.db

What is a .db file?

DB is a generic database file extension — it could be SQLite, Berkeley DB, or various other database formats.

Safe format
Type Data
By Various
MIME application/octet-stream

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What is it

The .db extension is frustratingly ambiguous. It could be a SQLite database (the most common case today), a Berkeley DB file, a Windows Thumbs.db thumbnail cache, a mobile app database, or something else entirely. The extension doesn't tell you — you need to inspect the file's magic bytes or try opening it.

In modern usage, .db files are overwhelmingly SQLite databases. Android stores app data in .db files (SQLite). iOS does the same. Desktop applications from browsers (Firefox's places.db) to messaging apps use SQLite with a .db extension. If you've found a .db file on a phone or in an application's data directory, try SQLite first.

DB Browser for SQLite is the first tool to try. If the file opens, it's SQLite. If it doesn't, the file utility (`file database.db` on Mac/Linux) can often identify the format. Berkeley DB files require the `db_dump` utility. Other formats may require their specific applications.

Technical details
Full Name
Database File
MIME Type
application/octet-stream
Developer
Various
Magic Bytes
N/A
Safety
.db is a known, safe format. Database file. Generally safe but contents depend on the specific application that created it.
What opens it
DB Browser for SQLite
FREE Windows / Mac / Linux
DBeaver
FREE Windows / Mac / Linux
sqlite3 (CLI)
FREE Mac / Linux
FAQ
How do I know what type of database a .db file is?
Try opening it in DB Browser for SQLite — most .db files are SQLite. If that fails, run `file database.db` on Mac/Linux to identify the format. Check the first few bytes with a hex editor for magic number identification.
Can I open .db files from my phone?
If they're from an Android or iOS app, they're almost certainly SQLite. Copy the file to your computer and open with DB Browser for SQLite. Note: some app databases may be encrypted.
Related formats