# Import Data Assistant

The **Import Data Assistant** can help you automatically import your existing database. The assistant supports databases **smaller than 10 GB**; you only need a connection string to get started.

#### Beta

The **Import Data Assistant** is in Beta. Share your feedback on [Discord](https://neon.com/discord) or via the [Neon Console](https://console.neon.tech/app/projects?modal=feedback).

#### Migrate between Neon projects

In addition to migrating from other Postgres platforms, you can use the **Import Data Assistant** to migrate data between Neon projects. Use it to upgrade to a newer Postgres version (for example, from Postgres 16 to 17) or move your database to a different region. The assistant steps you through creating a new Neon project.

## Before you start

You'll need:

- A **Neon account**. Sign up at [Neon](https://neon.tech/) if you don't have one.

- A **connection string** to your current database in this format:

  ```
  postgresql://username:password@host:port/database?sslmode=require&channel_binding=require
  ```

  If you are migrating a database from one Neon project to another, you need the connection string for the source database, which you can access from the **Connect** modal (**Connect** in the Console nav). When the source is a Neon project, use a direct (unpooled) connection string, not a pooled one. Make sure the hostname does not include the `-pooler` suffix. See [Connection pooling](/guides/postgres-connect-connection-pooling).

- **Admin privileges** on your source database. We recommend using a superuser if migrating from another platform, or a user with the necessary `CREATE`, `SELECT`, `INSERT`, and `REPLICATION` privileges.

- A database **smaller than 10 GB** in size for automated import. For larger databases, use [Migrate data from Postgres with pg\_dump and pg\_restore](/guides/neon-docs-import-migrate-from-postgres).

- Unless you are intentionally migrating to a different region, we recommend migrating to a Neon project created in the same region as your current database for a faster import. There is a 1-hour time limit on import operations.

- For other constraints that apply to this flow, see [Known limitations](#known-limitations).

::::steps
:::step{title="Launch the assistant"}
Launch the assistant from the **Projects** page:

<img src="../img/site-assets/neon.com/docs/import/import_data_assistant_project-wmtmo7.png" alt="Import Data Assistant from Projects page">
:::

:::step{title="Check compatibility"}
Enter your database connection string and click **Run Checks**.

<img src="../img/site-assets/neon.com/docs/import/import_data_assistant_run_checks-wmtmo7.png" alt="Import Data Assistant run checks">

We'll verify the following:

- Database size is within the 10 GB limit
- Postgres version compatibility (Postgres 14 to 17)
- Extension compatibility
- Region availability
:::

:::step{title="Create a new Neon project"}
Click the **Create new Neon project** button, specify your project settings including the **Postgres version** and **region**, and click **Create**.
:::

:::step{title="Start import process"}
Back in the assistant, click the **Start import process** button.

#### note

During import, your source database remains untouched. We only read from it to create a copy in Neon.
:::
::::

### Known limitations

- Supabase and Heroku databases are not supported due to unsupported Postgres extensions.
- Databases running on **IPv6 are not supported**.
- AWS RDS is generally supported, though some incompatibilities may exist. Support for other providers may vary.

## Next steps

After a successful import:

1. Run some test queries to ensure everything imported correctly.
2. If you've migrated from another Neon project, remove your old project if it's no longer needed.
3. Switch the connection string in your app to point to your new Neon database.

## Need help?

Join our [Discord Server](https://neon.com/discord) to ask questions or see what others are doing with Neon. For paid plan support options, see [Support](/guides/postgres-introduction-support).

## Related pages

- [Migrate data from Postgres with pgdump and pgrestore](./neon-docs-import-migrate-from-postgres.md)
- [Migrate data to Lakebase Postgres using pgcopydb](./neon-docs-import-pgcopydb.md)

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