Fallout Shelter Save File Locations

Find your vault save files on any platform - PC, Steam, Android, iOS. Once located, use our save editor to modify your vault.

Updated June 17, 2026. This page is for locating and backing up Vault1.sav, Vault2.sav, and Vault3.sav; use the linked platform guide when you need restore steps after editing.

📊 Platform Overview

Platform Difficulty Access Method Compatibility Recommended Tools
💻 PC/Launcher Easy Direct file access ✓ Full File Explorer
🎮 Steam Easy Direct file access ✓ Full File Explorer
📱 Android Medium File manager required ✓ Full Files by Google, Solid Explorer
🍎 iOS Hard iTunes backup extraction ⚠️ Partial iMazing, iBackup Viewer
🪟 Windows 10 Store Medium UWP app data access ✓ Full File Explorer (admin)

Need the editing workflow after you find the file? Use the dedicated PC and Steam save editor guide, Android save editor guide, or iOS save editor guide for platform-specific restore steps.

Fastest Path to the Right Vault File

  1. Identify your version first.

    Steam, classic PC, Android, iOS, and Windows Store use the same vault file names but different folders and restore behavior.

  2. Copy every visible .sav file before editing.

    Most players only use Vault1.sav, but backing up all active slots protects you if the game uses a different vault number.

  3. Leave .sav.bkp files untouched.

    Those backups are recovery files. Copy them elsewhere if you need to restore, then rename the copy instead of editing the only backup in place.

  4. Use the editor workflow for your platform.

    PC and Steam users can replace local files directly; Android and iOS users usually need a transfer or restore step after the browser editor downloads the modified save.

💻

PC/Launcher Version

Direct access to save files through Windows File Explorer

📂 Save File Location

C:\Users\[YourUsername]\Documents\My Games\Fallout Shelter

Replace [YourUsername] with your actual Windows username.

🔍 Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Open File Explorer

    Press Windows Key + E or click the folder icon in your taskbar

  2. Navigate to Documents

    Click on "Documents" in the left sidebar, or type the path in the address bar

  3. Find the Game Folder

    Open: My Games → Fallout Shelter

  4. Locate Save Files

    You'll see files named: Vault1.sav, Vault2.sav, Vault3.sav

⚡ Quick Access Method

Press Windows Key + R to open Run dialog

%USERPROFILE%\Documents\My Games\Fallout Shelter

Paste this path and press Enter - it will open the folder directly!

💾 Backup Instructions

  1. Right-click on your .sav file
  2. Select "Copy"
  3. Navigate to a safe location (Desktop, external drive, cloud storage)
  4. Right-click and select "Paste"
  5. Rename the backup (e.g., Vault1_backup_2026-01-24.sav)
💡
Pro Tip:

Create a shortcut to this folder on your desktop for easy access when using the save editor!

🎮

Steam Version

Steam Cloud sync and local save file management

📂 Save File Location

C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Local\FalloutShelter

🔍 Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Show Hidden Files

    Open File Explorer → View tab → Check "Hidden items"

  2. Navigate to AppData

    Press Windows Key + R, type %LOCALAPPDATA%, press Enter

  3. Find FalloutShelter Folder

    Look for the "FalloutShelter" folder in the list

  4. Access Save Files

    Your .sav files are directly in this folder

☁️ Steam Cloud Sync

Steam automatically syncs your Fallout Shelter saves to the cloud. This can interfere with the save editor. For the complete editing workflow, including backup naming, .bkp files, and cloud conflict handling, use the Fallout Shelter PC and Steam save editor guide. For broader cloud restore, backup, and transfer decisions across devices, use the cloud save and transfer guide.

How Steam Cloud Works:

  • Saves are uploaded when you close the game
  • Saves are downloaded when you launch the game
  • Cloud saves may overwrite your edited local files

Disabling Steam Cloud (Recommended for Editing):

  1. Open Steam Library
  2. Right-click on Fallout Shelter
  3. Select "Properties"
  4. Go to "General" tab
  5. Uncheck "Keep game saves in the Steam Cloud"
  6. Click "Close"

🔄 Multi-Computer Sync

If you play on multiple computers:

  • Keep Steam Cloud enabled for automatic sync
  • Edit saves on one computer only
  • Wait for cloud sync to complete before playing on another PC
  • Or manually copy edited saves between computers
⚠️
Important:

Always close Steam completely before replacing save files. Steam may restore cloud saves if it's running!

📱

Android Version

Access save files using file manager apps. If Android/data appears empty on Android 11+, use the full Android save editor guide.

📂 Save File Location

/storage/emulated/0/Android/data/com.bethsoft.falloutshelter/files

Alternative path: /sdcard/Android/data/com.bethsoft.falloutshelter/files

If this folder appears empty on Android 11, Android 12, Android 13, Android 14, or Android 15, follow the dedicated Android save file access walkthrough.

📱 Recommended File Manager Apps

Files by Google

Free, official Google app

Download

Solid Explorer

Powerful file manager

Download

FX File Explorer

Feature-rich option

Download

🔍 Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Install File Manager

    Download and install one of the recommended file manager apps

  2. Enable Show Hidden Files

    Open file manager → Settings → Enable "Show hidden files"

  3. Navigate to Internal Storage

    Tap "Internal Storage" or "Phone Storage"

  4. Find Game Data

    Navigate: Android → data → com.bethsoft.falloutshelter → files

  5. Locate Save Files

    You'll see Vault1.sav, Vault2.sav, or Vault3.sav

💻 Transferring to PC

Method 1: USB Cable

  1. Connect Android device to PC via USB
  2. Enable "File Transfer" mode on your phone
  3. Open phone storage in PC File Explorer
  4. Navigate to the save file location
  5. Copy .sav files to PC

Method 2: Cloud Storage

  1. Copy .sav file to Downloads folder on phone
  2. Upload to Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive
  3. Download on PC
  4. Edit with save editor
  5. Reverse process to restore to phone

Method 3: Email

  1. Use file manager to share .sav file
  2. Select "Email" or "Gmail"
  3. Send to yourself
  4. Download attachment on PC

🔓 Root vs Non-Root

Non-Root (Standard)

  • ✓ Works on most devices
  • ✓ No warranty void
  • ✓ Safe and simple
  • ⚠️ May require Android 11+ for data folder access

Root Access

  • ✓ Full file system access
  • ✓ Works on all Android versions
  • ⚠️ Requires rooting device
  • ⚠️ May void warranty
💡
Android 11+ Note:

Some Android 11+ devices restrict access to app data folders. If you can't access the folder, use the Android save editor guide for non-root file manager, PC transfer, and ADB options.

🍎

iOS Version

Advanced: iTunes, Finder, or iMazing extraction required. For the no-jailbreak workflow, use the full iOS save editor guide.

⚠️ Difficulty Warning

⚠️
Advanced Users Only

Editing iOS saves requires technical knowledge and third-party tools. This process is complex and may cause data loss if done incorrectly. Always backup your device first!

🛠️ Required Tools

iTunes or Finder

For creating device backups

Windows/macOS

iMazing

Premium backup extraction tool

Visit Website

iBackup Viewer

Free backup browser

Visit Website

📋 Step-by-Step Instructions

Part 1: Create iTunes Backup

  1. Connect iPhone/iPad to Computer

    Use a USB cable to connect your iOS device

  2. Open iTunes or Finder

    Windows/macOS Mojave: iTunes | macOS Catalina+: Finder

  3. Select Your Device

    Click on your device icon when it appears

  4. Create Backup

    Choose "This computer" and click "Back Up Now"

    Important: Do NOT encrypt the backup (or remember the password)

  5. Wait for Completion

    Backup may take 10-30 minutes depending on data size

Part 2: Extract Save Files

  1. Install Backup Tool

    Download and install iMazing or iBackup Viewer

  2. Open Backup

    Launch the tool and select your device backup

  3. Navigate to App Data

    Find "Fallout Shelter" in the apps list

  4. Browse App Files

    Look for the Documents or Library folder

  5. Extract .sav Files

    Find and export Vault1.sav, Vault2.sav, or Vault3.sav

Part 3: Edit and Restore

  1. Edit Save File

    Use the Fallout Shelter Save Editor to modify the .sav file. For advanced manual editing, try our save decryption tool.

  2. Replace in Backup

    Use your backup tool to replace the original file with the edited version

  3. Restore to Device

    Restore the modified backup to your iOS device

    Warning: This will restore your entire device to the backup state!

🔓 Jailbreak Alternative

If your device is jailbroken, you can access save files directly:

  • Install a file manager like Filza
  • Navigate to: /var/mobile/Containers/Data/Application/[AppID]/Documents
  • Copy .sav files to a location accessible via iTunes File Sharing
  • Transfer to PC for editing
⚠️
Jailbreak Warning:

Jailbreaking voids your warranty and may cause security issues. Only proceed if you understand the risks.

💡
Easier Alternative:

If you want to keep playing on iPhone or iPad, follow the Fallout Shelter iOS save editor guide for iMazing, iTunes File Sharing, and transfer steps. PC or Android is easier only when you do not need the same mobile vault.

🪟

Windows 10 Store Version

UWP app data access and save migration

📂 Save File Location

C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Local\Packages\BethesdaSoftworks.FalloutShelter_[RandomString]\LocalState

The [RandomString] varies by installation. You'll need to find the exact folder name.

🔍 Finding the Correct Folder

  1. Open Run Dialog

    Press Windows Key + R

  2. Navigate to Packages

    Type: %LOCALAPPDATA%\Packages and press Enter

  3. Search for Fallout Shelter

    Look for a folder starting with "BethesdaSoftworks.FalloutShelter"

  4. Open LocalState

    Inside that folder, open the "LocalState" subfolder

  5. Find Save Files

    Your .sav files should be here

🔐 Permission Issues

UWP apps have restricted file access. If you can't access the folder:

  1. Right-click on the folder
  2. Select "Properties"
  3. Go to "Security" tab
  4. Click "Edit" then "Add"
  5. Type your username and click "Check Names"
  6. Click "OK" and grant "Full Control"

🔄 Migrating from Desktop Version

Bethesda provides an official migration tool. Visit:

Official Migration Guide →

Manual Migration Steps:

  1. Locate your desktop version save files
  2. Copy the .sav files
  3. Navigate to Windows Store version LocalState folder
  4. Paste and replace the save files
  5. Launch the game to verify
💡
Recommendation:

The desktop/launcher version is easier to work with for save editing. Consider using that version if you frequently edit saves.

💾 Backup Best Practices

📋

Create Regular Backups

  • Backup before every editing session
  • Keep multiple backup versions
  • Date your backups (e.g., Vault1_2026-01-24.sav)
  • Test backups by restoring them occasionally
☁️

Cloud Storage

  • Upload backups to Google Drive, Dropbox, or OneDrive
  • Automatic sync keeps backups safe
  • Access from any device
  • Version history in case of corruption
💿

External Storage

  • Copy to USB drive or external hard drive
  • Physical backup protects against system failure
  • Keep drive in safe location
  • Update regularly
🔄

Automated Backups

  • Use Windows File History
  • Set up scheduled tasks
  • Third-party backup software
  • Never worry about losing progress

How to Create a Backup

Method 1: Simple Copy

  1. Navigate to your save file location
  2. Right-click on the .sav file
  3. Select "Copy"
  4. Navigate to backup location
  5. Right-click and select "Paste"
  6. Rename with date: Vault1_backup_2026-01-24.sav

Method 2: Compressed Archive

  1. Select all .sav files in the folder
  2. Right-click and select "Send to" → "Compressed (zipped) folder"
  3. Name the archive: FalloutShelter_Backup_2026-01-24.zip
  4. Store in safe location

How to Restore a Backup

  1. Close Fallout Shelter completely
  2. Navigate to your save file location
  3. Delete or rename the current .sav file
  4. Copy your backup file to the save location
  5. Rename backup to original name (e.g., Vault1.sav)
  6. Launch the game and verify

📌 Quick Reference

Platform Save Location Quick Access
PC/Launcher Documents\My Games\Fallout Shelter Win+R → %USERPROFILE%\Documents\My Games\Fallout Shelter
Steam AppData\Local\FalloutShelter Win+R → %LOCALAPPDATA%\FalloutShelter
Android /sdcard/Android/data/com.bethsoft.falloutshelter/files Use file manager app
iOS iTunes backup extraction required Use iMazing or iBackup Viewer
Win 10 Store AppData\Local\Packages\BethesdaSoftworks.FalloutShelter_*\LocalState Win+R → %LOCALAPPDATA%\Packages

Fallout Shelter Save Location FAQ

Where is the Fallout Shelter Steam save file?

The usual Steam save folder on Windows is C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Local\FalloutShelter. The quickest route is Win+R, then %LOCALAPPDATA%\FalloutShelter. Do not use the Steam installation folder under steamapps\common; that folder contains game files, not your vault saves.

Where is the Fallout Shelter PC save file?

The classic PC or Bethesda version usually stores saves under C:\Users\[YourUsername]\Documents\My Games\Fallout Shelter. Look for Vault1.sav, Vault2.sav, or Vault3.sav. If you plan to edit the save, copy the file to a separate working folder before uploading it to the online editor.

Can I use the same .sav file across PC, Steam, Android, and iOS?

Usually yes, because the active vault files use the same .sav format. The difference is access and restore method: PC and Steam are direct file copies, Android may require a file manager or USB transfer, and iOS usually needs iMazing or Finder/iTunes File Sharing. Always back up both the source device and destination device before replacing a slot.

What should I do if only .sav.bkp files are visible?

Treat .sav.bkp as a recovery file. Copy it to a safe folder first, then rename the copy from Vault1.sav.bkp to Vault1.sav only when the active save is missing or broken. Do not overwrite the only backup while experimenting with editor changes.

Ready to Edit Your Vault Save?

Now that you know where to find your save files, use the Fallout Shelter Save Editor to modify your vault!

🎮 Go to Save Editor 📖 How to Use Guide

📚 Related Resources

📖 How to Use

Complete tutorial on using the save editor with step-by-step instructions

💻 PC & Steam Guide

Find Vault1.sav, edit Steam saves, and prevent cloud overwrite issues

☁️ Cloud Save Guide

Back up Vault1.sav, handle cloud conflicts, and transfer save data safely

🔓 Save Decryptor

Advanced tool for decrypting and manually editing save files in JSON format

📱 Android Guide

Fix missing Android/data folders and edit Android saves without root

🍎 iOS Guide

Extract iPhone and iPad vault saves with iMazing or iTunes File Sharing

❓ FAQ

Common questions and troubleshooting for save editing