Island Backup Restoration Service | How to Recover Island Save Data

In Animal Crossing: New Horizons, you can now finally backup and restore your save data! Learn how the Island Backup Restoration Service works, and to transfer your data and move your island with our guide below!

Ver. 1.4 - Summer Update Links
Fireworks Show	Firework Designs	Redd's Raffle
Luna the Tapir	Backup Service	Dream Suite

All Summer Update 2 Information

What is the Island Backup Service?

Restore Your Save Data In Case of Switch Loss or Damage

Starting from July 30, 2020, the new Island Backup Restoration Service will be available. It creates a back up for your Animal Crossing: New Horizons save data, via the Internet, and restore that save data if your Switch gets lost, stolen, or damaged.

Update the Game to Ver 1.4.0

Update your game to Ver 1.4.0 or later to use this service.

Requires Nintendo Switch Online Subscription

To use this service, you must have an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription, and your profile must be linked to a Nintendo Account.

Different from the Save Data Cloud Function

Take note the the Island Backup is different from the Save Data Cloud, which means you won't be able to access and redownload your save data on another Switch.

How to Backup Your Save Data

Steps to Backup Your Save Data

1	Press the - button on the Title Screen.
2	Select Island Backup.
3	Enable Island Backup.
4	Island Backup Complete! Confirm changes at the title screen.

1. Press the - button on the Title Screen

From the game title screen, press the – button to open the Settings. You can see on the lower left side of the title screen if backups are not set.

2. Select Island Backup Setting

Select Island Backup from the selection menu that appears.

3. Enable Island Backup

Enable Island Backup. Your game data will now be backed up regularly at times where you aren't playing but have your Switch connected to the internet.

4. Island Backup Complete!

Island Backup is now enabled! The date and time of the most recent backup will be shown on the lower left side of the title screen.

How to Use Restoration Service

Save Data Cannot Be Restored at Your Own Will

Restoration Service is only applicable in the events of loss or damage to the Switch system. You won't be able to restore your save data as you like. A new or repaired Switch is required.

Cannot Be Used to Move Island Save Data!

The restoration service can't be used to move your save data to a new Switch. Please do not delete your save data even if you have backup data.

How to Restore Your Island Save Data

Steps to Restore Save Data

1	Prepare a Switch that has no Animal Crossing: New Horizons save data.
2	Link your Nintendo account to your profile.
3	Launch the game using the profile with the linked account.
4	Press the - button immediately when the Nintendo logo appears on the top left corner of the screen.
5	Start data restoration.
6	Set up island backup on the Switch.

1. Prepare a Switch that has no Save Data

To start, prepare a Switch system that has no Animal Crossing: New Horizons save data. If one already exists, please delete it first.
How to Delete and Transfer Save Data

2. Link Your Nintendo Account to Your Profile

Next, connect the Nintendo Account which has the backup save data from your previous Switch.

Be sure that you have island backup enabled prior to restoration and that your account also has an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription.

3. Launch the Game Using the Profile

Start the game using the profile with the linked Nintendo Account.

4. Press the - Button When the Nintendo Logo Appears

When you start the game, immediately press the - button when the Nintendo logo appears on the top left corner of the screen. This will take you to the settings.

If Timmy and Tommy have already appeared, please close the game and retry from step 3.

5. Start Data Restoration

A message will appear, prompting you to start data restoration. Accept to download your backup save data.

6. Set Up Island Backup on the Switch

When island restoration successfully finishes, Tom Nook will appear and you can set up island backup on the new Switch.

Contact Nintendo Consumer Support

Going to a repair center is advisable in the case of a damaged Switch. However, in the event of loss or theft, you can contact the Nintendo Consumer Support to restore your data.

Nintendo Support Page

How to Disable Island Backup

To turn off Island Backup, simply go to the Settings and choose to disable island backup and confirm.

Please take note that when you disable island backup, you won't be able to restore your data when your Switch gets lost or damaged.

How to Transfer Data to Another Switch (Moving Your Island)

Download the Island Transfer Tool

The Island Transfer Tool lets you transfer save data to another Switch. This service is useful for those who bought a new system but don't want to start a new island again. Click on our guide below to learn more!

Island Transfer Tool Guide

Related Guides

All Tips & Tricks

System Info

System Info
Server Maintenance | How to Fix Errors	Island Backup and Restoration | How to Recover Save Data
How to Delete and Transfer Save Data	How to Add or Delete Players
How to Restart Your Game	Can You Transfer Data From Pocket Camp?
NookLink Features	List of amiibos and Compatibility
List of Controls	The Language Setting
System Requirements	Do You Need Nintendo Switch Online?
Island Transfer Tool Guide