Vector Retrieval Service for Milvus (Milvus) creates snapshot-based backups and restores them to the current instance. Backups protect against data loss and reduce downtime during recovery.
Prerequisites
Before you begin, ensure that you have:
A Milvus instance that meets the version requirements in the following table
(If applicable) An upgraded minor engine version for existing instances
| Instance type | Requirement |
|---|---|
| New instances | No action required. Backup and restoration is available by default. |
| Existing instances | Upgrade to 2.4.22-0.1.0_3.2 or later, or 2.5.4-0.1.1_3.2 or later. See Upgrade versions. |
Back up data manually
Log on to the Milvus console.
In the left-side navigation pane, click Instances.
On the Instances page, find your instance and click Backup in the Actions column.
On the Backup Snapshot tab, click Backup.
In the Enable Backup dialog box, enter a New Backup File Name and click OK.
After the backup completes, a backup file appears on the Backup Snapshot tab. Use this file to restore data to your instance.
Enable automatic backups
Automatic backups incur extra fees based on storage size. For more information, see Billing items.
By default, automatic backups run at 03:00:00 every day. The execution time is customizable. Automatic backups are retained for three days by default. Backups older than the retention period are automatically deleted.
On the Instances page, find your instance and click Backup in the Actions column.
On the Backup Snapshot tab, turn on the Automatic Backup switch.
In the Enable Automatic Backup dialog box, set the Execution Time and click OK.
Disable automatic backups
If you disable automatic backups, the Service-Level Agreement (SLA) is no longer guaranteed. If data is lost, it cannot be restored.
Log on to the Milvus console.
In the left-side navigation pane, click Instances.
On the Instances page, find your instance and click Backup in the Actions column.
On the Backup Snapshot tab, turn off the Automatic Backup switch.
In the dialog box that appears, click OK.
Restore data
Restore data to recover from accidental deletion or instance issues.
Restoration causes temporary instance downtime. All queries fail during the process. After the restoration completes, reload the Collection manually to make sure that all data and configurations are fully restored. Perform this operation during off-peak hours and make sure that you understand the associated risks.
On the Backup Snapshot tab, find the backup file and click Restore in the Actions column.
Alternatively, click Restore at the top of the page and select a backup file from the Select Backup File drop-down list.
Click OK.
View backup details
The Backup Snapshot tab displays the following information for each backup file: backup status, file size, backup type, backup time, and expiration time.
To view additional details, click a backup file name. The Backup Details panel displays the database name, Collection name, and number of entities.
Delete a backup
Deleted snapshots cannot be restored.
On the Backup Snapshot tab, find the backup to delete and click Delete in the Actions column.
In the Delete Backup dialog box, click OK.
Billing
Backup incurs extra fees based on the pay-as-you-go billing method. The rate matches the storage rate. Alibaba Cloud charges for snapshot storage in each region based on snapshot size and usage duration. Each region is billed separately. For more information, see Snapshots.