How do I download and manage cloud backup of firewall configurations in MySonicWall?

SonicWall appliances and virtual firewalls can generate and securely store preference EXP files. Capturing this file before a firmware upgrade, hardware replacement, or major policy change provides a rapid restoration path if an unexpected issue arises. This eliminates the need to search local or network shares during an incident by offering a secure, version-controlled cloud repository for these configurations.

Download Preference File

Steps

1. Log in to MySonicWall and choose My Products → (Serial Number) → Cloud Backups.

2. This page lists every manual and automatic preference-file backup, grouped by the firmware version.
3. Find the firmware version, then click on the download icon beside the file.

4. The preference file will be downloaded as a .exp file to your local machine through your browser’s download manager.

File Management

• For every manually or automatically backed-up preference file, administrators can designate it as the Gold Master, lock or unlock it for its firmware version, or delete it entirely from the Cloud Backup.
• All actions are accessed through the expanded ellipsis menu (…).

Manual Backup

Prerequisites

• Administrator account with Manage Device permission for the target serial number
• A current (.exp) settings file exported from the appliance (see https://www.sonicwall.com/support/knowledge-base/how-can-i-save-a-backup-settings-file-from-a-sonicwall-firewall/1705048418029 and https://www.sonicwall.com/support/knowledge-base/how-can-i-save-a-backup-settings-file-from-a-sonicwall-firewall/170504841802992).

Steps

1. Log in to MySonicWall and choose My Products → (Serial Number) → Cloud Backups.

2. Click Add Preference File → Choose File, locate the  .exp  file, enter a descriptive name, and click Submit.

3. The portal retains a maximum of three manual images per firmware branch. When a fourth image is uploaded, the oldest file is deleted (first-in, first-out).

Automatic Backup

Prerequisites

• Cloud Backup option enabled on the appliance (see https://www.sonicwall.com/support/knowledge-base/how-can-i-create-cloud-backup-of-sonicwall-settings/170825122545895).

Steps

1. On the appliance, open Device → Firmware & Settings → Cloud Backups and enable Cloud Backup.

2. The portal retains three automatic images per firmware branch. The oldest image is overwritten unless the Retain this Backup option is selected prior to upload.