Where Does Subsonic Store Its Database and Settings?
Where Subsonic keeps subsonic.properties, its music database, and transcode cache on Linux installs.
Last updated
Subsonic centers on /var/subsonic: subsonic.properties for ports and paths, a db folder with the library database, and transcode working space beside them. The WAR or standalone install only provides the code.
Media stays outside all of that in your own music folders, which Subsonic scans but never modifies. Backups therefore mean the data folder plus a note of the media paths. A fresh install pointed at both restores users, playlists, and history in one move. The setup wizard writes the first properties file.
Where Subsonic stores this, by platform
/var/subsonic
subsonic.properties, db/, and transcode temp space here. The service user must own the tree or scans fail silently. Docker images relocate it under a volume, so check the mount rather than assuming /var.
Frequently asked questions
how do i back up subsonic
In /var/subsonic (subsonic.properties, db/, transcode cache). Back up the whole folder with the service stopped; the database holds users, playlists, and play counts together. Media files live wherever your music folders point and move separately.
do subsonic forks use the same folder
Yes for the data side. Forks like Airsonic-Advanced and Navidrome-adjacent setups reuse the same /var/subsonic convention, so the habit transfers. Each fork keeps its own folder, so they never share a database.
where is the subsonic properties file
In subsonic.properties (port, context path, memory flags) read at startup. The Settings > General page edits only a subset, so hand editing with a restart covers the rest. Keep a commented copy before upgrades.
Notice an outdated path? Let us know.