Where Does NATS Store JetStream Data?
NATS server config path and JetStream storage folders, including the tmp default that catches new users out.
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NATS keeps config and stream data in separate places. Config is a .conf file, commonly /etc/nats/nats-server.conf on packages. JetStream file storage goes wherever store_dir points inside that file.
The compiled default is /tmp/nats/jetstream, which works for tests and disappears on reboot. Production packages override it to /var/lib/nats with proper ownership. Check store_dir before assuming persistence. Streams and consumer state all live under that folder. The systemd unit shows the active config path.
Where NATS stores this, by platform
/var/lib/nats/jetstream
Production override for JetStream streams and consumers. Created with nats user ownership on package installs. Back up with the server stopped for consistency.
/etc/nats/nats-server.conf
Common package path holding the jetstream block with store_dir. NixOS and Docker pass equivalents through module options or mounted files. Keep with data backups.
Frequently asked questions
why did my JetStream data vanish after reboot
Set store_dir under jetstream in the config to a persistent path like /var/lib/nats/jetstream and restart. The compiled default is /tmp/nats/jetstream, which the OS can wipe on reboot. Package installs override it.
where is the NATS server config file
Run nats-server -c with the config path to test, or check the systemd unit ExecStart line. Common spots are /etc/nats/nats-server.conf and /etc/nats-server.conf. The unit file is the reliable pointer.
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