diff --git a/plinth/modules/backups/__init__.py b/plinth/modules/backups/__init__.py
index 3e81ebab7..eb4615cbe 100644
--- a/plinth/modules/backups/__init__.py
+++ b/plinth/modules/backups/__init__.py
@@ -20,6 +20,8 @@ from . import api
 
 version = 2
 
+is_essential = True
+
 managed_packages = ['borgbackup', 'sshfs']
 
 depends = ['storage']