> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.backupmaster.io/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Import Shopify data from ZIP files

> Import store data into Shopify from a previously exported BackupMaster ZIP file when in-app restore or cloning isn't an option.

Import store data into Shopify from a previously exported BackupMaster ZIP file when in-app restore or cloning isn't an option.

## Do you need clone, restore, or import?

To **copy or move data between stores**, use the [clone feature](/shopify/cloning/clone-store-data-to-another-store) instead. Cloning transfers data directly between stores without downloading or uploading files.

To **restore data within the same store** where BackupMaster is installed, you don't need a ZIP file — [restore individual items](/shopify/restores/restore-a-single-item) or use [bulk restore](/shopify/restores/restore-items-in-bulk) directly from the app.

**ZIP import** is only for cases when neither option works:

* **Lost store access** — you can't sign in to your Shopify admin, or your store is inactive.
* **Store was paused or closed** — you previously exported your data and need to restore it into a new or reopened store.

## Import from a ZIP file

<Info>
  **Prerequisites**

  * A ZIP file previously exported from BackupMaster
  * The BackupMaster app installed on the target store
</Info>

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the import tool">
    Open **BackupMaster** from your Shopify admin and select **Import** on the dashboard.

    <Frame caption="Import button on the BackupMaster dashboard">
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/backupmastertechnologiesptyltd/dEay6gW6kzwXNrwK/images/shopify/restores/import-button.jpg?fit=max&auto=format&n=dEay6gW6kzwXNrwK&q=85&s=0aaa7ac00bd264ff6e2923dc025d4dd1" alt="Import button on the BackupMaster dashboard" width="1200" height="740" data-path="images/shopify/restores/import-button.jpg" />
    </Frame>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Upload and review the file">
    Select the ZIP file to import. BackupMaster analyzes the file and shows the data categories and item counts it contains.

    <Frame caption="Selecting a ZIP file for import">
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/backupmastertechnologiesptyltd/dEay6gW6kzwXNrwK/images/shopify/restores/import-select-file.jpg?fit=max&auto=format&n=dEay6gW6kzwXNrwK&q=85&s=262e70cf2486bf182476931ed53f2890" alt="Selecting a ZIP file for import" width="1200" height="400" data-path="images/shopify/restores/import-select-file.jpg" />
    </Frame>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select categories and confirm">
    Select the data categories you want to import, then select **Confirm**.

    <Frame caption="Selecting categories to import from the ZIP file">
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/backupmastertechnologiesptyltd/dEay6gW6kzwXNrwK/images/shopify/restores/import-select-items.jpg?fit=max&auto=format&n=dEay6gW6kzwXNrwK&q=85&s=8f0f216c143c701bf892de767537588a" alt="Selecting categories to import from the ZIP file" width="1200" height="800" data-path="images/shopify/restores/import-select-items.jpg" />
    </Frame>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Monitor progress">
    BackupMaster shows real-time progress. You can close the browser — the import continues in the background, and you get a confirmation email when it finishes.

    <Frame caption="Import progress indicator">
      <img src="https://mintcdn.com/backupmastertechnologiesptyltd/dEay6gW6kzwXNrwK/images/shopify/restores/import-progress.jpg?fit=max&auto=format&n=dEay6gW6kzwXNrwK&q=85&s=b5e60966f14ec809ca094003f1f6e369" alt="Import progress indicator" width="1200" height="800" data-path="images/shopify/restores/import-progress.jpg" />
    </Frame>
  </Step>
</Steps>

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Import fails with errors">
    Contact support at [support@backupmaster.io](mailto:support@backupmaster.io) so the team can review the logs.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="ZIP file not recognized">
    The file must have been exported from BackupMaster. ZIP files from other sources aren't compatible.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Some items fail to import">
    Individual item errors usually come from Shopify API restrictions. Contact support at [support@backupmaster.io](mailto:support@backupmaster.io) to find out which items failed and why.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Frequently asked questions

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Can I import data from a different store's backup?">
    Yes. You can import a ZIP file exported from any BackupMaster-connected store into a different store.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Does importing overwrite existing data?">
    BackupMaster matches each item by ID first, then by handle. If it finds a match, it updates the existing item. If it doesn't, it creates a new item.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>


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