> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.lawnchair.app/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.lawnchair.app/core-features/backup-restore-and-reset.md).
# Backup, restore, and reset
Lawnchair can back up your settings, home screen layout, and app drawer setup.
You can also restore that backup later or reset Lawnchair to its default state.
### Creating a backup
What gets backed up
Most settings are backed up automatically, including:
* Your home screen layout, including icon positions and folders
* App drawer and search settings
* Most Lawnchair settings, including gestures and theme settings
What is not included in a backup
* **Widgets**
* Widget placement is saved, but widget data and internal settings are not.
* You need to reconfigure widgets after a restore.
* **Third-party apps**
* Integrations such as icon packs and Smartspacer still require their related apps to be installed.
* If those apps are missing, Lawnchair falls back to its default settings.
* **Work profile apps**
* Work profile apps may not restore reliably because Android handles them inconsistently.
* **Apps not installed**
* If an app is missing on the target device, its icon will not appear after restore.
To create a backup:
1. Go to **Home settings** > **More** :ellipsis-vertical:.
2. Tap :cloud-plus: **Create backup**.
3. Choose what to include:
* **Layout and settings**: Backs up everything noted above.
* **Wallpaper**: Backs up your current wallpaper. This setting does not work if you have a live wallpaper.
4. Tap **Create**. You will be prompted to choose a name and location for your backup file.
* Save it somewhere easy to access, such as **Downloads** or a cloud drive folder.
* The file will have a `.lawnchairbackup` extension (e.g., `Lawnchair_Backup January 01, 2026 00:00:00.lawnchairbackup`).
### Restoring a backup
Restoring applies a previously saved `.lawnchairbackup` file to your current Lawnchair installation.
To restore a backup:
1. Go to **Home settings** > **More** :ellipsis-vertical:.
2. Tap :arrow-rotate-left: **Restore backup**.
3. On the screen that appears, find and select your backup file.
4. After selecting a backup, you can restore **Layout and settings**, **Wallpaper**, or both.
* See **What gets backed up** for details.
5. Tap **Restore**.
### Restoring a Nova backup
On Lawnchair 15 Beta 3 and later, you can import some home screen settings from a Nova Launcher backup file (`.novabackup`).
This helps if you are moving from Nova Launcher.
What gets restored from a Nova backup
* Home screen grid layout
* Icons and their positions
* Widget placement, but not widget data or setup
* Folders and their contents, if the apps are installed
* The selected icon pack, if it is installed
What is not restored from a backup
* Nova-specific settings such as Nova gestures and notification badges
* Subgrid layouts. Lawnchair aligns these items to the nearest standard grid position.
* App drawer layout, categories, and settings
* Lawnchair-specific settings
* Apps that are not installed on your device
To restore a Nova backup:
1. Go to **Home settings** > **More** :ellipsis-vertical:.
2. Tap :arrow-rotate-left: **Restore Nova backup**.
3. On the screen that appears, find and select your backup file.
4. A confirmation screen will appear, showing a summary of what will be restored.
* If your Nova setup used subgrid positioning, Lawnchair will warn you that those items will be aligned to the standard grid.
* You can optionally tap **Add extra row to show At a Glance** if you want to show this feature.
5. Tap **Restore**.
### Reset settings to default
This resets Lawnchair to its default state.
All custom settings, including your home screen layout, will be lost.
{% hint style="danger" %}
**Important:** This action is irreversible. Make sure you have created a backup if you want to save your current setup before proceeding.
{% endhint %}
To reset Lawnchair:
1. Go to **Home settings** > **More** :ellipsis-vertical:.
2. Tap :circle-info: **App info**.
3. On the screen that appears, tap **Storage and cache**.
4. Tap :trash-can: **Clear storage**.
5. On the warning that appears, tap **Delete**.
### Troubleshooting
Can't find backup file
Make sure the `.lawnchairbackup` file is stored on internal storage or in a cloud location your file picker can access.
Can't restore the backup file
If your backup fails to restore:
* Make sure the filename does not contain unusual or unsupported characters. Try renaming it to something simple, such as `backup.lawnchairbackup`.
* Make sure the file is fully downloaded to your device.
* Make sure the backup is compatible with your installed Lawnchair version.
* Re-download or recreate the backup if you suspect it is corrupted.
---
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