Backing up and restoring your MikroTik configuration is a critical task for any network administrator. It ensures that in the event of a failure, misconfiguration, or device replacement, you can quickly restore your settings.
Step-by-Step Guide
This process helps minimize downtime. MikroTik offers two primary methods to back up and restore: Backup Files (binary) and Export Files (script-based). Each serves a different purpose and should be used appropriately for effective backup and restore procedures.
A. Creating a Backup (Binary Method)
- Open Winbox, WebFig, or SSH Terminal
- Connect to your MikroTik router.
- Go to System > Backup
- In Winbox or WebFig, navigate to System > Backup.
- If you go to System and do not see the Backup option, you can go to Files. Some MikroTik models may have different options.
- Create the Backup
- Enter a name for the backup (optional).
- (Optional) Set a password to protect the backup file.
- Click Backup.
- Download the Backup File
- Go to the Files section.
- Right-click the backup file (e.g.,
backup.backup) and select Download to save it to your computer.
Note: This file is binary and can only be restored on the same or very similar MikroTik device.
Click on Files => Backup. You need to enter the folder name and password, and click on Backup.
After you click Backup, it will save a file on your MikroTik router. Then you need to save it to your computer or hard drive by right-clicking on that file and clicking Download.
Save the file to your location; done.
B. Exporting the Configuration
We can use the (Script/Text Method)
- Open Terminal (Winbox or SSH)
- Run the Export Command
/export file=config-backupin your MikroTik to back up and restore settings easily. - Download the Export File
- Go to Files.
- Download
config-backup.rscto your PC.
After you have run the command above, go to Files, and you will see the backup files. Just right-click and download it to your computer.
This method creates a human-readable script of the configuration and is suitable for restoring settings across different MikroTik models.
C. Restoring from a Backup (Binary File)
- Upload the Backup File
- Drag and drop the
.backupfile into the Files section of your MikroTik router.
- Drag and drop the
- Go to System > Backup
- Click Restore.
- Select the backup file and confirm.
- The router will reboot and apply the saved configuration from your backup.
When you need to restore your configuration files, after logging in to MikroTik, just go to Files => Upload; it will browse to your file backup. Select your file => Open.
When you have uploaded the file to Mikrotik => select the file => click on Restore.
Then enter the password of the backup file that you created when you made the backup => Restore. It will ask to reboot your Mikrotik router => Yes. So all your configurations will be restored to normal.
D. Restoring from an Export File (.rsc Script)
- Upload the .rsc File
- Copy the
.rscfile to the Files section.
- Copy the
- Import via Terminal
/import file-name=config-backup.rsc - Configuration is Applied
- The commands in the script will be executed and added to the current configuration, making the backup and restore efficient.
To make it clear, now I will reset the configurations on Mikrotik and restore.
After we reset the Mikrotik, it will clear the IP address. We cannot log in to the Mikrotik router at the IP address. log in to the IP Address, but we can log in to the Mikrotik via MAC Address.
When we can log in to the Mikrotik router, go to the upload script file to Mikrotik
Now, the script file that we have backed up is uploaded to MikroTik.
From the Terminal option, run the command below and hit Enter,
Use the command below to reboot the MikroTik.
Now all the configurations have come back.
Be cautious: This does not remove existing settings unless explicitly instructed in the script.
Regularly backing up and restoring your MikroTik configuration is an essential part of maintaining a stable and recoverable network. Use the binary backup method for quick restoration on the same hardware. Utilize the export method for flexible recovery or migration to other devices. Always store backups securely and verify their success after creation.
Top MikroTik Products Recommended on Amazon
1. MikroTik hAP ac² (RB952Ui-5ac2nD)
- Use case: Home users or small office setups.
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- Amazon Search Tip: “MikroTik hAP ac2”
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- Amazon Search Tip: “MikroTik hEX S”
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- Why buy: Dual-band WiFi 6, improved speed and range, sleek design.
- Amazon Search Tip: “MikroTik hAP ax2”
“A future-proof WiFi 6 router for demanding home and office use.”
4. MikroTik CRS305-1G-4S+IN
- Use case: Small enterprise or labs using fiber connections.
- Why buy: 4x 10G SFP+ ports, fanless design, good for networking labs or fiber uplinks.
- Amazon Search Tip: “MikroTik CRS305”
“Great switch for anyone building a high-speed fiber network.”
5. MikroTik Audience Tri-band Mesh WiFi
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- Use case: Larger homes or offices needing mesh WiFi.
- Why buy: Tri-band WiFi, Mesh support, strong signal for multi-room coverage.
- Amazon Search Tip: “MikroTik Audience”
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6. MikroTik RouterBOARD RB2011UiAS-2HnD-IN
- Use case: Small business or lab environments.
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- Amazon Search Tip: “MikroTik RB2011”
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