QuickBooks Online Advanced: Backup & Restore Has Moved (2026)
As of early 2026, Intuit QuickBooks has moved the backup and restore feature. Here is exactly where to find it now, how to turn it on, and how to use it; so, your data is always protected.
“QUICK OVERVIEW: This guide covers the 2026 change Intuit QuickBooks made to the location of the backup and restore feature in QuickBooks Online Advanced. It explains where the feature used to be, where it is now, how to turn it on, how to run both automatic and manual backups, the difference between the three backup types, and how to restore a previous backup.
Who it is for: Business owners, bookkeepers, and accountants using QuickBooks Online Advanced who want to make sure their company data is protected; especially anyone who noticed the backup feature is no longer where they expect it to be.
What you will learn:
Which QuickBooks Online plans include the built-in backup and restore feature (and which do not)
Where the backup feature was moved to on January 9th and how to access it
How to turn the backup feature on in your account settings
The difference between an incremental, full, and complete backup
How often QuickBooks automatically backs up your data and how to run a manual backup
How to restore a previous backup and where to find company copies and cloud archive ”
What Changed and Why It Matters
If you use QuickBooks Online Advanced and have been looking for the backup and restore feature, you are not imagining things; it moved. On January 9, 2026, QuickBooks changed where this feature lives inside the software. It is no longer accessible through the App Center. It is now found exclusively through the gear icon at the top of your screen.
This is an important update to be aware of, because backup and restore is one of the most valuable protections available in QuickBooks Online Advanced. It allows you to revert your entire company's data to a specific point in time; which means if something goes wrong, whether that is an accidental mass deletion, an import error, or an unwanted change, you have a way back.
Quick Summary: Backup and restore did not go away. It just moved. Gear icon > Backup Company. That is where you will find it now.
Which QuickBooks Plans Include Backup & Restore
Before we go any further, it is important to clarify which QuickBooks Online plans include this feature, because there is a lot of confusion around it. Built-in backup and restore is available for QuickBooks Online Advanced only.
If you are on any of the following plans, you do not have a built-in backup feature:
QuickBooks Online Simple Start
QuickBooks Online Essentials
QuickBooks Online Plus
If you are on one of those plans and need backup and restore functionality, you will need to connect a third-party application to your QuickBooks Online account to get that capability. Certum Solutions can help you identify the right solution for your plan. You can also explore our QuickBooks Expert Support services to see how we help businesses on every plan stay protected and organized.
Note: This guide is specifically for QuickBooks Online Advanced users. If you are unsure which plan, you are on check under the gear icon > Account Settings > Billing & Subscription.
Not sure if your current QuickBooks plan is the right fit for your business?
Certum Solutions offers free consultations to help you get the most out of your software.
Where to Find the QuickBooks Backup Feature Now
The backup and restore feature used to be accessible through the App Center. As of January 9, 2026, that access point is gone.
Here is where to find it now: Gear Icon (top right of your screen) > Backup Company
That is it. Once you click Backup Company, you will see your backup history, the current status of any queued backups, start and finish times, and the option to run a manual backup or restore a previous one.
How to Turn Backup On
If you have never used the backup feature before, or if you set up your QuickBooks Online Advanced account recently, you will want to confirm that the feature is actually turned on. It does not enable itself automatically.
Here is how to turn it on:
Click the gear icon in the top right corner of your screen.
Select Account Settings.
Click Advanced in the left menu.
Scroll down until you see the Backup section.
If backup is toggled off, click Edit.
Toggle the backup switch to on.
Click Save.
That is all there is to it. Once it is turned on, QuickBooks will automatically back up your company data every 24 hours without you having to do anything else.
Pro Tip from Certum Solutions: Check this setting now even if you have been using QuickBooks Online Advanced for a while. Some accounts have this toggled off without the owner realizing it. It takes 30 seconds to verify and could save you hours of headache later.
Running a Manual Backup
The automatic backup runs every 24 hours, but there are times when you will want to run a manual backup yourself; for example, before making a large import, before doing a cleanup on old transactions, or before any significant change to your company data.
To run a manual backup:
Click the gear icon at the top right.
Select Backup Company.
Click Run Backup.
Choose your backup type (see next section).
Confirm and let it run.
You will be able to see the backup appear in the queue with its status, start time, finish time, and type.
Important: You can only force a manual backup once every 72 hours. The automatic backup continues to run every 24 hours regardless, but if you need a manual one you will need to plan ahead of any major changes you intend to make.
Planning a big cleanup or data import in QuickBooks? Let Certum Solutions help you prepare. We can walk you through the process and make sure your backup is in place before anything changes. Book a free call at https://www.certumsolutions.com/book-consultation
Understanding the Three Backup Types
When you run a manual backup, QuickBooks will ask you to choose from three options. Here is what each one means:
Incremental Backup: Backs up only the data that has changed since the last backup. This is the fastest option and is ideal for routine backups when you just want to capture recent changes.
Full Back up: Backs up any data that QuickBooks has marked as changed. This takes a bit longer than an incremental backup but covers more ground.
Complete Backup: Backs up everything in the company; all data, all history, all changes. This is the most thorough option and takes the longest to run. Use this when you want a comprehensive snapshot of your company file, such as at year-end or before a major transition.
For most day-to-day manual backups before making changes, an incremental or full backup will get the job done. A complete backup is best reserved for significant milestones or when you want total peace of mind.
Automatic Backups, Frequency, and Restoring Data
Automatic Backups: Once the backup feature is turned on, QuickBooks Online Advanced will automatically back up your company data every 24 hours. You do not need to do anything to trigger this; it runs in the background on its own.
Manual Backup Frequency: As mentioned above, manual backups can be triggered once every 72 hours. If you try to run one sooner than that, QuickBooks will let you know when you are next eligible.
Restoring a Previous Backup: To restore a previous backup, go to Gear Icon > Backup Company. In that same screen where you run backups, you will also find the option to restore from a previous backup point. Select the backup you want to revert to and follow the prompts.
Company Copies and Cloud Archive: Also found in this same section are two additional options worth knowing about. Company Copies lets you create a copy of your company file, and Cloud Archive is where any exported company data is stored for reference.
Reminder from Certum Solutions: The restore feature is powerful, but it does revert your entire company file to that point in time. If you have entered new transactions since that backup was taken, those will be lost. Always confirm what you are restoring to before you proceed.
Not sure whether restoring is the right move for your situation? Talk to a Certum Solutions advisor before you proceed. One quick call could save you from losing data you actually need. Book yours here!
“Detailed explanations are key when dealing with people who don’t fully understand QuickBooks. Luckily, Nicole was able to provide that.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the QuickBooks Online Advanced backup feature go?
It moved on January 9, 2026. It is no longer in the App Center. You can now find it by clicking the gear icon in the top right of your screen and selecting Backup Company.
Does every QuickBooks Online plan include backup and restore?
No. Built-in backup and restore is only available in QuickBooks Online Advanced. If you are on Simple Start, Essentials, or Plus, you will need a third-party application to get this functionality.
How often does QuickBooks Online Advanced automatically back up my data?
QuickBooks Online Advanced automatically backs up your company data every 24 hours once the feature is turned on. You can also run a manual backup, but manual backups are limited to once every 72 hours.
How do I turn on backup in QuickBooks Online Advanced?
Go to Gear Icon > Account Settings > Advanced, then scroll down to the Backup section. If it is toggled off, click Edit, turn it on, and save. It takes less than a minute.
What is the difference between an incremental, full, and complete backup in QuickBooks?
An incremental backup captures only the data changed since the last backup and is the fastest. A full backup covers all data QuickBooks has marked as changed. A complete backup covers everything in the company file and takes the longest. For day-to-day use, incremental is typically sufficient. Use a complete backup before major changes or at year-end.
Can I restore my QuickBooks data to a specific date?
Yes. In the Backup Company section, you can choose a previous backup point and restore your company file to that point in time. Keep in mind that any transactions entered after that backup was taken will be lost in the restore.
What is the Cloud Archive in the Backup Company section?
Cloud Archive is where exported company data is stored. It is separate from your backups and company copies, and is useful for referencing historical exported data.
I am on QuickBooks Online Plus, what are my backup options?
QuickBooks Online Plus does not include a built-in backup and restore feature. You would need to connect a third-party backup application to your account.
Certum Solutions has vetted several third-party backup options and can point you to the right one for your plan and budget. Bring it up on your free consultation call and we will walk you through your options.
Ready to make sure your QuickBooks data is protected?
Whether you need help turning on backup, understanding your plan options, or setting up a third-party solution for non-Advanced plans; Certum Solutions is here to help. Book your free consultation today!
This blog post accompanies the Certum Solutions video update on QuickBooks Online Advanced backup and restore changes.
About Certum Solutions
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