LightYear's automated backup feature creates daily snapshots of your server's disk. Backups are stored for 14 days and can be restored with a few clicks.
Enable Backups
During Server Deployment
When deploying a new server, check Enable Automatic Backups in the configuration form. Backups add 20% to the server's hourly cost.
On an Existing Server
- Navigate to Servers → Your Server → Settings.
- Under Backups, toggle Enable Backups.
- Click Save.
[!NOTE] Backups are taken daily at a time determined by LightYear's scheduling system. You cannot choose the exact backup time.
View Available Backups
- Navigate to Servers → Your Server → Backups.
- A list of available restore points is shown, with date and size.
Restore from a Backup
[!WARNING] Restoring a backup overwrites all current data on the server. The server will be rebooted during the restore process.
- Find the backup you want to restore.
- Click Restore.
- Confirm the action.
Restoration typically takes 2–10 minutes depending on disk size.
Backup Pricing
| Server Plan | Server Cost | Backup Cost (+20%) |
|---|---|---|
| $6/mo | $0.00893/hr | $0.00179/hr |
| $24/mo | $0.03571/hr | $0.00714/hr |
| $96/mo | $0.14286/hr | $0.02857/hr |
Backup vs Snapshot: When to Use Each
| Feature | Automated Backup | Manual Snapshot |
|---|---|---|
| Frequency | Daily (automatic) | On-demand |
| Retention | 14 days | Until deleted |
| Cost | +20% of server | $0.05/GB/month |
| Use case | Ongoing protection | Pre-change safety net |
[!TIP] Use both: enable automated backups for ongoing protection, and take a manual snapshot before major changes (OS upgrades, application deployments).