How to restore a comos database from a snapshot

Question

How to restore a comos database from a snapshot

Jonathan Pretorius 0

Hi All.

I have a Cosmos DB that I need to restore a snapshot from, but not able to access it as it is stated to log a call with MS but I am not able to do that either, and I have full permissions. Thank you

Pilladi Padma Sai Manisha 11,705 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-07-29T21:06:55.46+00:00

Hi @Jonathan Pretorius
I hope you had a chance to review the information shared earlier, and I hope this information has been helpful! If you still have questions, please let us know what is needed in the comments so the question can be answered.

2 answers

Your answer

Pilladi Padma Sai Manisha 11,705 Reputation points Microsoft External Staff Moderator

2026-07-29T21:06:55.46+00:00

Hi @Jonathan Pretorius
I hope you had a chance to review the information shared earlier, and I hope this information has been helpful! If you still have questions, please let us know what is needed in the comments so the question can be answered.

Answer 1

Hi @Jonathan Pretorius

The appropriate restore method depends on the backup policy configured for your Azure Cosmos DB account.

If your account is using Periodic Backup, the backup snapshots are managed by Azure and aren't directly accessible. Restoring from a periodic backup typically requires assistance from Microsoft Support, as customers cannot initiate the restore themselves.

If your account is using Continuous Backup, you can perform a Point-in-Time Restore (PITR) to restore the account to a specific point within the configured retention period. This can be done using the Azure portal, Azure CLI, PowerShell, or ARM/Bicep templates. Please note that a point-in-time restore creates a new Azure Cosmos DB account containing the restored data; it does not overwrite the existing account.

Since you mentioned that you're unable to log a support request, could you please provide a bit more information?

Is your Cosmos DB account configured with Periodic Backup or Continuous Backup?
Are you trying to restore the entire account, a database, or a container?
What error or message do you receive when attempting to create a Microsoft Support request?

With these details, we can help determine the appropriate restore path and advise on the next steps.

Answer 2

Welcome to Microsoft Q&A

Hello @Jonathan Pretorius , I hope you are doing well.

Restoring an Azure Cosmos DB account from a snapshot (continuous backup) cannot be initiated directly from the Azure portal. Instead, the restore operation is performed through a restore request, and the restored data is created as a new Cosmos DB account rather than overwriting the existing one.

Before restoring, please verify the following:

Your Cosmos DB account is configured with Continuous Backup. Snapshot restores are not available for accounts using Periodic Backup.

You know the approximate restore timestamp (or point in time) you want to recover.

You have the required permissions on the subscription and resource group.

If you're unable to initiate the restore or are unable to create a support request despite having the necessary permissions, could you clarify:

Are you receiving an error when attempting to create the support request? If so, what is the exact error message?

Is your Cosmos DB account using Continuous Backup or Periodic Backup?

This information will help determine whether the issue is related to the backup configuration or to your ability to initiate the restore process.

References:

https://learn.microsoft.com/azure/cosmos-db/continuous-backup-restore-introduction

https://learn.microsoft.com/azure/cosmos-db/continuous-backup-restore-portal

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