Backups & Export

Where backups are stored

Backups are stored locally on your iPhone in Actuali's private app sandbox (within the application data container).

Because iOS isolates every app's internal files for security and privacy, backups do not appear directly in the iOS Files app by default. To access a backup archive outside Actuali, you can export it using the share sheet, or configure a custom backup folder.

Custom backup location (iCloud Drive or Files)

If you want your backups to automatically save into a specific folder — such as a dedicated folder in iCloud Drive (e.g. iCloud Drive > my-fav-backup) or anywhere in the Files app — Actuali supports automated folder mirroring:

1. Go to More → Connection & Data → Backups.
2. Under Destination, tap Choose Folder.
3. Select any folder in iCloud Drive or on your device (you can create a new folder like my-fav-backup directly in the picker).
4. Tap Open to confirm.

Once selected, Actuali automatically copies all existing backups and every new automatic backup to your chosen folder under an Actuali/<budgetId>/ subfolder. This isolates your backups from any existing files in that directory and keeps multiple budgets cleanly separated. Mirrored archives follow the same rolling retention schedule (retaining up to 10 snapshots) so your iCloud storage remains clean. You can change the folder or tap Reset to Default at any time.

When backups are created

• Automatic snapshots on exit: Actuali automatically captures a backup each time you leave or background the app. You never have to remember to back up before closing.
• Manual snapshots on demand: Open More → Connection & Dataand tap Back Up Now whenever you want to take an immediate snapshot before making large adjustments.
• Safety snapshots before restore: When you restore an older backup, Actuali automatically saves a snapshot of your live data first. A banner appears allowing you toRevert to Original Version at any time.
• Automatic retention: Actuali retains a rolling history of recent backups so you always have points to restore to without backups consuming unnecessary space on your device.

How to export a backup

Exporting allows you to save your budget archive to the Files app, iCloud Drive, AirDrop it to your Mac, or send it to another device:

1. Open the More tab and tap Connection & Data.
2. Tap Backups to see all available timestamps.
3. Tap the Export button next to the backup you want to export. (You can also swipe left on any row or long-press it for the context menu).
4. The iOS Share Sheet opens. From here you can:
   • Save to Files: Choose any folder on your iPhone or in iCloud Drive.
   • AirDrop: Instantly beam the file to your Mac or iPad.
   • Share via Mail, Messages, or cloud storage: Send or archive the backup anywhere you like.

Importing into Actual on Web or Desktop

Actuali's backup archives are 100% compatible with upstream Actual Budget. Each export is a standard .zip archive containing db.sqlite andmetadata.json with CRDT sync state stripped, exactly matching Actual's export format.

To import an exported backup into the Actual Budget desktop app or web app:

1. Export the backup from Actuali to your Files or Mac.
2. Open Actual Budget in your desktop app or browser.
3. From the budget selection screen, select Import my budget (or go to Settings → Import backup).
4. Select the exported .zip file.

Actual will load your full budget with all accounts, payees, rules, categories, and transaction history.

Restoring a backup in Actuali

In More → Connection & Data → Backups, tapping any backup timestamp prompts you to restore it.

• Reverting: If you decide you want to return to the budget as it was before restoring, tap Revert to Original Version at the top of the Backups screen.
• Sync disconnection: Restoring an older backup deliberately detaches sync with your server. This prevents restored old transactions or deleted entries from immediately overwriting or conflicting with your server. To sync again, re-download the budget from your server (which replaces the restored local data).