Failed to upload preference backup file - Failed to parse JSON response

The issue occurs when attempting to upload a preference backup file, resulting in an error message stating 'Failed to upload preference backup file - Failed to parse JSON response'.

 

The error message “Failed to parse JSON response” occurs because the associated cloud backup service on the firewall is currently disabled and is scheduled for removal in upcoming firmware releases. As a result, this service is no longer functional and cannot be used for cloud backup operations.
To continue performing cloud backups, SonicWall Network Security Manager (NSM) should be used. NSM provides native support for managing and scheduling firewall configuration backups and is the recommended approach going forward.

For detailed instructions on configuring scheduled backups using NSM, please refer to the following knowledge base article:
https://www.sonicwall.com/support/knowledge-base/how-to-schedule-firewall-backups-on-nsm/kA1VN00000…

NSM is available for GEN7 and GEN8 firewall administrators to use. 
As of the May 1, 2025 licensing changes (specifically with NSM 3.0), SonicWall Gen 7 firewalls receive included licensing for Network Security Manager (NSM) Essentials.
Customers must manually switch the firewall management to 'Cloud' in the interface to begin using NSM.

Gen 8 firewalls are designed to receive Network Security Manager (NSM) licensing immediately upon registration.