Where Does postmarketOS Store Rootfs and User Data?
Where postmarketOS keeps rootfs and user data on phones, plus pmbootstrap roles. See the folder table below.
Last updated
postmarketOS is Alpine based with builds from pmbootstrap on your PC. The phone holds rootfs and home. The computer holds device kernels and built images in its work directory.
Same device codename means same kernel package. Exact work paths shift with pmbootstrap releases. Keep full disk images of working installs before experimenting. If flashing fails, check USB mode and cable first. Home backups over SSH save themes and contacts that packages never include. Check the in app storage readout when sizes look wrong on different releases.
Where postmarketOS stores this, by platform
~/.local/var/pmbootstrap (builds on PC, home on phone)
Home lives on the phone while kernels build on the PC in pmbootstrap work dirs. Back up home over SSH. Flashing needs the matching device codename build.
Frequently asked questions
How do I back up postmarketOS before reflashing?
Back up the home folder over SSH with the device booted, then flash with pmbootstrap from your PC. Rootfs builds in the pmbootstrap work directory on the computer. Verify SSH access before wiping, since encryption passwords differ per install.
Does postmarketOS update over the air?
Yes, through package manager upgrades like Edge versus stable branches. The phone holds the working rootfs plus home. Build artifacts live on the PC in pmbootstrap folders. Reinstalls restore the same interface after sign in while packages need reinstalling.
Notice an outdated path? Let us know.