diff --git a/server/http_site_handler.go b/server/http_site_handler.go
index 33f658913..9d183af2a 100644
--- a/server/http_site_handler.go
+++ b/server/http_site_handler.go
@@ -370,7 +370,10 @@ func getBackup(authObject auth.Auth) http.HandlerFunc {
 			return
 		}
 
-		settings.Persist()
+		if err := settings.Persist(); err != nil {
+			http.Error(w, "Synching DB failed", http.StatusInternalServerError)
+			return
+		}
 
 		f, err := os.Open(db.FilePath)
 		if err != nil {