Having a backup copy allows you to quickly restore your smartphone or tablet in case of various software damages. Some data is perfectly stored in cloud services - this includes contacts from the phone book, calendar entries, letters and much more.
If you need to save user files and applications, it is easier to create a backup copy. How to make a backup on Android via a computer or smartphone/tablet? Special programs are used for this – let’s look at them in more detail.
Making a backup via computer
How to make a backup on Android using a computer? Use MyPhoneExplorer to create a backup. This is a fairly multifunctional and very convenient application with a Russian-language interface. Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or cable are used to connect to a smartphone/tablet.
Using the program is very easy - we connect, wait for the data to synchronize, and then view the contents of the device. How to make a full backup? To do this, you need to go to “Miscellaneous – Create a backup copy of data”. The program will connect to the device and then ask which components will be backed up.
We select the necessary components and click the “Create a backup copy” button - after a few minutes the entire set of specified data will be saved on the hard drive. The disadvantage of the program is that it does not save system settings, applications and other data.
Along with the desktop application, you must install the MyPhoneExplorer Client client application on your smartphone/tablet. Otherwise, establishing a connection with the device will be denied.
The ADB Run application will help you make a full backup on Android. For it to work, you need to download and install ADB drivers and enable USB debugging. Next, connect the device to the computer, launch the program, select “Backup – ADB Backup”. The device will ask for permission to create a full backup.
We confirm our intentions and wait for the results to be saved. To restore your smartphone/tablet from a backup, you need to select “Backup – ADB Restore”.
During the process of creating a backup via ADB Run, you can set a password and encrypt the backup being created. If you decide to set a password, keep it in a safe place - without it, recovery will not be possible.
Owners of Samsung mobile devices are luckier - they can use a special Kies application that works in conjunction with Samsung smartphones and tablets. The functionality of the application is quite large, and there is a backup function. Creating a backup occurs as follows:
- Connect your smartphone or tablet to your PC;
- We are waiting for connection;
- Go to the “Back Up/Restore” tab;
- Select the data to be backed up;
- We start copying and wait for the results.
Restoring from a backup occurs in the same way.
Making a backup via a mobile device
How to make a backup of Android firmware without the help of a computer? To do this we can use the ROM Manager application. It has powerful functionality and can create full backups. The application requires root rights to run..
Creating a backup copy is carried out in the Backup Current ROM menu. Select this item, create a copy and save it on the memory card. In order to activate access to working with backups, you must select “Flash ClockWorkMod Recovery” and go to the “Install or Update Recovery – ClockWorkMod Recovery” section.
Here we select the model of the smartphone or tablet, after which we get to the backup menu. During the process of creating a backup, the device may think - it is working with a large amount of data, which takes time.
To get root rights for your device, use the Kingo Root program or find the appropriate instructions for your smartphone or tablet.
How to make a Backup Android via Recovery Mode, you need to install a custom recovery, since the standard recovery does not have the required item. We recommend installing CWM Recovery on your device, which has the necessary functionality. Installation instructions for a particular device can be found on specialized forums. How to make a backup of the Android system via CWM Recovery?
- Turn off the smartphone/tablet;
- Press and hold the combination of buttons to enter Recovery mode;
- Select the item “Backup and restore – backup”;
- We are waiting for the backup copy to be saved on the memory card or in the device memory.
Using the same mode, data is restored from a backup copy..
Did you know that before getting root or performing any experiments with a mobile device, you need to read the information on the topic: “how to make an Android backup.”
A considerable percentage of mobile device users are interested in unlimited privileges (root rights) and all kinds of experiments with software.
They receive them after rooting.
As a result, these users often start looking for information about what to do when it doesn’t load, this or that error appears, how to install the system application back, etc.
It’s good if the device malfunctions or boots in circles, but it’s much worse when it turns into a “brick.”
Even in the latter case, non-functioning software can be brought back to life simply by performing a software rollback.
We’ll look at how to make an Android backup in this article, and we’ll touch on not only the firmware, but also programs, photos, and any other information.
Content:Android developers offer a basic set of backup functions, which are carried out automatically.
In the device parameters you only have to check the boxes next to the required items, and all the required information after resetting the smartphone configuration or its firmware will be restored after.
Android backup via ADB
The first method, in addition to the one discussed above, is also offered by Google. It is far from the most convenient, but it has its place.
So, to create a backup you should:
The operating instructions for the utility are as follows.
- Call the application and click on the item “Backup”.
- Select “ADB Backup” to backup information on your smartphone/tablet.
Rice. 3 – Starting a backup in the program
- On the gadget, tap on the icon "Create a backup...".
Rice. 4 – Confirm the creation of a backup copy
Enter a password if required, or leave the field for encrypting information empty.
- We are waiting for the files to be archived.
To roll back the operating system with all applications and related information, do the following.
- We connect the device via USB.
- Launch ADB and select “Backup”.
- In the next window, click “ADB Restore”.
Rice. 5 – Recovery window via ADB tool
- On the device, tap on the icon "Recover data" after entering the password if the backup was encrypted.
Rice. 6 – Confirmation of resuscitation of data on the device
The main disadvantage of Google's Android backup methods is the lack of support for applications that are not available in .
And there are a lot of issues with ease of use, so it’s easier to transfer your software, their settings and achievements through third-party programs.
We reserve only the necessary information
We will consider only a few programs that are highly rated by users. First on the list is Titanium Backup.
Titanium Backup
The utility needs no introduction, but root rights are required for it to work.
Its functionality includes:
- application backup and recovery,
- freezing them and completely uninstalling them,
- transferring programs to the SD card that do not support this by default,
- automation of many processes,
- working with multiple copies of one application.
Titanium Backup supports call history, SMS and MMS, data on wireless Internet access points, address book, calendar information and can synchronize data with cloud services.
The most common use of the utility is to transfer settings and personal information between devices or firmware.
First of all, we fulfill the following requirements.
- We free up the amount of memory required for backup on the SD card or internal memory of the device.
- We get root rights.
Sometimes you may need to enable USB debugging, but this happens extremely rarely.
- Go to the group actions menu by clicking on the icon with a checkmark at the top right or calling the command “ Group actions" through the "Additional" button. Menu".
Rice. 7 – Titanium Backup Group Actions Window
A list of batch actions will appear here:
Rice. 8 – List of batch actions for backing up information in Titanium Backup
- backup of all applications with their data;
- copying only system software with settings;
- combining the first two options;
- creating a new backup without affecting the existing one;
- deleting old backups;
- updating the existing copy after changes (an SMS was received, a contact was added);
- similar to the previous option, but concerning third-party software (installed/uninstalled the application, changed its settings);
- combining the two previous options;
- the same as the 8th method, but with the inclusion of changes relating to system applications.
After clicking on the “Start” button next to the desired option, depending on the option, you will be able to select programs/games and data to be backed up.
Rice. 9 – Application selection interface in Titanium Backup
At the top right, click on the checkmark icon to launch.
The same menu of batch actions will help you perform a rollback if necessary, where the following operations are available:
- restore only missing applications;
- resuscitation of all information contained in the archive about installed programs;
- rollback only data related to system services and programs;
- combining the two previous points;
- replacing new versions of programs and games with those contained in the archive.
Rice. 10 – List of batch operations for software recovery via Titanium Backup
Backup and reset
You don’t have to spend money on purchasing Titanium Backup; smartphones/tablets already contain all the tools that allow you to protect yourself from data loss.
In the settings item "Backup/Reset" options for manual and automatic archiving of applications with all files, and other Google parameters are available.
The backup copy will be stored on the corporation's servers, and to perform a rollback you will have to connect to a wireless network.
Rice. 11 – Interface of the backup and reset device parameters window
After flashing the device's firmware or resetting its state, the system will offer to download data stored on a remote server.
Android backup - Full Backup
Today I decided to tell and show one of the many ways to make a complete backup of your phone or tablet. This action will take a few minutes of your time, but in the future it can save you from losing important information and your time. In order to make a full backup of a phone or tablet, Root rights must be installed on it, you can find out how to do this by clicking on the link in the video
Helium - App Sync and Backup
Unlike its competitors, Helium does not require rooting, although if rooted, it will unlock its full potential.
For phones without superuser rights, you will have to install the additional Helium Desktop application on your computer.
It supports a large list of data, which does not include information about system applications, and they themselves even if you have root.
Some programs are not supported, they are displayed at the bottom of the software list, but Helium remembers and distinguishes all devices where it was launched and copies created for them.
Let's look at how to make an Android backup on non-rooted devices.
- After starting the program, activate USB debugging in the gadget settings.
Rice. 12 – Enable USB debugging in the mobile device settings
- We launch the computer version of the software and connect the devices.
Rice. 13 – Result of successful connection – green tick
- Let's go to the tab "Reservation"
Rice. 14 – Action selection window in Hellium
- Uncheck the box next to the option "Application data only", if we archive the programs themselves.
- Check the required boxes.
Rice. 15 – Mark applications to add to backup
- Click "Reservation" and select a storage location for the archive.
Rice. 16 – Selecting a storage location for the archive
- Click on the button at the bottom right.
Rice. 17 – Confirmation of the backup operation
After some time everything will be ready.
Rice. 18 – Successfully completed operation window
To resuscitate files from the archive, go to the recovery and synchronization menu, select the storage, the required data and start the recovery process.
Rice. 19 – Select a backup storage device
Helium archiving data and applications without root on Android
How to quickly backup an Android device. All possible ways
As the well-known IT wisdom says, system administrators are divided into those who do not make backups and those who already make backups. I think everyone has had to set up a phone/tablet from scratch at least once after updating or crashing. But it’s not at all necessary to do this if you have a saved backup. In this article we will look at different types of backup (backup) of the contents of Android devices for all occasions.
Introduction
Having received root on a smartphone, the average user begins to experiment with the device and install various interface modifications, themes, fonts, new kernels, firmware, radio and root applications. As a regular, long-time and active user of the 4PDA and XDA Developers forums, I can say that very often such experiments end in questions with the wording: “The phone won’t boot, what should I do?”
Even after reading the instructions very carefully, you can make a typo or press the wrong button, and then get a bootloop - an eternal boot of the phone with repeated bootanimation. In the worst case, you can get a “brick” - the phone will not turn on at all. This happens very rarely, and, frankly, you need to try very hard to, for example, kill flash memory. Usually, what users consider to be a “brick” can be successfully restored with the help of simple manipulations. And backup will help us a lot with this.
Basic backup functions that will satisfy most ordinary users are offered by Google itself. In your phone settings there is an “Accounts” tab where you can check the necessary boxes. After flashing or resetting the device to factory settings or activating a new phone, Android itself will restore contacts, history and tabs of the Chrome browser, Google Keep notes, photos, application data, calendar events, and so on. In the latest versions of Android, you can restore the desktop with all shortcuts and automatically install all previously installed applications.
However, Google can't backup everything. System and application settings will be reset, saved passwords (or rather, authentication tokens) will disappear, applications from third-party markets will not be installed again. Therefore, we need tools that can save everything. We'll talk about them.
WARNING
Most of the applications described in this article require root and BusyBox.
Backup of applications and their data.
I myself follow the “clean install” approach. When upgrading to new firmware, it’s easier for me to set up programs from scratch. And the appearance of bugs in this case is reduced to nothing, especially when moving to the next major version of the firmware. But many users find it more convenient to save application settings and restore them on new firmware. This is especially true for third-party programs that are not in the market. I will focus on the two most popular applications, with millions of downloads.
Titanium Backup
The most powerful tool for backing up, restoring, freezing and deleting applications along with their data (including system ones and those pre-installed by the manufacturer). Allows you to set up automatic backup on a schedule without closing applications, and transfer any application to an SD card. You can store different backups of one application, save SMS, MMS, call history, browser bookmarks, Wi-Fi access points in the form of an XML file. Can sync all backups to Dropbox, Box and Google Drive. Using this application, it is easy to make any user application a system application, add encryption, and link the application to the market after recovery (for further updates). A convenient feature is the creation of an update.zip archive based on a backup of applications and data, which can be flashed from the recovery console to restore applications and settings.
One of the most useful uses of Titanium Backup is to transfer applications and their settings between devices. As an example, I’ll show you how to make the popular WhatsApp messenger work on a tablet without a SIM card. When you search for a program in the market, the description page will indicate that this program is not supported on your device. Even if you download and install the APK, to activate the program you need to call the device, which a tablet without a SIM card (or LTE with a tariff without voice calls or a dialer cut out of the firmware) cannot do.
So, go to Titanium, look for the desired application, click on it and click “Save” in the pop-up menu. If you swipe left in the menu, you can call up additional functions. The same menu can be called up with a long tap on the application in the list. After running the script, a new entry about the creation of a successful backup will appear in the notification panel. For ease of use, I advise you to configure the program to upload backups to the cloud. Synchronization can be configured on the third tab - “Schedules”. Click “Start” on the “Synchronization with Google Drive” item, and a notification in the curtain will indicate successful completion.
On the tablet we launch Titanium and synchronize backups with the cloud. At the same time, the newly made backup from the phone is downloaded. WhatsApp will be at the very end of the list of programs. A crossed out name means that the program is not installed on the tablet. Click on the program and select “Restore” from the pop-up menu. All. You can launch WhatsApp.
Helium - App Sync and Backup
The main difference of the program is the ability to work without superuser rights (the application uses the standard backup manager, available in any Android starting from version 4.0. - Ed.). At the same time, some of the functions are reduced and a companion application is required on the computer. The program will allow you to backup your user dictionary, messages and call logs, and Wi-Fi access points. System applications cannot be backed up, even if you are rooted. Also, reservation may be prohibited by the developers of some programs. They will be at the bottom of the list. For example, WhatsApp cannot be backed up.
Helium remembers all the devices on which it was launched and allows you to restore backups separately on different devices. Backups can be stored on a memory card or in the cloud (Google Drive, Box, Dropbox), and can also be made on a schedule. Another feature of the application is that it is easy to transfer data between devices, for example, having started a game on one device, you can continue it on another.
IMEI
There are often cases when, after updating the firmware, cellular communications and the Internet stop working. This is a sure sign that the IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) has failed. This number is unique for each device and serves to identify the device on the network. If there is a failure, it may be reset to zero, and the device will no longer see the network.
To avoid such cases, I advise you to make a backup of the EFS partition containing the IMEI in advance: using programs from the market, manually through the console (adb shell) or on the device through a terminal emulator. It is worth noting that for different devices, the partition table may differ radically depending on the chips used. In the case of Nexus 4, you need to enter the following commands in the terminal:
Backup IMEI:
Su dd if=/dev/block/mmcblk0p8 of=/sdcard/m9kefs1.img dd if=/dev/block/mmcblk0p9 of=/sdcard/m9kefs2.img
Repair IMEI:
Su dd if=/sdcard/m9kefs1.img of=/dev/block/mmcblk0p8 dd if=/sdcard/m9kefs2.img of=/dev/block/mmcblk0p9
The Nexus 5 does not have a dedicated EFS partition. Therefore, you need to backup sections 12 and 13, which contain not only IMEI, but also other data:
Su dd if=/dev/block/mmcblk0p12 of=/sdcard/modemst1.img dd if=/dev/block/mmcblk0p13 of=/sdcard/modemst2.img
Restoration is carried out by a similar command.
Photos and videos
After unsuccessful firmware update or, for example, damage or theft of the phone, the most unpleasant sensation is caused by the loss of captured videos and photos. After all, applications can be reinstalled, passwords can be restored if necessary, and photos, if you don’t protect yourself in advance, will be lost forever. And in the market there are programs for every taste for saving your photos and videos. Let's look at a few of them.
Google+
A standard program from the “good corporation”, pre-installed on all stock firmware. I’ve been using it for a long time and on all devices (currently the albums contain more than 10 thousand photos). Automatically syncs all captured photos with closed Picassa albums (soon the same feature will appear in Google Drive). Photos will be available on all devices logged into the same account. If you have Internet access, all photos can be viewed even on a new device by logging into your Google account. A nice bonus is auto-correction of some photos, creation of collages from similar photos and GIF animations from series of photos. “Auto-creatives” also automatically appear - a cut to music from many photos and videos taken on the same day. When you change the location where you take photos and videos, “Stories” and “Travel” usually appear.
Other options
- MEGA- provides 50 GB of storage by default, has flexible settings, a synchronization client for the computer and an extension for the Chrome browser. Different viewing modes, the ability to open folders for other users.
- Cloud Mail.ru- 100 GB for new users. It has a nice interface and a client for the computer.
- Dropbox- is interesting because it has a companion application, Carousel, which can not only automatically upload photos, but also clean your smartphone from those that have already been downloaded.
INFO
It is better to store important backups in the cloud or on your computer so that they can be used even after a complete wipe of the device.
Backup of arbitrary files
There are also various programs for backing up files on an SD card. In general, they have similar features and differ in interface or supported cloud services.
Foldersync
Material Design, support for Amazon Cloud Drive, Box, Dropbox, FTP, Google Drive, Mega, OneDrive, SMB/CIFS, WebDav, Yandex Disk. It has a built-in file manager, many settings, filters, and convenient planning. Ability to configure two-way synchronization, transfer hidden files, configure transfer via Wi-Fi / mobile Internet, Tasker support, PIN code protection, ability to synchronize subfolders.
DataSync
Ability to synchronize between devices via Bluetooth, schedule, application data, files and folders. Automatic two-way data synchronization will allow you to save game progress and automatically download it to all connected devices when data changes on one of them.
Dropsync
Advanced synchronization client with Dropbox. Uploading photos and videos, monitoring battery level, Wi-Fi/3G/4G/WiMax connections and adaptation according to user preferences, customizable auto-sync interval, plug-in for Tasker, ability to select synchronization mode: download only, download and delete, only downloading, mirror downloading and more.
Essentially, this is an analogue of the Dropbox desktop client with on-the-fly synchronization (as in the Linux version of the client, file changes are tracked using the inotify mechanism, so everything is synchronized at once, and not at certain time intervals).
INFO
For Linux/UNIX users, rsync backup for Android is suitable, which will allow you to send and receive files from a remote server via SSH. Has Tasker support.
Full device backup
Nandroid backup (from NAND - the type of memory used in modern smartphones) is a complete backup of the entire firmware along with applications, data and settings. The function is supported by TWRP or CWM. In addition, you can make a backup directly from Android using the Online nandroid backup program. The already discussed Titanium, as well as Nandroid manager, will help you recover individual data. First, let's see how to make a backup from the recovery console.
CWM
To create a backup, select Backup and Restore, and then Backup to /sdcard. Before clicking, you can select the backup format or free up unused data. To restore, select Backup and Restore and then Restore from /sdcard. If you select Advanced restore from /sdcard, you can specify the boot, system, data, cache, sd-ext partitions for recovery separately.
For greater safety, the resulting backup can be transferred to a computer. But there's a catch. The fact is that if the device has an “external” (real) memory card, CWM will place the backup in it and it will be available for saving on the computer using standard means (directory clockworkmod/backup/date-and-time-of-backup on the memory card ). Everything is fine here.
A lyrical digression, or a declaration of love for Nexus devices
If you look at the partition structure of Nexus devices using the adb shell busybox fdisk /dev/block/mmcblk0 command (you need root and installed from the BusyBox market), you can see the following picture (see screenshot “Partition structure on Nexus 5 and Nexus 4” ).
The aboot partition is the primary bootloader. It can be damaged if, for example, you flash the kernel or bootloader from another device or pull out the cord from the phone during the flashing process. In this case, the partition table crashes and the phone stops loading into the bootloader and recovery, and also stops responding to fastboot and adb commands.
An ordinary user thinks that it is a “brick” and takes the phone to a service center, where he pays more than a hundred dollars for a new one to replace the allegedly burnt board. In fact, in section 15 for Nexus 4 and section 11 for Nexus 5 there is a backup copy of the bootloader - abootb. This is one of the reasons why it is almost impossible to kill the Nexus, because the backup bootloader can be restored without any problems.
Turn off the smartphone and turn it on while pressing the keys simultaneously
$ adb shell su
The partition table will be restored, and if necessary, you can then flash the desired bootloader.
However, in smartphones without a memory card slot or in the absence of one, the backup will be invisible to the user. This is because Android's internal memory mount points have changed since version 4.2 to support multi-user operation. The virtual (internal) memory card itself is mounted in /data/media, and the CWM backup is also located there. But the main user's data is in /data/media/0, and it is this directory that is then mounted as /sdcard. Therefore, the backup will remain unavailable using standard means and without root rights.
You can get a backup from /data/media using a file manager with superuser rights or by connecting your smartphone to your computer in recovery mode. Next, enter the command adb shell, and then ls /sdcard/clockworkmod/backup/ to search for the directory with the latest backup. We transfer the backup with something like this:
$ adb pull /sdcard/clockworkmod/backup/2015-04-20.15.46.18 \ "D:\Nexus5\Backup\Nandroid\2015-04-20.15.46.18"
where the numbers are the previously found backup, corresponding to the date and time of its appearance, and at the end - the path on the computer to store the backup, which can be arbitrary.
TWRP
To create a backup, click the Backup button and mark the required sections with crosses (not sure - select all). Additionally, you can remove encryption, enable compression, skip creating an MD5 hash, and select saving to a USB - OTG flash drive. As a result, the backup will be in the /sdcard/twrp/backups/backup-date-and-time directory. Unlike CWM, it will be available regardless of the presence of a memory card. To restore, click Restore and select the one you need.
INFO
The market has a large number of programs for separate backup and recovery of SMS, calls, contacts, kernels, recovery, and so on.
Nandroid Manager
It is a one-stop tool to manage all your Nandroid backups. Using Nandroid Manager, you can recover applications and data, SMS, call log, Wi-Fi hotspots, saved paired Bluetooth devices, user dictionary from Nandroid. The application sees backups created in both custom recoveries, and allows you to rename them and search for information in separate databases within the backup.
Nandroid Manager Features
Online nandroid backup
Allows you to make a backup on a device operating in normal mode, without rebooting into recovery. In the settings you can select the following options:
- Backup name - manually each time / by UTC time zone / by phone time zone / based on the firmware version number, including the time of creation.
- Backup type - CWM/TWRP with or without compression.
- Mode - normal (full) / selection of partitions for copying. When you select the latter, a list with choices opens.
- Where to save the backup.
- The number of backups for storage is from “all” to 10 (if full, the older ones are deleted).
- Saving Yaffs2 sections as Tar files.
- Excluding Dalvik Cache from backup.
- Excluding Google Music files from backup.
The program supports uploading backup files to the cloud, FTP or Google Drive. A customizable schedule for automatic backups is available, from “every day” to “every 30 days” with the option “only when the device is charging.” Additionally, Tasker actions are supported using the plugin.
Backup using ADB
The method, so to speak, is for geeks. We connect the smartphone to the computer, enable USB debugging. Next, we use the adb backup command, which has the following keys:
- -f FILE - location and name of the backup file to be created on the computer. If this parameter is not present, the backup will be created in the current folder called backup.ab. On Windows, paths with spaces and special characters should be enclosed in quotes.
- -apk | -noapk - whether or not to save the APK application in the backup. The default is not to save.
- -system | -nosystem - whether to save system applications in backup. The default is to save. Selecting -nosystem will prevent system applications from being saved when -all is specified.
- -all - save all installed applications, including system ones, in backup.
- -shared | -noshared - whether to include application data and the contents of the memory card in the backup. The default is not to save.
- - here you can write a list of applications that will be backed up. Ignores -nosystem.
Accordingly, to perform a full backup, use the following command:
$ adb backup -f "D:\Backup\ADB-2015-04-20.ab" -apk -shared -all -system
After this, Now unlock your device and confirm the backup operation will appear in the console, and a notification will appear on the phone asking you to confirm the operation and set an optional password for the backup. The process of creating a backup copy can last more than forty minutes, so there is no need to be nervous. To restore, use the command “adb restore path-to-file”, for the example above it would be:
$ adb restore "D:\Backup\ADB-2015-04-20.ab"
We confirm the request on the phone, enter the password (if you set it during the backup) and wait for the recovery, which may take even longer than creating the backup itself.
INFO
You can find out the IMEI numbers of all your devices linked to Google (including old ones) on the page google.com/settings/dashboard by opening the Android list.
Conclusion
I hope this article will help you save time and nerves when experimenting with the device. And even the loss or theft of a phone will not be a tragedy if backups of photos and applications are stored in the cloud.
Nothing lasts forever, and, oddly enough, including various mobile gadgets and devices. Have you ever encountered a situation where your phone ended up in the hands of third parties (simple theft) or was simply smashed at speed or from the roof of a building? In 50% of cases, the data can be recovered, because the SD card remains intact or the phone’s memory is not damaged, but you have to pay huge sums of money (from 1000 to 10,000) to restore information in various service centers, and no one guarantees you 100 % data return.
What to do in this case? Any user, ahead of events, can predict such a situation and make a backup copy of the data in advance. Even if time passes between the last backup and the loss of access to the phone, the percentage of lost information will be kept to a minimum. We will tell you how to make a backup copy of Android, what methods are provided for this and how often such operations need to be performed.
Why do you need a backup and what tools to use?
Backup involves creating a copy of certain information on any device or system. This material is about the Android operating system, which is installed on smartphones and tablets. The copy can store not only data from SMS messages or contacts, calendars, but also all applications and programs installed on the phone.
To make a backup copy, you must first decide what exactly you need to save. For Android, there are a huge number of methods, each of which allows you to backup data without any problems. In this article we will describe the main ones and indicate which data is most suitable for working with which method.
Backup contacts, SMS, calendars in Android
Let's say that you need to make copies of only contacts or along with them also standard text information, for example, calendars, call logs, etc. The following methods are suitable for this:
- Standard contact synchronization in Google
- Specialized programs, for example, Super Backup, Helium
We described the process of synchronizing contacts in the article -.
Any user can work with the programs listed above without any problems. They are provided free of charge on Google Play. The described method is suitable for those people who need to make a backup without applications and games!
Full backup of data in Android - popular methods
If you decide to make a complete copy of the information on your device, including applications and games, you can use standard operating system tools or install an additional program that will create a backup of your data with the specified parameters in a few minutes.
Here is the main list of tools for work:
- Standard Android settings
- Recovery Mode
- Titanium Backup program (requires root rights on the device)
- Safe Backup program (no root rights required)
Creating an Android backup through system settings
Few people know, but Android has standard functionality for creating copies. And so, the procedure is as follows:
- Open your phone's Settings and select the All Settings tab. Next, find the “Backup and Reset” item. In some versions of Android, this item is located immediately after the settings.
- A standard control menu will open in front of you, which has about a dozen tabs for managing data on your phone. We are interested in the “Backup” item. Specify a name for the future file with copies.
- Next, in the menu that opens, select all types of data that should be saved. Please note that in addition to applications (a complete list of games and programs), you can also copy SMS, which is very important, contacts (although Google synchronization is available), call lists and much more.
- Be sure to select the location at the bottom of the window where the data will be saved. If your phone has an SD card, the backup can be saved there. Once a copy is created, it can be transferred to a computer, sent by mail, or transferred via Bluetooth.
- Attention! To use this copy in the future, select “Data Recovery” and follow the system prompts.
Creating a backup via recovery mode
In the article “” we told you how to switch to recovery mode on most devices (Home key combination, volume up, volume down). Look at the material and basic combinations, go to this mode.
- Let's say you entered this mode. A menu will appear on your screen in which you need to select the Backup and restore tab.
- Next, click on the Backup menu item, after which you will need to wait from 5 to 30 minutes, depending on the amount of information on your device and its system characteristics.
Backing up applications with Titanium Backup
This is a universal tool for working with backups. With this program you can not only create, but also restore any backup on your device. Just keep in mind that this application requires root rights!
The program is provided in two versions: free and paid (from 247 rubles), however, for standard operations the first option will be sufficient. All files are saved into a single zip file, which can be transferred to another device or saved to a USB drive.
To make a copy, follow these steps:
- Download and install Titanium Backup from Google Play. The program has many built-in language packages, including Russian.
- Open the program. A notification will appear indicating that you have root rights. Allow the app full access to your data. We recommend that you carefully read each item in this software, because there are a lot of settings here, as well as additional menu items, so it’s quite easy for an inexperienced user to get confused.
- Select the Backups tab. The system will display a complete list of applications and icons next to them. If the icon displays a triangle with a question, it means that a copy of this program has not yet been created previously. The location of programs and games is also displayed there.
- Select all applications that need to be packed into backup. Next, click the “Save” button. All saved programs will change the icon next to the name from a triangle to a cheerful smiley face.
This was the process of creating copies specifically for applications! To restore them in the future, you will also need Titanium Backup. Only this time you will have to select a full or partial list of applications by checking the boxes and clicking the “Restore” button. Recovery is available in several modes:
- Only data from programs (for example, if you have the applications themselves installed).
- Software only (if you don’t have any software).
- Software + Data (full recovery of a copy of applications with all data).
Creating a complete copy of data in Titanium Backup (paid version)
The difference between the paid version and the free version is that in the first version you will have access to additional options for creating copies. In addition to applications, it is possible to save system data, user software, check copies and much more.
After purchasing the paid version, you will have an additional item to manage all processes. Believe me, the price of 247 rubles is a minimal loss for you if the information is really important.
Creating a copy of Android in the Safe Backup program
Almost all programs require root rights to create copies. But what should a person do if he does not have such access? In this case, we suggest you use the Safe Backup tool. The program is distributed free of charge, has only a few menu items (which is very convenient) with a Russian interface.
- Download and install the application on Google Play.
- Open the program and select "Save".
- Next, provide a complete list of information that will need to be added to the backup.
- Specify the location on the card or phone where the copy will be stored.
To restore a previously created backup, you will need to click the “Restore” button and specify the file version.
conclusions
This is not a complete list of possible ways to create a copy of Android, but they will be fully sufficient to save at least 90% of the most important information.
And one more important tip! All apps are saved to your Google Play account. If the data (settings, progress in games) is not important to you, then you don’t need to create copies. It will be enough to go to the Play Store and restore previously downloaded programs and games. All authorization data will have to be entered again.
A full backup of Android prevents the loss of important information for the user in the event of software and hardware failures, a virus attack, as well as when the device fails, that is, it turns into “”. Backup is recommended to be used on all mobile devices, especially since there is nothing complicated about it. Let's look at how to create a backup copy of the Android operating system.
Methods for backing up data for Android
Today, owners of smartphones and tablets are endowed with fairly broad capabilities for saving personal information in the event of various failures and other unforeseen situations. Like Windows, Android also has certain tools for backing up the system, that is, for creating a restore point. Possibly on a smartphone.
Backing up data located on Android can be done using:
- Built-in resuscitation service android backup service;
- Additional software installed on a PC or directly on a smartphone (tablet).
Considering what a backup is, it should be noted that to backup Android along with the firmware on the device, you need to activate root access. If you do not have Superuser rights, you will only be able to save personal data (SMS, contacts, photos, music, etc.), as well as the settings of some applications.
Creating a backup using built-in Android capabilities
All gadgets running Android OS have the ability to connect to Google and enjoy many of the benefits of this service absolutely free (synchronize with a PC, write personal data to a cloud drive, etc.). One of the very useful Google tools is the android backup service. It allows you to create Android backups and backup data from your phone to virtual storage automatically.
Before you make an Android backup using the android backup service, you need to create your Google account and assign your mobile device to it. This is done as follows:
After Google is connected, we make a backup of the system:
To return data to Android via the Android backup service (for example, after a hard reboot), just re-link to your Google account, enter the “Restore and reset” section and start the recovery procedure.
System backup through the Recovery environment
Every Android mobile device is equipped with . However, the standard program has somewhat limited capabilities that do not allow you to make a full backup of the firmware. Therefore, many owners of smartphones and tablets install a custom version of it instead of regular Recovery.
Let's look at how to backup Android via:
It may take some time to create a copy of the firmware. When making a backup, it is prohibited to do any actions with the device (for example, install/remove a micro sd card), as this may negatively affect the final result.
When considering the Recovery area, you should also know how to restore the system from a previously created backup. To do this, in the backup and restore section you need to select the restore item. After the smartphone reboots, all your data, along with the firmware, will return to its place.
Creating a backup using additional software
A backup copy of data can also be recorded using special programs installed on a computer or mobile device. There is a lot of similar software on the Internet, but the most effective applications in this area are considered to be:
- TWRP Recovery.
Let's figure out how to backup Android for each of these programs.
This utility backs up the Android system to a computer. Therefore, before starting work, you need to prepare a USB cable to connect your PC to your phone. The sequence of work will be as follows:
- Download and install the application on your computer.
- Enable USB debugging on your smartphone. To do this, you need to go to the “For Developers” section and select the appropriate item.
- Launch MyPhoneExplorer and connect the gadget to the PC.
- Go to the “File” menu and select the switching type, as shown in the image.
- To create an Android backup, open the “Miscellaneous” tab and click “Create”.
- We indicate the location where the copy will be stored.
- We note what needs to be saved and start the backup process.
- If necessary, restore Android using the created backup by selecting the “Restore” function in the “Miscellaneous” window.
TWRP Recovery
This backup program is installed directly on your mobile device. However, before you make a full backup, you need to unlock Superuser rights.
