PostgreSQL Backup

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

SimpleBackups connects to your PostgreSQL database and creates scheduled dump files using pg_dump. 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.

Backup options

Backup user permissions

Your PostgreSQL backup user needs read access to every object you want to include in the dump. If you encounter permission errors during a backup run, grant the following privileges on your target database and schema:

sql

GRANT CONNECT ON DATABASE "your_database_name" TO backup_user;
GRANT SELECT ON ALL TABLES IN SCHEMA your_schema_name TO backup_user;
GRANT SELECT ON ALL SEQUENCES IN SCHEMA your_schema_name TO backup_user;

Replace your_database_name, your_schema_name, and backup_user with your actual values.

Backing up from a replica

You can point SimpleBackups at a read replica instead of the primary to reduce load on your production database. When doing so, be aware that long-running pg_dump queries can conflict with WAL replay on the replica and cause the backup to fail.

PostgreSQL backups on replicasUnderstand replica conflict errors and how to avoid them.

Restoring a backup

Restore a PostgreSQL backupHow to download and restore a PostgreSQL dump file using pg_restore or psql.

Troubleshooting

PostgreSQL backup FAQCommon errors and fixes for PostgreSQL backup operations.

PostgreSQL Backup ​

Backup options ​

Backup user permissions ​

Backing up from a replica ​