DEV Community

Stephano Kambeta
Stephano Kambeta

Posted on

How to Automate Daily Backups with Termux and Rclone

#rclone #termux #automation #tutorial

Backing up your files regularly is one of the smartest things you can do to protect your data. Whether it’s personal photos, important documents, or work-related files, having an automated backup process ensures you’re never caught off guard by accidental deletions, device loss, or cyber incidents. With Termux and Rclone , you can set up daily backups from your Android device to cloud storage services like Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive, and more—all without needing a computer.

Why Automate Backups in Termux?

Manual backups take time and effort, and honestly, we tend to forget them. Automating this process ensures your files are always protected without you having to think about it. If you’re already using Termux for tasks like quick automation projects or running security scripts, setting up Rclone will feel like a natural extension of your workflow.

Step 1: Install Termux and Update Packages

First, make sure Termux is installed on your Android device. If you need help installing, check this guide on how to install Termux. Then, open Termux and update your packages:

pkg update && pkg upgrade -y
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

Step 2: Install Rclone in Termux

Rclone is a powerful command-line tool that supports syncing with over 40 different cloud storage providers. To install it in Termux:

pkg install rclone -y
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

Step 3: Configure Rclone for Your Cloud Storage

Run the Rclone configuration wizard to link your cloud storage account:

rclone config
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

You’ll be prompted to:

  • Create a new remote
  • Choose your cloud storage provider (e.g., Google Drive)
  • Authenticate your account
  • Name your remote (e.g., mydrive)

Once done, you can test your setup:

rclone ls mydrive:
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

Step 4: Create a Backup Script

Now we’ll create a simple shell script to upload your files to the cloud. For example, if you want to back up your Documents folder to Google Drive:

nano backup.sh
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

Inside the script, paste:

#!/bin/bash
rclone copy /storage/emulated/0/Documents mydrive:Backups/Documents --verbose
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

Save the file (CTRL + O, then CTRL + X) and make it executable:

chmod +x backup.sh
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

Step 5: Automate the Backup with Cron

Termux doesn’t come with cron by default, but you can install it:

pkg install cronie -y
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

Start the cron service:

crond
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

Edit your crontab to run the backup daily at 2 AM:

crontab -e
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

Add the line:

0 2 * * * /data/data/com.termux/files/home/backup.sh
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

Step 6: Test Your Backup

Run the script manually to ensure it works:

./backup.sh
Enter fullscreen mode Exit fullscreen mode

Then check your cloud storage to confirm the files were uploaded successfully.

Extra Tips for Better Backups

  • Use rclone sync instead of copy to mirror changes.
  • Encrypt sensitive files before uploading (important for business security).
  • Combine with a VPN for secure file transfers.
  • Schedule backups during off-peak hours to avoid slowing down your device.

Security Considerations

Your backups might contain personal or business-critical data. If you’re running a company, integrate cloud backups into your network security strategy and make sure they align with your risk management plan. Never store your Rclone configuration file in an unsecured location.

Conclusion

With Termux and Rclone, you can create a fully automated daily backup system right on your Android phone. It’s lightweight, reliable, and works with almost any cloud provider. By taking a few minutes to set this up, you’re protecting yourself from data loss and ensuring that your files are always safe—whether you’re dealing with accidental deletions, device theft, or even a larger cybersecurity event like the ones handled by incident response teams.

Top comments (0)