Backup Synology NAS to pCloud: Full Guide

Yes, you can back up your Synology NAS to pCloud, and the most reliable method is using the built-in Hyper Backup tool with the pCloud WebDAV server. This guide explains the setup process, the pros and cons of each approach, and answers common questions about cloud backup for Synology devices.

Why Back Up a NAS to the Cloud

A NAS (Network Attached Storage) protects against drive failure through RAID, but it does not protect against theft, fire, flood, or ransomware that encrypts all connected drives. An offsite backup in the cloud ensures your data survives even if the entire NAS is lost or compromised. pCloud is a popular choice because it offers lifetime plans, client-side encryption (in its Crypto folder), and no file size limits on uploads via desktop or WebDAV.

Method 1: Using Hyper Backup with pCloud WebDAV

Synology’s Hyper Backup is the most integrated solution. It supports versioning, deduplication, and scheduled backups, and it can write to pCloud through the WebDAV protocol.

1. In DSM, open Hyper Backup and select + > Data backup task.
2. Choose Remote NAS device or WebDAV as the destination (pCloud works via WebDAV).
3. Enter the pCloud WebDAV URL: https://webdav.pcloud.com (or the region-specific one, e.g., https://webdav.pcloudy.com for EU).
4. Provide your pCloud username (usually your email) and password. If you have two-factor authentication enabled, generate an app password in pCloud settings.
5. Select the shared folders you want to back up, choose a schedule, and enable versioning if desired.

Hyper Backup will create a special folder on pCloud (by default Synology) and store its own backup format there. You can restore individual files or the entire backup from the same tool.

Method 2: pCloud Drive or Desktop App

Another approach is to mount pCloud as a network drive on the NAS using the pCloud desktop application, but that is not directly supported on Synology DSM. Instead, you can use the Cloud Sync package in DSM to sync a local folder to pCloud. However, Cloud Sync is a sync, not a backup: if you delete a file locally, it is deleted in the cloud (unless you enable versioning in pCloud). For a true backup, Hyper Backup is safer because it keeps historical versions.

Method 3: Using rclone via Task Scheduler

Advanced users can install rclone on the NAS (via the Synology Community package or Docker) and run scheduled syncs to pCloud. rclone supports pCloud natively and offers encryption, checksums, and incremental transfers. This method gives more control over filtering and bandwidth, but it requires command-line familiarity and does not provide versioning unless you script it.

Choosing the Right Method

• Hyper Backup – best for most users; built-in, versioned, easy restore.
• Cloud Sync – good for real-time syncing of active work, not for backup.
• rclone – best for power users needing custom filters or encryption.

Consider your data size, internet upload speed, and how often you need to restore. If you have a very large NAS (10+ TB), initial upload may take weeks, so plan for a one-time seed using a local disk or a faster connection.

Common Problems and Solutions

• WebDAV connection fails – Check that your pCloud account is active and that you use the correct regional URL. Also ensure your NAS firewall allows outbound HTTPS (port 443).
• Slow uploads – pCloud does not throttle, but your ISP’s upload speed is the bottleneck. Enable bandwidth control in Hyper Backup to avoid saturating your connection.
• App password required – If you have 2FA enabled, you must generate an app-specific password in pCloud’s security settings, not use your main password.
• Backup fails with “file too large” – pCloud via WebDAV supports large files, but some NAS filesystems have a 16 TB limit. For files over 100 GB, consider splitting them or using rclone with chunked transfers.

Cost and Storage Considerations

pCloud offers both monthly/yearly subscriptions and lifetime plans (e.g., 2 TB or 10 TB). There is also a free 10 GB account for testing. Unlike many providers, pCloud does not charge extra for WebDAV access. However, the Crypto folder (client-side encryption) is an add-on cost. For backup, you need enough storage for the current data plus versions if you enable them. Hyper Backup’s deduplication reduces space usage, but plan for at least 1.5 times your NAS data size for a few versions.

Safety and Security

pCloud encrypts data in transit (TLS) and at rest on their servers, but they hold the encryption keys unless you use the Crypto folder. For sensitive data, enable pCloud Crypto or use rclone with its built-in encryption. Also, protect your NAS with a strong admin password and enable 2FA on both Synology and pCloud. Remember that a cloud backup is only as safe as your credentials – use a unique password and never share it.

Alternatives to pCloud

If pCloud does not meet your needs, other cloud providers that support WebDAV or have Synology packages include:

• Backblaze B2 – pay-as-you-go, very cheap, but no WebDAV; use Hyper Backup with S3-compatible API.
• Wasabi – flat-rate storage, S3-compatible, good for large backups.
• IDrive – offers NAS backup plans with its own client.
• Google Drive / Dropbox – work with Cloud Sync but have file size limits and may not be ideal for huge backups.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Hyper Backup work with pCloud for free?

Yes, Hyper Backup can connect to pCloud’s WebDAV server on any plan, including the free 10 GB account. The free plan has a 1 GB file size limit for uploads via WebDAV, so it is only suitable for testing or small backups.

Can I restore individual files from a pCloud backup?

Yes, with Hyper Backup you can browse the backup contents and restore specific files or folders. The backup is stored in a proprietary format, but the restore wizard handles it.

Is pCloud safe for backing up sensitive data?

pCloud encrypts data at rest, but pCloud holds the encryption keys. For maximum security, enable the Crypto folder (paid add-on) or use rclone with client-side encryption before upload.

How long does the initial backup take?

It depends on your upload speed and data size. For example, 1 TB at 20 Mbps upload takes about 5 days of continuous upload. Hyper Backup allows you to set a bandwidth limit so you can keep using your internet.

Does pCloud have a file size limit?

pCloud’s WebDAV has a 1 GB file size limit for free accounts and 5 GB for paid accounts. For larger files, use rclone or the pCloud desktop app, which have no practical limits.

What happens if my NAS dies – can I restore to a new Synology?

Yes, install Hyper Backup on the new NAS, select “Restore” and choose pCloud as the source. You will need your pCloud credentials and the backup folder. Restoring to a different model is possible as long as the DSM version is compatible.

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