Check Your Android Now to See If Your Automatic Google Backup Isn’t Working
Google Drive’s auto-backup feature doesn’t seem to work for a number of Android users. So far, the bug has been reported on Google Pixel, Samsung Galaxy / Note, Motorola, OnePlus and Huawei devices, as well as Android 9 and Android 10. This is the majority of Android devices, but the problem may be even more common.
Both Android Police and 9to5Google note that Android devices will not notify you if a Google Drive backup fails or stops, which is why many other Android users may experience the error without even realizing it. The only way to make sure your Google Drive backup isn’t working is to check your system settings. Go to Settings> System> Backup , and if the Backup button is grayed out and the various data categories say “Waiting for backup”, then luckily you have an error.
Google hasn’t commented on the bug at the time of writing, and no one is sure what is causing the failed backup in the first place, but users have shared some potential fixes online. The simplest fix requires you to simply change or override your lock screen settings, although there are a few technical changes you can try as well. For now, let’s take a look at the screen lock method; if that doesn’t work, try the fixes described in this link instead.
Temporarily disable the lock screen to resume your Google Drive backup
This fix is possible on all Android devices, but specific settings and menus are likely to differ from device to device.
- Open your device settings.
- Use the search bar to find your “lock screen” settings.
- Disable your lock screen and / or unlock method (you need to confirm your current password / PIN / biometrics to disable them).
- Save your settings, then go back to the main settings menu and go to Settings> System> Backup to check if the backup function works again. If the backups still appear to be inoperative, restart your device and try again.
- Remember to re-enable your lock screen settings after a successful backup.