---
title: "Move recordings to S3-compatible storage"
description: "Connect an existing S3-compatible bucket, then move encrypted recording audio to it."
updated: "2026-09-21"
canonical: https://docs.recordstead.app/your-data/s3-storage
---

# Move recordings to S3-compatible storage

Connect a bucket you already control, then move recording audio there. Recordstead
transfers an encrypted copy; your meeting list, transcripts and summaries remain
on this Mac. **The bucket alone is not a backup of your meeting library.**

## Connect the bucket

1. Open **Settings…** (⌘,) › **Storage** › **Recordings storage**. Click
   **Choose…**, or **Manage…** if a destination is already active.
2. Choose **Add destination…** › **S3-compatible…**.
3. Enter your provider's endpoint hostname, without `https://` or a path, plus
   its region and existing bucket. Add a path prefix if you want one.
4. Enter an access key ID and secret scoped to that bucket and prefix. Click
   **Test connection**, check the result, then click **Save**.
5. Select the new destination to make it active for future moves. Recordings
   already moved elsewhere stay where they are.

The test writes, reads and deletes its own small object. The credentials need
those permissions; the test does not delete archived recordings. Recordstead
uses HTTPS for the connection.

## Move a recording

Right-click a meeting with local audio, open **Recording**, and choose the move
command naming your bucket. Recordstead verifies the external copy before
removing its local original. A failed transfer keeps the original.

**Your result:** the meeting remains in Recordstead and its recording is stored
in your bucket. To move eligible recordings on a schedule, [set an automatic
move rule](https://docs.recordstead.app/your-data/automatic-recording-moves). To listen to one stored
remotely, [download it for use](https://docs.recordstead.app/your-data/use-moved-recording).