backup android
The backup options screen as documented at https://docs.immich.app/features/automatic-backup doesn't match what v1.143.1 (build 3017) actually displays. Here is the backup options screen from the docs
... and here is a screenshot of the screen in the app itself
In the current version of the app there is no reference on the options screen to either foreground or background backup, and no way to turn either one off or on.
I am trying to set up automatic backup but I need to understand the workflow and the docs are no help. How do I set up backup so that photos are backed up from my phone on an ongoing basis?
Server: Immich server 1.136.0, Ubuntu 24.04.2 LTS
Client: Immich Android App 1.143.1, GrapheneOS 2025092700 (Android 16)
Automatic Backup | Immich
Immich supports uploading photos and videos from your mobile device to the server automatically.
11 Replies
:wave: Hey @Christopher Jones,
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If this ticket can be closed you can use the /close command, and re-open it later if needed.First, you need to update your server.
Second you are correct the docs are outdated with the new system.
All you should need to back up is
Select "Cloud" icon on the top right. Select your "Backup Albums". These are the albums contain the photos that will be backed up to the server. Then at the bottom just toggle "Enable Backup"
Has a change to the server since 1.136 broken the protocol between the Android client and the Immich server? OTW I shouldn't think a server update should affect this. Nonetheless I will go ahead and update. I will admit that the update cadence on Immich is faster than I am comfortable with.
The entire mobile app was basically rewritten from the ground up recently to improve the entire experience.
Including scrolling, loading, backups and such
Second, I am really looking for the background backup service. When I do as you say and toggle Enable Backup, it looks like I am getting a foreground update, which seems to stop whenever the OS feels like suspending the app.
This is why the server needs to be updated and in line.
You will need to let the app stay open and basically upload everything. The background upload is for day-to-day items
And yes the updates are frequent, but breaking changes like that are becoming fewer.
That makes sense. I will update the server & see if it helps. I should probably spend some time reading the code for the Android app so I can understand how it works (I am a seasoned Android developer - though now retired).
Go for it! Most of it is written in flutter but I believe there is some app specific code
Not familiar with Flutter. Is that a Android / iOS cross-platform layer?
Basically, it's a cross-platform framework that allows building for multiple mobile architectures
Makes sense. Going offline now, thanks for all the info.