---
title: "SFS FAQ"
description: "Short answers about SFS regions, protocol, access, snapshots, backups, and encryption, each linking to the full page."
content_type: "faq"
product: "sfs"
platform: "MyAccount"
url: "/myaccount/sfs/faq/"
---

# SFS FAQ

## Which regions is SFS available in?

Delhi and Chennai. See [Create an SFS](/myaccount/sfs/how-to/create-an-sfs/).

## Why is SFS creation restricted for me in Delhi?

Creating an SFS in Delhi is restricted for newer accounts. Create the SFS in Chennai instead. See
[Troubleshooting SFS](/myaccount/sfs/troubleshooting/sfs/#creating-an-sfs-in-delhi-is-restricted).

## What protocol does SFS use?

The Network File System (NFS). Several nodes can mount the same SFS and use its files at once. See
[Mount an SFS](/myaccount/sfs/how-to/mount-an-sfs/).

## Do I need to give a node access before it can mount an SFS?

Yes. You decide which nodes can reach an SFS. Give the node access, either for its whole VPC or on
the SFS's **ACL** tab, then mount it. See
[Grant a VPC access to an SFS](/myaccount/sfs/how-to/grant-vpc-access-to-an-sfs/).

## Can I grant a whole VPC access to an SFS?

Yes. VPC-wide access lets every resource in the VPC read and write the SFS. An SFS uses either
VPC-wide access or per-node access, one at a time. See
[Grant a VPC access to an SFS](/myaccount/sfs/how-to/grant-vpc-access-to-an-sfs/).

## What is the difference between an SFS snapshot and a backup?

A snapshot is a point-in-time copy of the SFS's disk, used to clone it or upgrade it to a bigger
plan. A backup keeps recovery points of the SFS's files, so you can restore single files. See
[SFS snapshots and backups](/myaccount/sfs/concepts/sfs-snapshots-and-backups/).

## Can I delete a snapshot before its retention period ends?

Yes. Open the snapshot's **Actions** menu and click **Delete**. See
[Create and schedule an SFS snapshot](/myaccount/sfs/how-to/create-and-schedule-an-sfs-snapshot/).

## Is a clone of an encrypted SFS encrypted?

No. A clone or an upgrade of an encrypted SFS starts unencrypted, and **Enable Encryption** on the clone and upgrade forms leaves it that way. Its snapshots and backups are unencrypted too. To get an encrypted copy, create
a new SFS with **Enable Encryption** checked, then copy your files to it. See
[SFS encryption](/myaccount/sfs/concepts/sfs-encryption/).

## Can I turn encryption off after I create an SFS?

No. Encryption stays on for as long as the SFS exists, so decide when you create it. See
[SFS encryption](/myaccount/sfs/concepts/sfs-encryption/).

## Can I move an SFS to a smaller plan?

No. **Upgrade** offers only bigger plans, and it creates a new SFS on the plan you pick. For a
smaller size, create a new, smaller SFS and copy your files to it. See
[Clone or upgrade an SFS](/myaccount/sfs/how-to/clone-or-upgrade-an-sfs/).

## Does deleting an SFS delete its snapshots and backups?

Yes. Deleting an SFS deletes its disk and every file on it, along with its snapshots. It also
turns backup off, which deletes its backups. To keep a copy, take a snapshot and clone the SFS from it first; see
[Clone or upgrade an SFS](/myaccount/sfs/how-to/clone-or-upgrade-an-sfs/). See [Delete an SFS](/myaccount/sfs/how-to/delete-an-sfs/).