Meter Max

Guides › Guide 12

Back up and restore

Your records are kept only on your phone, which keeps them private. But if your phone is lost or broken, a backup is the only way to get them back. It takes one minute.

Why this matters We never have a copy of your records, so we can't recover them for you. Please make a backup every week.

Make a backup

  1. Open Settings

    Tap the gear icon (it looks like a cog) in the top right corner of the screen.

  2. Find Backup

    Slide your finger up the screen until you see the box called Backup. It's near the bottom.

    The Backup box in Settings with Back up now, Restore and Delete all my data buttons

  3. Tap Back up now

    Tap Back up now. Meter Max makes a file called something like meter-max-backup-2026-09-15.json and opens your phone's share menu.

  4. Choose where to keep it

    The easiest choices are:

    • Drive: tap Drive, check the folder, and tap Save. It's kept in your Google account.
    • Email: tap Gmail, type your own email address, and send it to yourself.

    That's it. The Backup box now shows when you last made a backup.

Keep your backup private The backup file isn't locked with a password, and it contains your business records. Only save it somewhere that's yours, like your own Google Drive or email, and never send it to anyone you don't trust. Your HMRC connection and authenticator key are never included.

How often should I back up?

Once a week is a good habit, for example every Sunday after you've added the week's takings. Always make one before you get a new phone, reset your phone, or delete the app.

Restore on a new phone

  1. Install Meter Max

    Install the app on your new phone. When it asks you to set up your books, fill in just your name and tap Start my books. The restore replaces this in a moment.

  2. Open Settings › Backup

    Tap the gear icon, scroll to Backup and tap Restore.

  3. Pick your backup file

    Your phone's file picker opens. Tap Drive (or Downloads, if you saved it from your email) and choose the newest meter-max-backup file.

  4. Confirm

    Meter Max warns that this replaces everything on the phone. Tap Restore. Your records, receipts and settings come back.

    Afterwards: turn the app lock back on, reconnect to HMRC if you use it, and tap Restore purchase in the Subscription box (guide 14).

Delete all your data

If you're selling or giving away your phone, or you want to start again:

  1. Make a backup first

    Deleting can't be undone. Keep a backup so you still have your records for HMRC.

  2. Tap Delete all my data

    In Settings › Backup, tap the red Delete all my data button. Type DELETE in capital letters, tap Delete everything, and unlock with your fingerprint, face or PIN to confirm.

Remember: deleting your data or the app does not cancel your subscription. See how to cancel.