Restoring a backup
Under Settings → Data, Varuno offers two ways to bring data back in from a .varuno.json backup file:
- Import Data — merges the backup into what is already on the device.
- Restore Backup — merge, or replace everything with the backup’s contents.
Replace is protected by a recovery snapshot
Before a replace, Varuno automatically saves a recovery snapshot of your current data on the device. The last three snapshots are kept (named PreRestore-…), so if a restore goes wrong you are not stranded. You can see them in Settings → Data → Local Storage.
When you need this
The most important case: the app was reinstalled, or the phone was restored or migrated, and the vault reports that the encryption key is missing. The database from a device backup cannot be decrypted without the original key — a Varuno backup file into a fresh sign-in is the supported way back. Details in Signing in and the encrypted vault.
If the restore is refused
- “Backup from a newer version” — the file was created by a newer app than the one installed. Update Varuno, then restore.
- Corrupt or unreadable file — the error shows the backup’s schema version where it can. Try re-exporting from the source device if you still have it.
If a version-mismatch message confuses you, contact support and quote the exact message. Never attach the backup file itself — it contains your entire financial history in readable form, and support will never ask for it.