diff --git a/src/appdb.js b/src/appdb.js
index 5760e34fb..9dadd603c 100644
--- a/src/appdb.js
+++ b/src/appdb.js
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@ exports = module.exports = {
     ISTATE_PENDING_UNINSTALL: 'pending_uninstall', // uninstallation
     ISTATE_PENDING_RESTORE: 'pending_restore', // restore to previous backup or on upgrade
     ISTATE_PENDING_UPDATE: 'pending_update', // update from installed state preserving data
-    ISTATE_PENDING_BACKUP: 'pending_backup', // backup the app
+    ISTATE_PENDING_BACKUP: 'pending_backup', // backup the app. this is state because it blocks other operations
     ISTATE_ERROR: 'error', // error executing last pending_* command
     ISTATE_INSTALLED: 'installed', // app is installed