Where Does Timeshift Store Snapshots and Config?
Timeshift writes snapshots to /timeshift and settings to /etc/timeshift. The defaults plus the Btrfs difference.
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Timeshift saves rsync snapshots in /timeshift on the chosen partition. The default is the system partition, though an external partition is the better pick so a full root disk cannot eat its own rescue copies. Btrfs mode instead keeps snapshots as subvolumes, often under /timeshift-btrfs or /run/timeshift.
Settings live in /etc/timeshift/timeshift.json, seeded from default.json on first setup. That file records the mode, schedule, and excluded paths. Hook scripts for backup and restore go in /etc/timeshift/backup-hooks.d and restore-hooks.d.
Where Timeshift stores this, by platform
/timeshift
Rsync snapshot root on the selected partition. Config is /etc/timeshift/timeshift.json. Btrfs setups use subvolumes rather than this folder; check the app settings to see which mode you run.
Frequently asked questions
can i move timeshift snapshots to another drive
Yes, pick the partition in Settings, then Wizard. Timeshift copies the schedule over but existing snapshots stay behind. Keep the old ones until the first new snapshot on the new disk verifies.
does timeshift back up my home folder
Not by default. It targets system files for restore, excluding /home and data dirs. Add explicit include rules in settings for dotfile coverage, or pair it with a real home backup tool.
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