This guide explains how to create, manage, and restore VPS snapshots through the HOSTDOG Client Area. Snapshots provide a fast way to save your server state before making changes and roll back if something goes wrong.
Snapshots vs. backups
Snapshots and backups serve different purposes:
| Feature | Snapshot | Backup (managed) |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Point-in-time recovery, quick rollback | Long-term data protection |
| Speed | Created and restored in minutes | Scheduled, incremental |
| Storage | Same infrastructure as VPS | Offsite, separate location |
| Automation | Manual (on demand) | Automated (with Advanced/Premium tier) |
| Best for | Pre-update safety net | Disaster recovery |
For comprehensive data protection, use snapshots alongside your managed backup plan.
Create a snapshot
Navigate to the HOSTDOG homepage and click the Log in button in the top right corner. Go to Services and select your Cloud VPS.
In your VPS management dashboard, find the Snapshots tab or section. This displays your existing snapshots and the option to create new ones. [VERIFY: exact UI location of snapshot management in Client Area]
Click Create Snapshot and give it a descriptive name (e.g., "before-nginx-update" or "pre-migration-2026-03-22"). The snapshot captures the entire disk state of your VPS.
Restore a snapshot
To restore your VPS to a previous state:
- Go to the Snapshots section in your VPS management dashboard
- Select the snapshot you want to restore
- Click Restore and confirm the action
Managing snapshots
- Delete old snapshots — Snapshots consume storage. Remove snapshots you no longer need to free up space.
- Name them clearly — Use dates and descriptions so you know what state each snapshot represents.
- Do not rely on snapshots alone — Snapshots are stored on the same infrastructure as your VPS. For disaster recovery, combine them with offsite managed backups.