> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://mintlify.com/mullvad/mullvadvpn-app/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# import-settings / export-settings

> Import and export VPN settings

The `mullvad import-settings` and `mullvad export-settings` commands allow you to backup and restore your VPN configuration as JSON files.

## export-settings

Export current settings to a JSON file.

### Usage

```bash theme={null}
mullvad export-settings <FILE>
```

<ParamField path="FILE" type="string" required>
  Output file path. Use `-` to write to standard output.
</ParamField>

### Examples

**Export to file:**

```bash theme={null}
mullvad export-settings my-settings.json
```

**Export to stdout:**

```bash theme={null}
mullvad export-settings - | jq .
```

**Backup with timestamp:**

```bash theme={null}
mullvad export-settings "settings-$(date +%Y%m%d).json"
```

## import-settings

Import settings from a JSON file.

### Usage

```bash theme={null}
mullvad import-settings <FILE>
```

<ParamField path="FILE" type="string" required>
  Input file path. Use `-` to read from standard input.
</ParamField>

### Examples

**Import from file:**

```bash theme={null}
mullvad import-settings my-settings.json
```

**Import from stdin:**

```bash theme={null}
cat my-settings.json | mullvad import-settings -
```

**Apply settings on new machine:**

```bash theme={null}
# On old machine
mullvad export-settings settings.json

# Transfer file to new machine
scp settings.json newhost:

# On new machine
mullvad account login YOUR_ACCOUNT
mullvad import-settings settings.json
```

## Settings format

The exported JSON file contains:

* Relay constraints (location, providers, ownership)
* Tunnel settings (protocol, obfuscation, quantum resistance)
* DNS configuration
* Split tunneling rules
* Auto-connect preference
* LAN access setting
* Lockdown mode setting
* Custom lists

### Example settings file

```json theme={null}
{
  "relay_settings": {
    "normal": {
      "location": {
        "only": {
          "country": "se"
        }
      },
      "tunnel_protocol": "wireguard"
    }
  },
  "tunnel_options": {
    "wireguard": {
      "mtu": 1380,
      "quantum_resistant": "auto"
    }
  },
  "dns_options": {
    "state": "default",
    "default_options": {
      "block_ads": true,
      "block_trackers": true
    }
  },
  "auto_connect": true,
  "allow_lan": false,
  "block_when_disconnected": false
}
```

## What is NOT included

* Account token (you must log in separately)
* Device information
* WireGuard keys
* Logs or cached data
* API access methods (stored separately)
* Beta program preference

<Warning>
  Settings files do not contain account credentials. You must log in before or after importing settings.
</Warning>

## Use cases

### Backup before changes

```bash theme={null}
# Backup current config
mullvad export-settings backup-before-changes.json

# Make changes
mullvad relay set location us
mullvad dns set custom 1.1.1.1

# Restore if needed
mullvad import-settings backup-before-changes.json
```

### Replicate configuration

```bash theme={null}
# Export on primary device
mullvad export-settings shared-config.json

# Import on all other devices
for host in laptop desktop phone; do
  scp shared-config.json $host:
  ssh $host 'mullvad import-settings shared-config.json'
done
```

### Version control

```bash theme={null}
# Track settings in git
mkdir -p ~/.config/mullvad-backups
cd ~/.config/mullvad-backups
git init

mullvad export-settings current.json
git add current.json
git commit -m "Update VPN settings"
```

### Automation

```bash theme={null}
#!/bin/bash
# Automated backup script
BACKUP_DIR="$HOME/mullvad-backups"
mkdir -p "$BACKUP_DIR"

# Daily backup with rotation
mullvad export-settings "$BACKUP_DIR/settings-$(date +%Y%m%d).json"

# Keep only last 30 days
find "$BACKUP_DIR" -name 'settings-*.json' -mtime +30 -delete
```

## reset-settings

Reset all settings to defaults while keeping logs and account login.

### Usage

```bash theme={null}
mullvad reset-settings [OPTIONS]
```

<ParamField path="-y, --assume-yes" type="flag">
  Skip confirmation prompt.
</ParamField>

### Examples

**Interactive reset:**

```bash theme={null}
mullvad reset-settings
```

**Non-interactive:**

```bash theme={null}
mullvad reset-settings -y
```

### What gets reset

* All relay constraints (back to auto)
* Tunnel options (protocol, obfuscation, quantum resistance)
* DNS settings
* Split tunneling rules
* Custom lists
* Auto-connect (off)
* LAN access (blocked)
* Lockdown mode (off)

### What persists

* Account login status
* Device registration
* Logs
* Cached relay list

<Info>
  Use `reset-settings` when you want a clean configuration but don't want to log out or lose logs. Use `factory-reset` for a complete reset including account logout.
</Info>

## Merging settings

Imported settings are merged with current settings:

* Specified fields are updated
* Unspecified fields keep current values
* This allows partial configuration updates

### Partial update example

```json theme={null}
{
  "auto_connect": true,
  "allow_lan": true
}
```

Importing this file only changes auto-connect and LAN settings, leaving all other settings unchanged.

## Exit status

* `0` - Success
* `1` - File error, invalid JSON, or daemon error
* `2` - User cancelled (reset-settings only)

## Related commands

* [`factory-reset`](/cli/commands/factory-reset) - Complete reset including account
* All `set` commands - Configure individual settings