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borg-key-import(1) borg backup tool borg-key-import(1)

Name

borg-key-import - Imports the repository key from backup.

SYNOPSIS

borg [common options] key import [options] [PATH]

DESCRIPTION

This command restores a key previously backed up with the export command.

If the --paper option is given, the import will be an interactive process in which each line is checked for plausibility before proceeding to the next line. For this format PATH must not be given.

Where the imported key is stored is decided by --key-location:

  • repokey (the default): the key is stored in the repository, no local key file is written.
  • keyfile: the key is stored in a local key file.

The key file that --key-location=keyfile writes to depends on several factors. If the BORG_KEY_FILE environment variable is set and non-empty, borg key import creates or overwrites the file named by $BORG_KEY_FILE. Otherwise, borg key import searches the $BORG_KEYS_DIR directory for a key file associated with the repository. If one is found there, borg key import overwrites it; otherwise it creates a new key file in $BORG_KEYS_DIR.

OPTIONS

See borg-common(1) for common options of Borg commands.

arguments

path to the backup ('-' to read from stdin)

options

interactively import from a backup done with --paper
where to store the imported key: 'repokey' (in the repository, default) or 'keyfile' (in the local keys directory)

SEE ALSO

borg-common(1), borg-key-export(1)

Author

The Borg Collective

2026-09-26