Local backup on Android

A local backup is an encrypted .backup file saved to your phone’s storage. You control where it lives and who has access.

Local vs. Secure Backups

• Secure Backups are stored in Dixl’s end-to-end encrypted cloud and restore automatically on a new device.
• Local backups are files on your phone you move yourself — nothing leaves the device.

You can use both at the same time. They share the same recovery key.

Enable local backups

1. Open Settings › Chats › Backups › Local backups.
2. Tap Create backup.
3. Pick a folder on your device (a Backups subfolder is created automatically).
4. Save the 64-character recovery key — you’ll need it to restore.

A new backup file is written daily while your phone is charging. Older files are rotated out so the folder doesn’t grow without limit. Tap Back up now to force an immediate backup — handy before wiping or switching devices.

Restore a local backup

1. Install Dixl on the new or reset device.
2. At the start of setup, choose Restore from local backup.
3. Point the app at the folder that holds the .backup file.
4. Enter your recovery key.

Restore takes a few minutes for text and longer for large media libraries. You must restore before you register the account — once registration completes on the new device, you can’t import a local backup afterwards.

Keep your backup safe

Copy the folder to your own cloud storage or an external drive. Don’t share the backup file or your recovery key. If you lose the recovery key, the backup cannot be decrypted.

FAQ

Can I use local and Secure Backups together? Yes — both can run at once, and they share one recovery key.

Why must I restore before registering? Local backups import only during initial setup; after registration the option is gone.

Where is the backup stored? In the folder you chose on the device — nothing is uploaded anywhere.