offsite server backup with google drive
Haven't yet implemented the '1' from the '3-2-1' rule? Well, here we are.
This guide will explain how to securely synchronise your server backups to Google Drive using Rclone, completely bypassing expensive premium control panel extensions.
1
Install Rclone
Log into your VPS via SSH and run the official installation script.
sudo -v ; curl https://rclone.org/install.sh | sudo bash2
Connect to Google Drive
You must authorise Rclone to access your cloud storage.
1
Run the configuration command:
rclone config2
Press n for New remote and name it gdrive.
3
Find the number next to Google Drive in the list (usually around 18) and enter it.
4
Leave the client_id and client_secret blank by pressing Enter twice.
5
Choose 1 for Full access.
6
Skip the advanced config by typing n.
7
When asked for auto config, type n because you are on a headless server.
8
Follow the on-screen instructions to authenticate via your local web browser and paste the resulting token back into the terminal.
9
Type q to quit the configuration menu.
Troubleshooting Headless Authentication
If the browser authentication token fails, you can download the Windows or Mac version of Rclone to your local computer and run
rclone authorize "drive"3
Test the Connection
Create a new folder named ServerBackups in your Google Drive. Then, run this command to verify Rclone can see it:
rclone lsd gdrive:4
Create the Sync Job
We will use cron to automate the synchronisation every night at 3:00 AM.
1
Open your crontab by typing
crontab -e2
Paste the following line at the very bottom of the file. You must adjust the source path
/path/to/your/local/backups/0 3 * * * rclone sync /path/to/your/local/backups/ gdrive:ServerBackups >/dev/null 2>&13
Save the file and exit your editor (if using Nano, press Ctrl+X, then Y, then Enter).
Your server is now configured to automatically push its backups off-site!
Last modified: April 2nd, 2026
