Guide

Restore files from an Azivault backup

Restoring files must be predictable. Open the Restore view, choose a completed backup run, reveal it in Finder, and copy the files back to a safe location.

Published May 28, 2026 · Reviewed September 4, 2026

This workflow applies to folder backups. A Photos snapshot uses a separate new-copy import and verification path. For that workflow, seeRestore an Apple Photos backup.

Start with the backup location

First, make sure the backup destination is available. Connect the external drive, mount the network drive, or confirm that the storage for the selected plan is reachable. Then open Azivault, switch to Restore, and select the plan you want to restore from.

If you are restoring on a replacement Mac, use Import Existing Repository with the repository folder. If the only copy is in S3-compatible storage, hydrate the remote repository to a local folder first, then import that folder. You can also use theazi CLI for Terminal-based verify, search, restore, and export. Azivault can unlock the repository with an available Keychain key or the recovery password saved when the backup plan was created.

Choose the right backup run

Azivault keeps backup runs so you can recover from a point in time instead of only seeing the latest state. Pick a run from before the file was deleted, corrupted, or changed.

If you are unsure which run is correct, start with the most recent successful run before the problem happened. You can inspect files before copying them back.

Restore without overwriting good files

Open Azivault and switch to Restore.
Select the plan that contains the file.
Use Open in Finder or Reveal in Finder for the completed backup run.
Find the file or folder you want to recover.
Copy it to a temporary folder first.
Open the copied file and compare it with the current copy.
Move it into its final location when you are confident it is right.

Restoring to a temporary folder is the safest habit. It avoids replacing a newer file with an older one before you have verified the contents.

What to check after restore

Open the copied file in the app you normally use.
Confirm the modified date and contents match what you expected.
Check folders for related files that may need to be restored too.
Run a new manual backup after recovered files are back in place.

Recovering after a lost or replaced Mac

If the original Mac is gone, import the repository into Azivault. When you create a plan, choose Import Existing Repositoryand select the original destination, for example, an external disk. Azivault loads the recovery key if it is available in iCloud Keychain. Otherwise, use the recovery password that you saved when you created the plan. After you import the repository, restore files as described above.

Practice before you need it

The best time to test recovery is before anything has gone wrong. Restore one small file after creating a new backup plan, after changing destinations, and periodically for folders that contain important work.

FAQs

Can Azivault restore individual files?

Yes. Azivault is designed for file-level recovery. Open Restore, reveal a completed backup run in Finder, and copy back only the files or folders you need.

Can I restore files after my subscription expires?

Yes. Manual backups and restores remain free. Only automatic scheduled execution pauses when paid access ends.

Does restore overwrite my current files?

Finder copy behavior depends on where you copy files. When testing a restore, copy to a temporary folder first so you can compare the file before replacing anything.

Can I restore to a different Mac?

Yes, as long as the new Mac can access the repository folder or a hydrated copy of it, and you have the Keychain key or recovery password needed to unlock the encrypted repository.