Where Does Bitwarden Store Vault Data?
Bitwarden desktop data.json cache paths on Windows, macOS and Linux, why the cache is encrypted, and proper backup habits.
Last updated
Bitwarden Desktop caches an encrypted copy of your vault in a data.json file inside a per OS app data folder. The file stays encrypted at rest and decrypts only in memory after unlock. Servers hold the authoritative copy for synced accounts.
That cache enables offline logins but is not a backup strategy. Export JSON or CSV from inside the app for readable spares, and store them encrypted. Store builds on Mac and Windows use container paths instead of the standard trees, so check both variants. Exports from the web vault match desktop backup contents exactly.
Where Bitwarden stores this, by platform
%appdata%\Bitwarden\data.json
Standard installs use this path. Store builds hide under Packages/8bitSolutionsLLC.bitwardendesktop/LocalCache/Roaming/Bitwarden. Portable keeps bitwarden-appdata beside the exe.
~/Library/Application Support/Bitwarden/data.json
App Store builds use ~/Library/Containers/com.bitwarden.desktop/Data/Library/Application Support/Bitwarden instead. Set BITWARDEN_APPDATA_DIR to override.
~/.config/Bitwarden/data.json
Flatpak uses ~/.var/app/com.bitwarden.desktop and Snap uses ~/snap/bitwarden/current/.config/Bitwarden. Copy with the app locked for consistent reads.
Frequently asked questions
Can I back up Bitwarden by copying data.json?
As a supplement only. Copy the whole data folder with the app locked, but also export an encrypted JSON from the app. The export restores cleanly while raw copies depend on versions.
Does Bitwarden store decrypted passwords on disk?
No. Disk holds encrypted blobs that unlock in memory. Memory only clears on lock, so lock the vault before stepping away from shared machines.
Notice an outdated path? Let us know.