Why use Google Drive?
A backup stored on the same server can be lost if the server fails. Google Drive is an online storage service from Google. Saving backups there gives you a safe copy in a second place. WHM is the control panel for server owners. Newer versions can send backups to Google Drive directly.
You need WHM access and a Google account. Google Drive storage is limited and can cost money if you go over the free amount, so check your Google plan.
Steps in WHM
- Log in to WHM.
- Search for Backup Configuration and open it.
- Turn on Enable Backups, if it is off.
- Choose how often to back up, such as daily, and how many copies to keep.
- Scroll to Additional Destinations.
- In the drop-down, choose Google Drive.
- Click Create new destination.
- Type a name, such as "My Drive Backups".
- Type a folder name where backups will go.
Steps to connect Google
- You must have a Google Cloud project with the Drive API turned on. API means a way for programs to talk to each other. Open the Google Cloud Console and create one.
- Create an OAuth client ID. OAuth is a safe way to let one service use another without sharing a password.
- Copy the Client ID and Client Secret into the WHM form.
- Click Generate or Authorize. A Google window opens.
- Sign in and click Allow.
- Back in WHM, click Validate or Save Destination.
- Click Save Configuration at the bottom.
Tip: Never share your Client Secret. It works like a password.
Test it
- Run a backup or wait for the next scheduled one.
- Open Google Drive.
- Look for the folder you named.
- Check that a new backup file appears.
Screens may look different in different WHM versions. Ask Hostvento support if you cannot find the Google Drive option.
Quick recap
- Offsite backups protect you if the server fails.
- Add Google Drive under Backup Configuration, then Additional Destinations.
- You need a Client ID and Client Secret from Google.
- Click Allow to connect your account.
- Test by checking Drive after a backup.