---
id: backups.how-do-i-know-my-backups-actually-work
url: https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/how-do-i-know-my-backups-actually-work
category: "Backups & restore points"
subcategory: "Time Machine and backup strategy"
question: "How can I be sure my backups will actually restore?"
alt_questions:
  - "test my backups"
  - "verify backup can be restored"
  - "backup restore drill"
  - "are my backups really working"
short_answer: "Look for Protected on each set — it means the latest version passed an integrity check — and occasionally export a file from Versions… to prove a restore works. Check re-verifies on demand."
tags: ["verification", "restore", "strategy"]
related: ["https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/what-does-protected-mean", "https://storagestudio.us/faq/backups/what-does-the-check-button-do"]
applies_to: "all"
last_reviewed: 2026-10-01
---

# How can I be sure my backups will actually restore?

Two habits cover it. First, look for **Protected** on each set — that badge only appears once the latest version has passed an integrity check. Second, every so often do a small real restore: open **Versions…**, **Browse Files…**, and **Export…** a file to a scratch folder to see it come back.

You can also press **Check** at any time to verify what's stored without making a new version.