diff --git a/.github/release-please.yml b/.github/release-please.yml
index 7bf5807658..cc37e2a8c8 100644
--- a/.github/release-please.yml
+++ b/.github/release-please.yml
@@ -6,3 +6,7 @@ branches:
     handleGHRelease: true
     releaseType: java-yoshi
     branch: java7
+  - bumpMinorPreMajor: true
+    handleGHRelease: true
+    releaseType: java-backport
+    branch: 2.4.x
diff --git a/.github/sync-repo-settings.yaml b/.github/sync-repo-settings.yaml
index cf43d3b39e..404d54ca4e 100644
--- a/.github/sync-repo-settings.yaml
+++ b/.github/sync-repo-settings.yaml
@@ -32,6 +32,21 @@ branchProtectionRules:
       - units (11)
       - 'Kokoro - Test: Integration'
       - cla/google
+  - pattern: 2.4.x
+    isAdminEnforced: true
+    requiredApprovingReviewCount: 1
+    requiresCodeOwnerReviews: true
+    requiresStrictStatusChecks: false
+    requiredStatusCheckContexts:
+      - dependencies (8)
+      - dependencies (11)
+      - lint
+      - clirr
+      - units (8)
+      - units (11)
+      - 'Kokoro - Test: Integration'
+      - cla/google
+      - OwlBot Post Processor
 permissionRules:
   - team: yoshi-admins
     permission: admin