diff --git a/vector/src/main/java/im/vector/app/core/services/GuardServiceStarter.kt b/vector/src/main/java/im/vector/app/core/services/GuardServiceStarter.kt
index 1aacde24e4..473151ae80 100644
--- a/vector/src/main/java/im/vector/app/core/services/GuardServiceStarter.kt
+++ b/vector/src/main/java/im/vector/app/core/services/GuardServiceStarter.kt
@@ -19,6 +19,7 @@ package im.vector.app.core.services
 import android.content.Context
 import android.content.Intent
 import androidx.core.content.ContextCompat
+import im.vector.app.core.pushers.UPHelper
 import im.vector.app.features.settings.VectorPreferences
 import timber.log.Timber
 import javax.inject.Inject
@@ -28,7 +29,7 @@ class GuardServiceStarter @Inject constructor(
         private val appContext: Context
         ) {
     fun start() {
-        if (preferences.isBackgroundSyncEnabled()) {
+        if (preferences.isBackgroundSyncEnabled() && UPHelper.allowBackgroundSync(appContext)) {
             try {
                 Timber.i("## Sync: starting GuardService")
                 val intent = Intent(appContext, GuardService::class.java)