# MongoDB Backup

Back up MongoDB databases with scheduled dumps to any cloud storage provider.

SimpleBackups connects to your MongoDB instance and creates scheduled dump files using `mongodump`. Backups are compressed, uploaded to your chosen storage, and retained according to the policy you set. For connection method options (SSH, serverless, Docker), see the [database backup overview](https://simplebackups.com/docs/database-backup/overview).

## Backup options

### Backup user permissions

Following the principle of least privilege, create a dedicated MongoDB user with the built-in `backup` role rather than using an admin account. This grants exactly the permissions needed for `mongodump` without broader system access.

Connect to your MongoDB instance and create the backup user:

```javascript
use admin
db.createUser({
  user: "backup_user",
  pwd: "strong_password",
  roles: [{ role: "backup", db: "admin" }]
})
```

Replace `backup_user` and `strong_password` with your chosen credentials, then use this user when configuring the backup in SimpleBackups.

### Read replica connection

You can point SimpleBackups at a read replica instead of the primary to reduce load on your production database. When connecting to a MongoDB replica set, include the `replicaSet` and `authSource` parameters in your connection string:

```plain
mongodb://username:password@replica-host-name/dbname?replicaSet=replica-set-name&authSource=admin
```

Replace `username`, `password`, `replica-host-name`, `dbname`, and `replica-set-name` with your actual values.

## Restoring a backup

- [Restore a MongoDB backup](https://simplebackups.com/docs/database-backup/mongodb-backup/restore-a-mongodb-backup): How to download and restore a MongoDB dump file using mongorestore.

- [Restore a MongoDB Atlas collection using Compass](https://simplebackups.com/docs/database-backup/mongodb-backup/restore-mongodb-atlas-collection-using-mongodb-compass): How to import a collection into MongoDB Atlas using the Compass GUI.