Answer
Automatic online backups can stop silently if the saved credentials become stale - for example, after you reset your online backups password on another computer or device. When the app attempts the scheduled backup and the login fails, it skips the backup for that session. If credentials were previously configured, the app opens the Online Backups wizard so you can re-authenticate.
In the Desktop App
The desktop app attempts an automatic online backup when you close the program (if the Automatically backup every 7 days? option is ticked under Tools >> Online Backups and a backup is due). This is separate from the Backup your data automatically setting under Settings >> Backups, which only saves a copy to a folder on your computer. If the login attempt fails and credentials are stored, the Online Backups wizard opens automatically with a prompt to log in again. Enter your current password to re-authenticate. The next scheduled backup will then proceed normally.
If the wizard does not appear, you can open it manually via Tools >> Online Backups. Log in there to restore the connection. Automatic backups run on a 7-day cycle, so the next backup will occur within 7 days of a successful login.
If you have forgotten your online backups password, click Forgotten Password? in the wizard to receive a reset code by email. See I've Forgotten my Password for Online Backups for the full reset steps.
In the Online (Web/Mobile) App
In the web or mobile app, automatic backups are controlled by the Automatically backup every 7 days? toggle in Tools >> Online Backups. If you have clicked Logout on that screen, or the saved online backups password no longer works (for example after a reset on another device), the automatic backup cannot run. Navigate to Tools >> Online Backups, log in with your password, and confirm the toggle is enabled. Backups will resume from that point.
For a full guide to setting up and using online backups in the web or mobile app, see How Do I Use Online Backups in the Web or Mobile App?
Other Reasons Automatic Backups May Stop
- The Automatically backup every 7 days? option in Tools >> Online Backups (desktop or web/mobile) has been turned off, or you clicked Logout there, which turns it off.
- The subscription does not have full access (trial accounts are not eligible for online backups, and the desktop app also needs a current licence).
- A network or internet connectivity issue prevented the login or upload from completing.
