What Airbnb data can you download and why it matters
As a host or guest, you have the right to access and download personal data that Airbnb stores about your account and activity. This evergren explainer clarifies what is available, how to request a download, and how to interpret the files you receive. Understanding these options helps you manage privacy, bookkeeping, and personal records in a verifiable, repeatable way.
How to download your Airbnb data (step by step)
Airbnb provides a self-service data download process through your account settings. The steps below apply to most account types and regions, though specific options may vary by jurisdiction.
- Sign in to your Airbnb account on the website or mobile app.
- Go to Settings, then Privacy & data, and select Download or export your data.
- Choose the date range and types of data you want to include, such as account profile, reservations, messages, and payments.
- Confirm your request. Airbnb may ask you to verify your identity before generating the package.
- Download the generated file when it’s ready. For large histories, Airbnb may provide a link to download via a secure file transfer.
Tips to ensure a smooth download
- Use a private or incognito window to avoid cached conflicts.
- If you plan to use the data for taxes or accounting, include reservation and payment details in the selection.
- On mobile, prefer the desktop site if you need options not yet exposed in the app menu.
- If the request takes too long, check your email for status updates from Airbnb’s data team.
What’s included in an Airbnb data export
The contents vary by account and region, but hosts and guests commonly receive files covering profile info, stays, communications, and financial records. Below is a concise overview of typical attributes you can expect to see in the export.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Profile basics | Name, email, profile photo, account creation date | Account settings |
| Reservation records | Check in/out dates, property details, booking IDs | Reservation history |
| Messages | Sent and received messages (content and timestamps) | Communication logs |
| Payments and payouts | Gross amounts, fees, payouts, payment method tokens | Financial reports |
| Host performance | Ratings, response rate and time, cancellations | Host dashboard |
Data format, structure, and practical uses
Downloaded data is usually provided in JSON or CSV formats, depending on the dataset and your browser settings. JSON files preserve nested relationships and are straightforward for developers, while CSV files are easier to open in spreadsheet tools for quick analysis. For hosts, combining reservation and payment exports simplifies tax reporting and reconciliation. Guests may focus on messages and reservation records to reconstruct itineraries or resolve disputes. When working with raw exports, maintaining a copy of the request timestamp and version helps track changes over time.
Privacy, security, and retention considerations
Airbnb treats data downloads as sensitive operations and typically requires two factor authentication and recent sign in verification before generating a package. Exported files may include tokens or partial identifiers rather than raw passwords, but you should treat them as you would any other confidential record: store them on encrypted devices, limit sharing, and delete local copies when they are no longer needed. If you suspect unauthorized access, rotate your password and revoke sessions from your account security settings.
Troubleshooting common download issues
If your request stalls or returns incomplete results, start by checking email folders including spam for status messages. Confirm that your browser and account are up to date, and avoid submitting multiple requests in a short period, as this can delay processing. If a particular data type is missing, contact Airbnb support with your booking or account ID and specify which dataset you expected to see. For large histories, downloads may be split into multiple archives, so verify file counts and sizes against any summary email.
Summary and next steps
Downloading your Airbnb data is a practical, repeatable process that supports privacy management, bookkeeping, and guest or host documentation. By following the steps above, you can reliably export reservations, messages, payments, and profile records while keeping your account secure. To make ongoing management easier, save a template of the settings and selections you use, and revisit your export routine annually or before major decisions like tax filing or property listing changes.