Importing ZFS Storage Pools

Once a pool has been identified for import, you can import it by specifying the name of the pool or its numeric identifier as an argument to the zpool import command. For example:

# zpool import tank

If multiple available pools have the same name, you must specify which pool to import by using the numeric identifier. For example:

# zpool import
  pool: dozer
    id: 2704475622193776801
 state: ONLINE
action: The pool can be imported using its name or numeric identifier.
config:

        dozer       ONLINE
          c1t9d0    ONLINE

  pool: dozer
    id: 6223921996155991199
 state: ONLINE
action: The pool can be imported using its name or numeric identifier.
config:

        dozer       ONLINE
          c1t8d0    ONLINE
# zpool import dozer
cannot import 'dozer': more than one matching pool
import by numeric ID instead
# zpool import 6223921996155991199

If the pool name conflicts with an existing pool name, you can import the pool under a different name. For example:

# zpool import dozer zeepool

This command imports the exported pool dozer using the new name zeepool.

If the pool was not cleanly exported, ZFS requires the -f flag to prevent users from accidentally importing a pool that is still in use on another system. For example:

# zpool import dozer
cannot import 'dozer': pool may be in use on another system
use '-f' to import anyway
# zpool import -f dozer

Pools can also be imported under an alternate root by using the -R option. For more information on alternate root pools, see Using ZFS Alternate Root Pools.