Backup retention policy
Every backup you create with Modular DS is kept for a while before it's deleted automatically.
In your backup settings you choose how long they're kept, from 3 to 90 days depending on their frequency and your plan.
In this article we explain how to configure this and also how to keep specific backups permanently.
How long are backups kept?
By default, backups created with Modular DS are kept for 45 days after they're made, whether you create them manually or automatically.
The maximum you can set depends on your plan:
- Freelance, Starter and Business: up to 60 days.
- Enterprise: up to 90 days.
How to customize retention
We know every project has its own needs, so the retention period is configurable. To change it:
- Go to "Backups" from the general overview of your account.
- Open the "Global Configurations" tab.
- Choose the configuration you want to adjust with "Edit configuration", or create a new one with "Create global settings".
- Choose how long backups are kept, up to the maximum your plan allows.

Keep in mind that retention also affects your space: the longer you keep each copy, the more room it takes up in your storage, which is shared across all your sites.
If you need to free up space, reducing retention makes older copies get deleted sooner.
Master backups: keep your critical copies
For backups you don't want to lose under any circumstances, Modular DS lets you mark up to three master backups per site, on any plan.
These master backups aren't deleted automatically when the retention period is reached.
They stay saved until you decide to unmark or delete them yourself, so they're ideal for keeping stable restore points over the long term.
Since they aren't removed on their own, keep in mind that they keep taking up space in your storage until you unmark them.

Related articles
- What master backups are and how to use them
- What happens if I use all my available storage for backups
- Where your backups are stored and how to change the region
- Exclude files from your backups
Do you need help with anything else? Email us at help@modulards.com or contact us via the support chat, and we'll be happy to help you.
Updated on: 11/09/2026
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