Back up password data and restore it

LocalDB can create two kinds of files: an encrypted ZIP backup for restoring data in LocalDB, and an Excel export for reading data in a spreadsheet.

They are not interchangeable. Use the encrypted ZIP when you need a protected, restorable copy. Export to Excel only when you need to inspect or transfer the data directly.

Before creating a backup, compare Cloud and Local storage. To use Local data from the browser extension, also follow the Chrome extension backup connection steps.

The ZIP is an encrypted restore file. Excel exposes stored values and passwords in readable form.

1. Export an encrypted backup

You can export an encrypted backup only in Local mode.

1. Open Settings → Storage.
2. Confirm that the mode is Local.
3. Select Export now in the backup section.
4. Choose where to save the file.

The exported ZIP uses the same encrypted format as the daily file in your selected folder. A regular archive or text app cannot display the passwords inside the encrypted ZIP.

2. Restore an encrypted ZIP

Choose Local under Settings → Storage, then select Import backup.

1. Choose a backup file such as localdb-backup-YYYYMMDD.zip.
2. Make sure you are signed in with the Google account that created it.
3. After the import, check the list and item count.

Importing replaces the current browser list with the contents of the backup. Export the current state first if it contains newer items you may need.

A ZIP created by another Google account cannot be imported.

3. Understand daily folder backups

Local mode creates files such as:

localdb-backup-20260915.zip

Changes made on the same date update that day’s file. An earlier day’s ZIP may remain, which can be useful after an accidental deletion.

LocalDB has no trash. To recover a deleted item, you must import an older backup, which replaces the vault currently shown in the browser.

4. Export to Excel

Excel export is available in both Cloud and Local modes under Settings → Data → Export to Excel.

The sheet includes fields such as item ID and type, login type, account ID, stored value, site address, PIN requirement, description, and dates. Names and labels are not included.

The stored value or password is written in readable, unencrypted form. Anyone who can open the file can read it.

After exporting Excel:

• Do not send it through email or messaging apps.
• Do not leave it in a shared Downloads folder.
• Check sharing permissions before putting it in cloud storage.
• Delete it safely when it is no longer needed.

Use the encrypted ZIP instead when you need a protected copy for long-term storage or restoration.

5. Purge data from the current browser

On a shared computer, open Settings → Data → Purge local browser data. This removes items cached in that browser and its permission to access the selected backup folder.

The action cannot be undone. In Local mode, first confirm that a valid ZIP exists.

Purging browser data does not delete encrypted ZIP files from the device. Remove those separately in the file manager if needed.

Signing out alone also does not purge all browser data or folder permissions. On a shared computer, check the Google session and clipboard after purging.

6. Before deleting the account

Account deletion is under Settings → Data → Delete account. The account cannot be restored from inside the app, and ZIP files on the device are not removed automatically.

Export anything you need first. Remember that an encrypted ZIP requires the Google account that created it, so it should not be treated as a way to recover an account after deletion.

Choose:

• Protected backup you can restore in LocalDB: encrypted ZIP
• Readable spreadsheet for inspection or migration: Excel
• Long-term storage containing passwords: encrypted ZIP, not Excel

If Local mode is not set up yet, start with Choose Cloud or Local storage.