How to Run a Persistent Remote MySQL Database With Automated Backups

When building an ongoing SaaS MVP, Discord bot, or internal tool, temporary 30-day sandbox databases aren't enough. You need a persistent remote MySQL database that stays online continuously and backs up your schema and rows automatically.

1. Provisioning a Persistent Database on pro.freedb.tech

On the FreeDB Pro Persistent Plan ($5/mo), you can host up to 5 databases with 1 GB of total storage on pro.freedb.tech:3306. Unlike the Free Sandbox tier, Pro databases have no 30-day expiration timer and allow custom database and user naming.

2. Automated Daily Backups & 1-Click Manual Snapshots

Every day at 02:00 UTC, FreeDB runs mysqldump --single-transaction --quick across all non-empty Pro databases and compresses each backup into a downloadable .sql.gz file (retaining the 5 most recent daily snapshots per database).

Before running a risky schema migration, you can also click Take Backup Now in your dashboard to capture an immediate on-demand snapshot.

3. Restoring From a .sql or .sql.gz Backup

To restore a backup, use the Import SQL / Backup File panel in your dashboard. It accepts both .sql and compressed .sql.gz files up to 50 MB and automatically rewrites any legacy USE statements to match your target database.