---
name: "borg2-key-import"
section: "1"
platform: "linux"
package: "borgbackup2"
version: "2.0.0b19-1"
release: "Debian 13 (Trixie)"
platforms: ["linux"]
url: "https://new.carta.tech/borg2-key-import"
---

# borg2-key-import(1)

Import the repository key from backup

## NAME

borg-key-import - Import the repository key from backup

## SYNOPSIS

borg \[common options\] key import \[options\] \[PATH\]

## DESCRIPTION

This command restores a key previously backed up with the export command.

If the **--paper** option is given, the import will be an interactive process in which each line is checked for plausibility before proceeding to the next line. For this format PATH must not be given.

For repositories using keyfile encryption, the key file which **borg key** **import** writes to depends on several factors. If the **BORG\_KEY\_FILE** environment variable is set and non-empty, **borg key import** creates or overwrites that file named by **$BORG\_KEY\_FILE**. Otherwise, **borg** **key import** searches in the **$BORG\_KEYS\_DIR** directory for a key file associated with the repository. If a key file is found in **$BORG\_KEYS\_DIR**, **borg key import** overwrites it; otherwise, **borg** **key import** creates a new key file in **$BORG\_KEYS\_DIR**.

## OPTIONS

See *[borg-common(1)](/borg-common/1.md)* for common options of Borg commands.

### arguments

- **PATH**

  path to the backup ('-' to read from stdin)

### options

- **--paper**

  interactively import from a backup done with **--paper**

## SEE ALSO

*[borg-common(1)](/borg-common/1.md)*, *[borg-key-export(1)](/borg-key-export/1.md)*

## AUTHOR

The Borg Collective