Backing Up RouterOS and Restoring from Backup on Mikrotik router

Binary Backup vs. Text Export

• Binary backup (.backup) contains the complete state including users and passwords. It is meant for restoring on the same device (or the same model); its content cannot be read or edited.
• Text export (.rsc) is a readable list of commands. It is useful for documentation, comparing changes and moving the configuration to another router. RouterOS 7 leaves sensitive data (passwords, keys) out of the export unless you add show-sensitive.

/system backup save name=router-backup password=StrongPassword
/export file=router-export

Automatic Backup

Set up a regular backup with the scheduler:

/system scheduler add name=weekly-backup interval=7d on-event="/system backup save name=auto-backup password=StrongPassword; /export file=auto-export"

The files stay in the router's storage – if the device fails, you lose them. Download them off the router regularly (manually via Files, or automatically, e.g. by sending them by e-mail via /tool e-mail).

How to Restore RouterOS Settings from a Backup

• Navigate to the Files section
• Use the Choose File button from the Upload menu to select and upload the backup file.
• Click on your uploaded backup file.
  • In the file window, click on the Restore button.
  • Confirm the restoration