How long does it take to retrieve data from deep archive storage?

Expected retrieval times from deep archive

Retrieval times vary by provider and storage class. Deep archive tiers prioritize cost over speed, so expect delays compared with hot or warm storage.

Typical retrieval windows:

  • Cold storage: Often seconds to minutes for object stores.
  • Archive tiers: Standard retrieval from minutes to hours.
  • Deep archive/tape-like tiers: Several hours to 12+ hours for retrieval.

Providers usually offer tiers with different retrieval speeds and costs (expedited, standard, bulk). Choose based on how quickly you need access and how often retrievals occur.

Plan workflows to tolerate these latencies: batch retrievals for large restores, pre-stage items you know you’ll need, and communicate expected times to stakeholders. For emergency scenarios, maintain a small fast-access cache for critical records.