diff --git a/qt/aqt/mediasync.py b/qt/aqt/mediasync.py
index d105a098d..fd0238254 100644
--- a/qt/aqt/mediasync.py
+++ b/qt/aqt/mediasync.py
@@ -11,7 +11,8 @@ from typing import List, Union
 import aqt
 from anki import hooks
 from anki.consts import SYNC_BASE
-from anki.rsbackend import TR, Interrupted, MediaSyncProgress, Progress, ProgressKind
+from anki.rsbackend import TR, Interrupted, MediaSyncProgress, Progress, \
+    ProgressKind, NetworkError
 from anki.types import assert_impossible
 from anki.utils import intTime
 from aqt import gui_hooks
@@ -100,6 +101,10 @@ class MediaSyncer:
         if isinstance(exc, Interrupted):
             self._log_and_notify(tr(TR.SYNC_MEDIA_ABORTED))
             return
+        elif isinstance(exc, NetworkError):
+            # avoid popups for network errors
+            self._log_and_notify(str(exc))
+            return
 
         self._log_and_notify(tr(TR.SYNC_MEDIA_FAILED))
         showWarning(str(exc))