Where Does Umbrel Store App Data?
Umbrel keeps its install in a home folder with app data, compose files and backups beneath it. Linux paths and layout.
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Umbrel lives in a single folder in the home directory of the install user. That root holds the orchestrator, per-app directories with compose files and volumes, plus database and secret files. Backing up the right subtree matters more than copying the whole disk.
App containers mount their state under the app folder, so each app carries its own data directory. Updates replace images without touching those volumes. Stop the stack before copying by hand, since databases stay locked while apps run. The dashboard backup covers settings, not full media libraries.
Where Umbrel stores this, by platform
~/umbrel/app-data
Per-app state under the install root ~/umbrel, one folder per app with compose files and volumes. Stop apps before manual copies. Media apps may point at external drives outside this tree, so check each app's storage path.
Frequently asked questions
How do I back up Umbrel before an update?
Copy ~/umbrel/app-data for app state plus the root compose and secret files, with apps stopped. The dashboard backup covers settings only. Test restores on a spare drive before trusting a single copy.
Where are Umbrel Docker volumes?
Under each app folder in ~/umbrel/app-data, mounted by that app's compose file. The host side is whatever the compose maps, so read the file when hunting a database. External media stays where you pointed the app, outside Umbrel.
Can I move Umbrel to a bigger drive?
Yes by moving ~/umbrel and fixing mount paths, or by reinstalling and restoring app-data. Keep ownership and permissions intact during the copy. Start the stack once and check each app loads before wiping the old drive.
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