Where Does PowerDNS Store Config and Zones?
PowerDNS reads pdns.conf in /etc/powerdns with zone data in the configured backend database or files.
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PowerDNS Authoritative Server configures from pdns.conf in /etc/powerdns. The file names the backend and its connection details for zone storage. Zones themselves live in MySQL, Postgres, SQLite, or plain files per that choice.
Recursor installs use a separate config with forward zones beside it. Backend choice decides the backup story more than anything. Dump the backend database with the config file for restores.
Where PowerDNS stores this, by platform
/etc/powerdns/pdns.conf
Backend selection plus connection details live here. Zones sit in the named backend, not in this file. Recursor config stays separate.
Frequently asked questions
Where are my PowerDNS zones?
In the backend named by pdns.conf, commonly database tables or zone files. Query the backend directly to confirm. Config file holds no records itself.
How do I back up PowerDNS?
Copy pdns.conf with a dump of the backend database. File backends copy as plain zone files. Restore both sides together.
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