diff --git a/scripts/backup/backup b/scripts/backup/backup
index a0418da..46f09ae 100755
--- a/scripts/backup/backup
+++ b/scripts/backup/backup
@@ -55,6 +55,12 @@ encryption_key=$(derive_entropy "umbrel_backup_encryption_key")
 
 echo "Creating backup..."
 
+if [[ ! -f "${UMBREL_ROOT}/lnd/data/chain/bitcoin/${BITCOIN_NETWORK}/channel.backup" ]]; then
+    echo "No channel.backup file found, skipping backup..."
+    rm -f "${UMBREL_ROOT}/statuses/backup-in-progress"
+    exit 1
+fi
+
 mkdir -p "${BACKUP_ROOT}"
 
 cp --archive "${UMBREL_ROOT}/lnd/data/chain/bitcoin/${BITCOIN_NETWORK}/channel.backup" "${BACKUP_ROOT}/channel.backup"