---
url: /usage-guides/advanced/database-access.md
description: >-
  Open and query rotki's encrypted SQLite database manually using DB Browser for
  SQLite or the sqlcipher CLI tool to inspect or repair your stored data.
---

# Accessing the database manually

To detect potential problems with data or modify the state of the database, you might need to access it manually. Here’s a guide on how to do this using `DB Browser for SQLite` or `sqlcipher` CLI tool.

## Using DB Browser for SQLite

1. **Download and Install**: Get [DB Browser for SQLite](https://sqlitebrowser.org/dl/). It's available for Windows, macOS, and Linux.
2. **Starting the Program**: Launch the program with the SQLCipher functionality.
3. **Opening the rotki Database**:
   * Navigate to the rotki database in the [rotki data directory](/usage-guides/advanced/data-directory#rotki-data-directory).
   * Enter the password you use to unlock your rotki account to decrypt the database.
4. **Browsing and Modifying Data**:
   * Use the `Browse Data` tab to view the information.
   * Execute custom SQL commands if needed. However, be cautious and ensure you have double-checked commands with our team or are confident in what you are doing.
   * Always take backups before modifying the database to avoid inconsistent states.

## Using sqlcipher CLI Tool

1. **Installation**:
   * **Debian and Ubuntu Users**: Ensure you have a recent version of sqlcipher (v4 or later). The versions in the distribution repositories might be outdated. Use a [PPA](https://launchpad.net/ubuntu/+ppas) **(use at your own risk)** or follow this [StackOverflow thread](https://stackoverflow.com/questions/48105035/sqlite-browser-without-sqlcipher-support-in-ubuntu) to recompile `sqlitebrowser` with sqlcipher support.
2. **Opening the Database**:
   * Use the command line tool `sqlcipher` (not `sqlite3` since the database is encrypted).
   * After opening the database, specify the password to decrypt it by entering:
     ```sql
     PRAGMA key='your-secret-key';
     ```

By following these steps, you can access and modify the rotki database securely. Always ensure to backup your database before making any changes.