirm.
Moving a backup to a different host
If you're switching to a different Minecraft host, you can use your downloaded backup to move your world. Extract the .zip file on your computer — inside you'll find a folder called world (or world_nether and world_the_end for those dimensions).
Your new host will have instructions for uploading world files. Usually you'll log into their control panel, find a File Manager or World Upload section, and drag the world folder into the upload area. Some hosts let you upload the .zip directly; others need you to extract it first. Check your new host's documentation.
After uploading, restart the server. It will load your world from the uploaded files. This process works the same way whether you're moving from Apex to another host or from another host to Apex.
What gets backed up and what doesn't
A world backup includes your map terrain, all blocks and structures you've built, player data (inventories, experience, health), and server settings like difficulty and game mode. It also includes any custom data packs or datapacks you've installed as part of the world.
Backups do not include installed mods or plugins — those are server files, not world files. If you restore a backup to a server with different mods or plugins, the world will load but the mods won't be there. You'll need to install them separately on the new server.
If you're moving to a new host and want to keep your mods working, download your server files separately from Apex (usually in the Files section of the control panel) and upload them to the new host along with your world backup.
How often Apex keeps backups
Apex Hosting creates automatic backups on a schedule you can set in your server settings. By default, most servers keep backups from the last 7 to 14 days, though this varies by your server plan. Once a backup gets older than the retention period, Apex deletes it to save storage space.
Check your server's Backups page to see how many backups are currently stored and how old the oldest one is. If you want to keep a backup longer than Apex's automatic retention, download it to your computer — that copy won't be deleted.
You can also create a manual backup at any time by clicking Create Backup in the Backups section. This is useful before a big update, a risky build project, or any time you want a snapshot you know you'll need later.
Storing backups safely
Keep your downloaded backups in at least two places. Store one copy on an external hard drive or USB drive that you keep at home. Store another copy in cloud storage like Google Drive, OneDrive, or Dropbox so you can reach it from anywhere.
Backup files are large — a typical world is 500 MB to 2 GB — so make sure you have enough storage space. If you have multiple servers or multiple backups of the same server, the files add up quickly.
Label your backups clearly with the server name, world name, and date. If you ever need to restore, you'll want to know exactly which backup you're using and how old it is.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I restore a backup to a server with a different version of Minecraft?
Usually yes, but it depends on the version difference. A backup from 1.20 will load on 1.20.1 without problems. Restoring a backup from an older version (like 1.19) to a newer server (1.20) may work, but some blocks or features might not load correctly. Never restore a newer version backup to an older server — it will corrupt the world.
How long does it take to download a large world backup?
Download speed depends on your internet connection and the file size. A 1 GB world on a typical home connection takes 5 to 15 minutes. Apex prepares the backup file before you download it, which adds another 2 to 5 minutes. Very large worlds (3+ GB) can take 30 minutes or more.
What happens to my backup if I cancel my Apex server?
Apex deletes all backups stored on their servers when you cancel. If you want to keep your world, download a backup before you cancel your server. Once it's on your computer, you can restore it to a new server anytime.
Can I edit a backup before restoring it?
Yes. Extract the .zip file and you can edit the world folder with tools like MCEdit or WorldEdit. You can remove structures, change terrain, or modify player data before uploading it to a new server. Make a copy of the backup first so you don't lose the original.
Do backups include player skins and names?
Backups include player names and data, but not skins. Skins are stored on Minecraft's servers, not on your world. When players join a restored world, their skins will load from Minecraft's system automatically.