Replacing your device

Objective

When you get a new device, the CrashPlan app's replace device wizard helps you transfer files, move your backup, and update settings from your previous device. Use this guide when you are making changes such as moving a backup to a new device, replacing an old device, or reinstalling your operating system.

Prerequisites

• CrashPlan app: The CrashPlan app must be installed and running on the new device. If it is not installed, see Downloading and installing the CrashPlan app to get started.
• Username: Set up your new device with the exact same username as your previous device. If it differs from your old device, you may need to manually update your file selection later to avoid backup issues.
• Drive letter (Windows only): Set up your new device with the exact same drive letters for any internal or external hard drives. If they differ from your old device, you may need to manually update your file selection later to avoid backup issues.
• Full Disk Access (macOS only): You must grant CrashPlan full disk access before starting this wizard, or you will not be able to transfer files.
• Advanced encryption: If your account uses an archive key password or custom key, have it ready. You will be prompted for it multiple times during this process.
• Changing operating systems: Additional limitations will apply if the new device's operating system is different from the original device (e.g. switching from Mac to Windows).

Procedure

Step 1: Start the wizard and choose a device

1. Open the CrashPlan app and sign in.
2. When prompted, click Replace Existing to start the wizard.
   If you do not see this prompt, go to the top menu and select Tools > Replace device (Windows/Linux) or File > Replace device (Mac).
3. Click Start.
4. Select the device you want to replace from the list.
   Devices are listed in the order of their last activity.
5. Click Continue.

Step 2: Transfer files to your new device

1. Click Select Files to open the file browser.
2. Select the folders you want to download (e.g., Documents, Desktop, Pictures).
3. Click Restore Files.
4. Next to Save selected files to, select Other.
   Leave the other Restore File Options at their default settings.
5. Select the matching user folder on your new device to ensure the files restore to the correct location.
6. Click Go to begin downloading. The restore is added to Downloads.
   You can repeat steps 1-6 to download more files if needed.
7. Wait for all queued restores to finish downloading.
   The Next button will remain disabled while files are transferring.
8. Once all transfers are complete, click Next.

Step 3: Transfer backup settings to your new device

This final step links your previous device's backup archive to your new device and transfers your file selection and backup settings.

1. Click Continue. You will be signed out of the CrashPlan app.
2. Sign in to the CrashPlan app again. A success message displays: "Your device is ready!"
3. Click Finish. Your device will now resume backing up.

Additional resources

What to expect during the replacement wizard

• Transferring files from a local backup: See Restoring files from a local backup during device replacement.
• To abort a device replacement: See Quit and exit the device replacement wizard.
• Resuming the replacement wizard: It is safe to close the CrashPlan app, shut down, or put your device to sleep while files are transferring or if you need to pause the wizard. The process will automatically resume exactly where you left off when you power the device back on or reopen the app.
• Temporary license cost increase: If your subscription is licensed per device, you may temporarily see a license added to your subscription when you sign into your new device and start the replacement process. This automatically resolves once you complete the wizard and connect to your existing backup archive.

What to expect after you replace a device

• File scan and backup: The CrashPlan app will immediately run a file verification scan to inspect your new device and queue files for backup. During this process, your backup may look like it is starting over. This is normal.
• Do not change your file selection yet: Wait until your backup reaches 100% complete before you deselect any files or folders. Deselecting files or folders immediately marks them for deletion from your backup archive. Waiting ensures the app records the new location of the files and retains the copy in your backup.