How to Fix Google Backup and Sync Cant Connect Error

Amy Dennis

Apr 10, 2023 • Filed to: Take Data Backup • Proven solutions

Google Drive is more like a backup and synchronization service offered by Google. It allows you to store, synchronize, and share your files by uploading them to Google Drive's servers. Once stored, you can access these files from anywhere by merely signing-in into your Google Account.

Google drive has a corresponding version in the form of a desktop application. It is called Backup and Sync. It serves the purpose of synchronizing files from your PC to your Google Drive and vice versa.

Another feature of this desktop application is that you can work on your Google Drive files when offline. These changes get synchronized the moment an internet connection is established. This post is about demystifying the challenges that arise when using Backup & Sync.

Part 1: Why Does Backup and Sync App Fail to Connect?

No computer application works entirely right. Thus, you will occasionally have problems and encounter errors while using them. Backup and Sync is no exception. You probably have come across the "Backup and Sync can't connect" error. It is the most common.

The primary purpose of all applications is to solve a problem and offer you convenience. But because they work in a system, they are affected by other factors that hinder their proper functioning.

Has it ever happened to your computer that you upload a file and it doesn't appear on your PC? If Yes, then there are various possible reasons as to why that happened. Firstly, you could be having issues with the network. Secondly, the antivirus software installed does not allow the program to run. And lastly, the user account could be lacking admin rights.

Part 2: How Can You Fix the Error - Google Backup and Sync Can't Connect?

Program failures come with a great deal of inconvenience to the user. This blog post is sure to offer practical and straightforward tips on how to solve Backup & Sync problems.

But first things first. To use the Backup and Sync app without much trouble, you have to make sure you're doing everything the right way. Below is a guide to help use Backup and Sync correctly.

Step 1: You have to install the Backup and Sync app on your PC. Make sure you download it from Google website.

Step 2: Then, you will need to "Sign-in" into the "Google Drive" through your primary "Google Account".

Step 3: Now, select the folder or file. Make sure you choose the one that you want to back up.

Step 4: You will see the "Photo and video upload size" section. Here, you are supposed to choose the upload size.

Step 5: Now, you can click the "Start" button.

Sometimes, you may still see this same error after following the above steps. So, it is the time when the fixes suggested below become useful.

1. Reinstalling the Latest Version of the Program

You may install a version of the program that is not the latest. Or maybe it is simply damaged. The solution is to look for an updated version of Backup and Sync. Simple as that and your problem may disappear. For this, you can take the steps as illustrated below.

Step 1: The standard process of uninstalling Google Backup and Sync is as follow.

• If you are using Windows, press "Windows + I" keys, you will see "Apps" section, click on it. Now, "Apps & features" appears on the left, click on it. After that, type in "Backup and Sync" within the search menu, the program appears on the screen. Lastly, click the "Uninstall" button.
• For Mac users the process is as follows: "Finder">> "Applications"> >pull "Backup and Sync" to the Trash at the bottom. After that, on the "Go" menu, click on "Library", and click to erase the "Application Support/Google/Drive" folder.

Step 2: Now, go to the official site by typing "google.com/drive/download/" in the browser. Find the updated version of Backup and Sync and install it on your PC.

Step 3: Open the program that you just updated. Then, sign-in to your account, and check whether it tends to work ordinarily.

2. Checking Firewall/Antivirus Programs

The presence of antivirus software or firewalls can also cause "Google Backup and Sync unable to connect" error.

Step 1: Firstly, head over to the "Control Panel" on your PC. Then, choose the "System and Security" option. There you will see "Windows Firewall" option. The next step is to pick the "Allow an app through Windows Firewall" option.

Step 2: Here, you will see all the services permitted/blocked by the firewall.

Step 3: Look for "Backup and Sync" app. Make sure it is enabled under both Private and Public columns.

You may happen to use an antivirus program. In this case, check its settings to confirm that Backup and Sync is permitted. Alternatively, you may choose to erase the antivirus program. At that point confirm that you can sign into your Google backup application account and use it regularly.

3. Try Running Backup and Sync as Administrator

In an organizational setup, not all users of a system have admin rights. So, it could be the reason as to why you can't connect to Google Backup and Sync. Here is a guide for you.

Step 1: On your desktop, there is a shortcut for Google "Backup and Sync" app. Right-click on it. Then select the "Properties" option.

Step 2: You can see the pop-up window. Here, navigate to the "Compatibility" tab.

Step 3: Several options will appear at this step. So, click on" Run as administrator" option.

To affirm that you can use the program as before, make another attempt to access the Google Backup and Sync application.

4. Changing the Proxy Settings

The use of proxies may prevent you from connecting to the Backup and Sync application. You can check the issue and avoid it by following the steps below.

Step 1: Check Proxy settings. You can check it by clicking the shortcut icon of Backup and Sync app and going to the "Preferences" section.

Step 2: In the network settings, you should turn off Automatically detect proxy settings option.

Step 3: Enable Direct Connect option.

Part 3: Back-Up Google Drive Files with the Help of AOMEI Backupper

As indicated above, an application like Google Backup and Sync may fail to function optimally. It is caused by many factors other than the features of the app. Other elements in the computing system have an impact on the functioning of an application. The network and its condition and reliability also affect how the application performs.

Such problems may occur when you have an urgent task to complete. Or when you are in an emergency. What do you do then? Repair? No. Repair needs time, and there is no guarantee that it will solve the problem immediately. Frequent repairs are also cumbersome. Another thing with repairs is that you may not know how to do them.

Now is when off-the-shelf software becomes handy. There can be thirty-party software you can use to back up Google Drive documents. Again, how do you choose one? There are many options out there, but AOMEI Backupper is the most recommended.

Why AOMEI Backupper?

Well, it is simple and easy to use. With this feature, it offers a lot of convenience to you. Here is a detailed procedure on how to automatically back up your files to Google Drive by using AOMEI Backupper. Secure your files with AOMEI Backupper with following simple steps.

Step 1: Get the Software and Install It

It is available for download at no cost. So, download and then install it to access the main menu.

Step 2: Choose File Sync

On the main screen of this software, go to the "Backup" section. After that, click on "Basic Sync."

Step 3: Adding a Folder

Select "Add Folder" option. Now, you can choose the file you wish to backup.

Step 4: Start Syncing

If you want to run an auto-sync task, then you can click on the "Schedule" or "Options" tabs. Lastly, you can initiate the sync process by clicking the "Start Sync" button at the bottom. When it is complete, click "Finish" to exit.

The Extras That You Get to Enjoy:

• With AOMEI Backupper, you can also back up files from multiple other cloud platforms like Dropbox and OneDrive.
• It also provides you with the "Real-time sync" feature. With this, files are synchronized as soon as changes are made on them. However, this fantastic feature is only available if you are using the paid version of AOMEI Backupper.

Conclusion

So, in this article, we tried to address the causes of and solutions to the "Google Backup and Sync can't connect" error. If you follow the instructions provided above, you will be able to solve this error.

While doing all these tasks, you have to remember that everything good has its downside. Backup and Sync does not offer 100% security to your files. That is because Google Drives deletes folders if you remove it from the Google Drive folder.

Therefore, experts recommend using a reliable, third-party backup software for the protection of your computer folders. Choose AOMEI Backupper and you will not only enjoy data security but a host of other amazing features.