Where Does Matrix Synapse Store Data?
Matrix Synapse server data: homeserver.db, media store and signing key on Linux.
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Synapse keeps room state in homeserver.db (SQLite default, Postgres recommended), uploaded media in a media store, and identity in a .signing.key file.
The signing key is irreplaceable. Database plus media restore history; a lost key forces a new server identity across federation.
Where Synapse stores this, by platform
/var/lib/matrix-synapse
Default data root with homeserver.db, media_store and the signing key. Stop Synapse before copying SQLite. Production setups point these at Postgres and larger volumes.
Frequently asked questions
How do I back up a Synapse server?
Back up homeserver.db (or the Postgres database), the media store and the signing key together with the app stopped. All three are needed; the key cannot be regenerated without breaking federation trust.
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