Guide

How to set up S3-compatible backup on a Mac

Create an S3-compatible bucket, collect its region, endpoint, and access credentials, then enter those settings in a new Azivault plan and run the built-in connection test before the first backup.

This page is the provider-neutral setup checklist. For Azivault's object layout, encryption, credential handling, and restore architecture, read the S3-compatible backup feature reference.

When S3-compatible backup makes sense

S3-compatible storage is useful when you want offsite backup without a bundled backup-storage service. You choose the provider, bucket, region, credentials, retention policy, and account recovery process.

Azivault still keeps a local app-managed repository cache for the plan, then mirrors repository objects to the S3-compatible destination. The provider stores encrypted repository data, not readable copies of your files.

What you need

• An S3-compatible bucket.
• The bucket region.
• A custom endpoint URL when the provider is not AWS S3.
• An access key ID and secret access key.
• The recovery password you create in Azivault.

Create the plan

1. Open Azivault and choose Create New Plan.
2. Choose the source folder you want to protect.
3. In Storage, choose S3 compatible.
4. Enter the bucket, region, optional endpoint, and credentials.
5. Use Test to confirm Azivault can write to the destination.
6. Choose the schedule, recovery password, and Keychain option.
7. Review the plan, then add it.

Plan for recovery

Keep the recovery password somewhere outside the Mac being backed up. If the Mac is lost, you also need access to the storage provider account or credentials so the repository can be hydrated or imported.

Manual backups and restores remain free if paid automation access ends. You still need the repository data, provider access, and recovery password, so those belong in the recovery plan rather than as an afterthought.

Test the setup

After the first successful run, open Restore in Azivault and reveal a completed run in Finder. Copy one file to a temporary folder and confirm it opens. For disaster recovery, also document how you would hydrate the remote repository to a local folder and import it on another Mac.

See also offsite backup for macOSand how to restore files from an Azivault backup. To compare Azivault's S3-focused approach with an app that supports many more storage providers, read the Arq and Azivault comparison.

FAQs

Can Azivault back up to S3-compatible storage?

Yes. Azivault can use S3-compatible object storage as a backup destination after you provide the bucket, region, endpoint when needed, and access credentials.

Does Azivault include cloud storage?

No. Azivault is the backup app. You bring the S3-compatible storage account and pay that provider directly.

Are files encrypted before upload?

Yes. Azivault encrypts backup contents and repository metadata locally before storing repository objects in S3-compatible storage.

Can I restore from S3-compatible storage on another Mac?

Yes. Hydrate the remote repository to a local folder, import it into Azivault, and unlock it with iCloud Keychain or the recovery password.