Where the android backup is saved. Back up and restore data on Android devices

To quickly recover lost data on a smartphone, you need to know what a backup is and how to create it on Android.

With it, you will quickly get back all deleted files, restore game and program settings, as well as IMEI, identification numbers, passwords and all other information contained on the device.

Definition

Backup Is an archived backup of your phone or computer files. A backup can be created in any operating system. Its purpose is to save all user data and configure the system at the time of creating the archive.

After a factory reset or hard system restore using a backup, you can quickly restore all lost data and not waste time reinstalling programs and setting up the OS.

A copy of the data is created using special programs. Most popular utilities:

  • Titanium Backup;
  • Super Backup;
  • Nandroid Manager;
  • Helium and others;
  • SP FlashTools.

Types of backups inAndroid

In Android OS, users can create a backup copy of the entire system or its individual components:

  • Copy SMS -Messages and contact list ;
  • Backup of the entire system, taking into account security settings (saving all lock passwords);
  • Back up any selected files ;
  • Backup photos and videos ;
  • Copy of Google account information ;
  • Backup for IMEI .

Why is it important to create a backup periodically?

Backing up allows you to get rid of the problems associated with the sudden loss of data on your smartphone. Periodic backup will save all operating system settings, as well as messages and multimedia files.

In case of errors that require you to reset the phone settings, you can easily get back all deleted information... In the Android OS, a backup can be created using the built-in system options or use special programs.

When should you make a backup?

1. Before updating the firmware ... It doesn't matter if you download a new version of Android "over the air" or install updates manually, create a copy of the installed OS. We recommend moving all photos, videos and music to a memory card or uploading this data to the cloud storage;

2. Before factory reset. Over time, smartphone users can observe a decrease in the performance of their gadget. This is due to the load of RAM, viruses. The easiest way to restore devices is to factory reset the OS. Before that, it is better to create a backup of the phone book and SMS, so as not to lose important data;

3. To reset the lock password. If you have set a password, pattern or pin code and have forgotten it, you can reset it without losing data by using a backup. The only requirement is that an archive with a copy of the data must be created before the password is set.

Also, the periodic creation of a backup of the phone book will allow you to quickly return lost numbers in the event of a SIM card error or after clearing the memory card.

What does it take to create a copy?

To create a backup in the Android OS in the standard way, you will need:

  • Superuser rights - ROOT must be active on the smartphone at the time the copy is generated;
  • Copy storage media - it can be a built-in memory card, any cloud storage or your computer's memory;
  • Backup software ... Software that works with backups with active ROOT rights allows you to create a copy of all data in the operating system - from contacts to arbitrary files and settings of each program.

Another way to create a backup Is the use of third-party programs that do not require superuser rights. They allow you to archive only basic OS data. For example, a phone book, messages, accounts linked to the OS. Creating and restoring a copy can be carried out using one program, which must be installed on a smartphone.

Backup programs

After flashing your gadget, you get an absolutely "clean" software shell. You will not be able to return any programs, accounts and settings of their previous version of the OS unless you took care of creating a backup copy in advance.

Many users prefer to install applications from scratch. However, it is much easier to use a backup and return all application settings using one archive. Restoring previous settings does not affect the operation of the OS in any way, does not provoke bugs and errors.

The current backup of programs will be for those applications that are not in the official Play Market .

Titanium Backup and Helium- these are the two most popular programs for working with backup copies of applications in the Android OS of any version. You will need superuser rights to start working with each of these utilities.

To create a backup of one installed program or several types of software at once, use the instructions for one of the following utilities.

Titanium Backup

The utility has over 5 million official downloads in the Play Market. The application allows not only restoring operating system data, but also works with the software installed by the manufacturer, removes components and settings that a regular user cannot delete using the standard settings window.

Main features of Titanium Backup:

  • Configuring backup according to a specific schedule;
  • Moving programs between internal and external memory without having to close the application;
  • Quick scan for a new firmware version;
  • Installing the firmware;
  • Storing the history of calls and text messages of the cellular operator;
  • Backup of browser bookmarks;
  • Backup of the access point of the router;
  • Synchronization of data with cloud services DropBox, OneDrive, Google Drive;
  • Assigning a system status to any program (option configurable by the user);
  • Creating an archive with a backup, which can be re-installed on a smartphone using the console;
  • Synchronization of settings and application data between multiple gadgets.

Convenient transfer of settings from one gadget to another is the most useful feature of Titanium Backup. If it happens that your smartphone is broken, or you lost it, thanks to the backup, you can easily restore all contacts and messages in popular instant messengers and transfer information to another device.

You don't need an old SIM card to transfer data. All you need is a second gadget, a backup archive and a Titanium Backup utility. All backups created in the program are automatically synced with one of your cloud storages:

  • Go to the utility window Titanium Backup;
  • In the list of programs installed on the smartphone, select the desired messenger or other application to back up its settings. In our case, we will archive all numbers and messages from Whatsapp;
  • Click on the name of the program, holding it for a few seconds. In the pop-up window, click on the field "Save";
  • Next, select your cloud storage, to which the archive with software settings will be sent.

To move program data to a second gadget or restore settings after a factory reset, reinstall the Whatsapp messenger and Titanium Backup. Open the recovery tool and sync the utility with the cloud.

In the list of all programs installed on the smartphone, select the desired messenger, click on it and in the options menu click on "Restore". Titanium Backup will automatically put the necessary backup in the cloud and return all lost files to programs. You will be able to use all contacts again and access your lost chats.

Similarly, you can transfer this any other program to a second gadget. Most often, the application backup function is useful for transferring messenger data, saving progress in games.

Helium

Helium Is another simple and useful utility for quick device recovery. The software works on all devices, regardless of the presence of superuser rights. The only requirement is cloud sync. The utility does not save a backup to a memory card or external drive.

Helium features:

1. Synchronization of applications on multiple devices;

2. System backup;

3. Convenient file explorer;

4. Removing programs and rolling back their updates.

To back up the data of the installed program, follow the instructions:

  • Open the Helium app. The file explorer Carbon will appear in the main window of the utility - this is a built-in service for viewing a list of all installed applications. Click on the required program and in the action menu select "Backup";
  • Wait until the copy is complete. The created archive will be sent to the cloud;

To recover information from a copy using Helium, open the utility on another device. In the settings, activate the item "Synchronization with the cloud". Then, in the main program window, go to the "Recovery and Synchronization" tab.

Select the program whose data you want to return and click on "Restore".

To create any other type of backup, go to the "Overview" tab and select one of the backup options.

Save IMEI

IMEI Is the international numeric identifier for your device. Using this set of numbers, you can find out the manufacturer of the gadget, its model and status. Phones and tablets without IMEI are considered stolen and unofficially prohibited for use in the CIS.

As a result of factory reset or software errors, the IMEI may be lost. However, you can restore it using a backup copy.

Lost IMEI Signs:

  • After flashing or resetting to factory settings, there are communication problems (cellular, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi);
  • Complete lack of connection with GPS;
  • The phone does not see any SIM card.

The identifier can be restored only with superuser rights. To return the IMEI, you will need to install the Android Terminal Emulator console emulator utility (if the phone does not see the network, download the installation APK to your computer, and then transfer the file to the phone using a USB connection).

Follow the instructions:

  • First, we need to find out the EFS code. To do this, enter the command mount and press Enter to execute it;
  • A text will appear in the console window, in which you should find the EFS command, spelled out with a slash. The text identifier in front of the command is the code we need. Code search example:
  • Write down the found code on a piece of paper and reload the application. After restarting the emulator, enter the command to restore IMEI (each of the lines must be entered via Enter). XXXXX is the found EFS code;
  • To save the IMEI settings, without exiting the program, enter the following lines:

After successfully completing all the commands, exit the emulator window, restart your smartphone and check the operation of the cellular network, geolocation and Internet connection. Everything should work fine. If desired, you can check for the presence of IMEI using the engineering menu.

Backup photos and videos

As a result of theft of a smartphone or a factory reset, the most frustrating thing is the loss of photos, videos, music and other personal data. All programs can be re-installed, but it is almost impossible to return personal information without premature preparation.

Even if you are sure that nothing will happen to your gadget, we recommend that you configure at least one of the methods described below for saving your multimedia data.

Using the Google+ app

The standard Google application is preinstalled on all Android devices. The goal of Google+ is to bring all Google services together and sync into one account. If your device has Google Drive cloud storage and the Google+ app installed, this does not mean that file synchronization is set up.

The fact is that in the mobile version of Google Drive, you cannot configure the synchronization of a specific folder. Users can only activate the automatic sending of all photos taken with the camera of the gadget through the settings of the smartphone.

Follow the instructions to sync any folder on your smartphone with One Drive and automatically send copies of files to the cloud:

1. Install the FolderSync app on your smartphone or update it to a new version if the utility is already on your smartphone. The utility allows you to select any folder in the smartphone's memory and configure its synchronization with the cloud (link to the Play Market page :);

2. Further, for devices with OS Android0 and higher, it is not necessary to allow access to all folders and files on the smartphone. To do this, simply open the FolderSync program right after the first installation and press the button in the pop-up window "Allow";

3. To configure automatic backup of photos, videos and other files in the main FolderSync window, click the button "Create New Sync";

4. Then the built-in helper window will open. It is necessary to enter a name for the created pair “folder-cloud storage”;

6. In the horse that appears, select the cloud service OneDrive or another site, with which you want to set up the binding;

8. To confirm the action and save the settings, click on "Authenticate Account";

All user data is added to the store. Whatever happens to your phone, you can always get your photos back using any computer or browser.

At the stage of choosing a directory, you will be prompted configure one of the following options for connecting to the cloud storage:

  • Local folder connection(select if data for backup will be created and located only on your smartphone);
  • Synchronization with a remote folder(if you want to create a backup for a folder on your computer);
  • Hybrid option(to create a backup of this smartphone and other remote gadgets).

In the connection settings, you can select the schedule according to which the synchronization will take place. We recommend that you send data to the cloud every day. In case of an error or phone breakdown, all important files will have a backup.

other methods

In addition to Google Drive storage, you can also choose any of the services presented:

  • Dropbox - the world's most popular cloud storage. Its peculiarity lies in the fact that the program can automatically create a backup of the phone's photos and immediately delete them, freeing up memory. You can access the folder with all the images at any time from all devices. All you need is an internet connection;
  • MEGA - a cloud that provides 50 GB of free virtual disk space. The user can set up synchronization with any device, download client programs for PC and smartphone, control access to folders and files;

    • Mail . ru cloud - after registration, you will have 100 GB available for free. Manage simple file syncing and view in any browser.

All these cloud storages have client applications in the Google Play store and the ability to synchronize phone data with the server through the usual program settings.

Create a backup of any files

In addition to the options described above for creating a backup of photos, music, videos, users can download such programs to their smartphone for work with backup copies of documents of any format:

  • DataSync;
  • DropSync.

DataSync

The application works by analogy with the FolderSync discussed above and allows you to create a backup of any information that is stored in the internal or external memory of the device (except for installed programs and system settings).

Also, DataSync allows you to configure sending a backup from one device to another via a Bluetooth connection, which is convenient when you need to save important information, but there is no Internet connection.

Thanks to the two-way sync option, the two gadgets will be able to exchange game data. Thus, all missions and progress will be saved on both devices at once.

DropSync

DropSync Is another popular utility for sending backups. Its feature is additional monitoring of the phone's performance. If the smartphone has a low battery, the application will not sync data, so as not to decrease the device's operating time.

Users can choose the type of synchronization:

(after synchronization, the data remains in the smartphone's memory);(automatic deletion of information from the phone's memory to free up space. Users can access files using the cloud storage attached to the program);
  • Download only- getting a backup from the cloud and adding its contents to the smartphone's memory.

    • Backup for all data and settings

    NAND (or Nandroid Backup) Is a concept that is used in the Android OS to refer to a full backup of the firmware installed on a smartphone, including all system data and its settings. The backup also includes all installed programs.

    The full backup function is supported by the TWRP or CWM type recovery menu. TWRP is an advanced recovery menu that is installed on the phone by the user himself, and CWM is an alternative recovery menu.

    Firmware with one of two types of recovery is installed in the system memory section of the smartphone, after which you can create a backup of absolutely all data. After recovery, you will be able to use all your lost programs, contacts and files again.

    Also, a backup created in CWM or TWRP can be installed on any other Android device if it supports the created firmware version. Nandroid Backup Online

    Nandroid Manager

    To create a complete backup of the device's software shell, you need to download and install the Nandroid Manager program

    The utility allows you to create a quick standard (copying all data) or custom system backup (the user chooses what to save) without going into the recovery menu. In the application settings, you can select the following backup options:

    • Backup name- contains a unique name, date, code and name of the firmware;
    • Creation mode- normal (full), custom selection of memory partitions;
    • Copy type- CWM or TWRP. Also, the choice of compression is possible to save disk space;
    • The place where the backup will be stored... You can add it to your phone memory, download it to your PC, or upload it to the cloud;
    • Exclusion from backup content temporary files, bugs, erroneous system settings, cache and found viruses.

    The Nandroid Manager utility synchronizes the created backup archive with the cloud, FTP server. Users have access to the function of creating a schedule for updating the backup. To save battery power, we advise you to configure the unloading of a new version of the backup only during the period when the gadget is being charged.

    Notice! Unloading a full backup of the operating system viaNandroid Managermay affect the performance of the gadget.

    Backup from ADB

    ADB is a debugging bridge for Android OS. In simple words, using ADB, you can create a backup of the system by connecting your smartphone to your computer. ADB is a console application in which the user enters the system programs that run on the phone.

    ADB Features:

    • Viewing the content and system settings of connected gadgets;
    • Client-server interaction between smartphone and PC;
    • Viewing logs;
    • Removing or clearing the DATA system partition;
    • Fast copying of files of any format between devices;
    • Firmware execution;
    • Application of control scripts;
    • Removing superuser rights;
    • Managing network connection parameters.

    To get started, download and install the ADB Run utility on your computer.

    Run the folder that appeared on the computer desktop as a result of installing ADB Run. Connect the phone to the PC and in the ADB Run program folder create a text document devices.cmd (the file must be an object of a standard notepad or any other text editor. Immediately after creation, rename the TXT format to CMD).

    Open devices.cmd and write in the file the following commands:

    • echo off
    • adb devices
    • pause

    After the text about the successful completion of the operation appears, enter a new command to create a backup of the current state of the firmware:

    adb create backup [- l ] [- r ] < name > , where name is the name of the archive with the firmware copy.

    The backup will be saved to the root folder of the ADB Run utility on your computer. You can move it to any other folder or cloud.

    Super Backup app - create a copy without ROOT

    To create a backup copy of smartphone data, you can use third-party programs that, without superuser rights, are able to set up a backup of the selected information.

    Super backup Is one such application. Its main feature is its wide functionality.

    The user can create copies of the following types of information:

    1Applications;

    3Call log;

    4Calendar;

    5 Bookmarks;

    6 Phonebook contacts.

    Navigation

    After purchasing a new gadget, sometimes it may be necessary to create backups. And most people are looking for opportunities to do this.

    But not every new user of the Android system knows about the capabilities and functionality of the system, therefore they do not know about information recovery either.

    So, how do you make a backup on Android and restore the information you need?

    How do I restore apps?

    Log in to your Google account to start the process.
    The latest version of Google Play has the function of saving all applications previously installed by the user. For this :

    • Turn on PlayMarket
    • Go to the Main Menu
    • Find My Apps
    • Select the section All
    • Next, select the application you want
    • By the way, if you need to erase an application from the list that you are not going to use, then click on the crossed out circle, disposed on the right side of the program name

    The disadvantage is that if you have saved some information directly in the application, it will not be restored.

    Contacts, mail, calendar

    To be able to restore contacts, gmail and calendar events without any problems, activate synchronization with your Google account in the device settings.

    For this :

    • Enter settings
    • Open the accounts section
    • Select the account you want
    • Configure options

    How to recover photos?

    Android backup - what does it mean?

    So that you can restore no hassle photography, be sure to make yourself a google account. Now you can save your pictures to Google +, and then you can download them to any other device.?

    The service has a limit on the amount of stored data. Information can be downloaded up to 5 GB.

    Moreover, if in the settings you have the item "Backup and reset", then use this function.

    When your device is reset to factory settings or you purchase a new device, then when you turn on the Internet, you can restore any information, passwords, and so on. But in such a situation, you need a stable internet connection. However, before replacing a gadget or resetting to factory settings, be sure to turn on synchronization.

    Video: How to backup and restore data on Android?

    Recovery options vary by device and Android version. For example, you cannot recover data from a device with a later version of Android to a device with an earlier version.

    Backing up content

    • Photos and Videos
      You can set up automatic backups of your photos and videos to Google Photos.
    • Files and folders
      You can manually upload files and folders to Google Drive.

    Backing up data and settings

    To protect your backups, use a PIN, pattern, or password instead of swiping or Smart Lock to lock the screen.

    Note. If the tablet is used by more than one person, only the owner can back up or reset the tablet.

    How to add a backup account

    How to switch between accounts for backup

    Backing up data and settings manually

    If you are using Android 8.1 and below, you can back up manually at any time, for example, if you want to transfer information to a new phone.

    Deleting data after backup

    Restore data and settings

    When you add a Google account to your device, all the data previously reserved for that account is loaded there.

    How to restore apps

    When you restore your Google Account from a backup, the apps that were previously saved in that account are installed on your device.

    Note. Not all old applications can be restored this way. If some apps are not added automatically, download them again from Google Play.

    The list of contacts in our smartphones has long become almost the only place to store the contact information of our loved ones, work colleagues and useful acquaintances. Agree, I really would not like to lose all this information, because anything can happen to equipment - breakdown, software failure, virus software and banal loss or theft of the device, and almost no one rewrites phone numbers in notebooks. In this case, a backup of contacts will help us.

    What is a backup of contacts

    Backup contacts- this is a backup of all phone numbers so that they can be restored in case of unforeseen circumstances that led to the loss of data. You can store a copy either locally on your smartphone or PC, or in the cloud. Each of these options has strengths and weaknesses. For example, storing a backup in the cloud will give you access to it from any device, you just need to log into your account, but if you do not have access to the Internet, then nothing will work.

    Back up contacts on Android

    There is a standard way to make a backup of contacts through the settings of the contact book, it is done like this:

    • Open contact book settings
    • "Export to storage device"
    • Confirm saving the backup

    All your contacts will be saved to a VCF file, which will be located in the root folder of the memory card.

    There are many applications for creating backups, the most famous in the circles of advanced users is Titanium Backup. It is intended not only for backing up contacts, it saves a full backup of the device and requires Root rights to work. Therefore, you can opt for a lighter analogue exclusively for contacts - Go Backup Pro. The procedure for creating a backup is as follows:

    • Open " New / Restore»
    • Go to " Contacts»
    • Click " Copy»

    When you have several backup copies of your contacts, you can combine them into one file.

    Save contacts to the cloud

    Cloud backup refers to keeping a backup on the servers of companies that provide such services. Android has Sync contacts with Google .

    One of the most time-tested apps is Dropbox. To backup, go to Dropbox settings and check the box next to “ Save contacts". You can also automatically save photos and videos from the camera and any of your files.

    Backup contacts to PC

    MyPhoneExplorer is a PC program that allows you to manage contacts, messages and phone files from your computer. Enable USB debugging in the phone settings, connect it to your PC and wait for the synchronization with MyPhoneExplorer to finish. To create a backup of contacts in the program menu, press the rightmost button " miscellanea"And select" Back up data».

    You can also find out How to transfer contacts to Android.

    How to restore contacts from backup?

    Contacts are restored from the VCF file like this:

    • Open your contacts settings
    • Go to the import and export section
    • Restore your contacts from a backup file

    Starting with Android 5.0, Google has been systematically working on the implementation of the Android device recovery function. If earlier it was possible to restore data and applications only with the help of special utilities available only to users with root access, now the system itself restores almost all data. The only important condition is to use default Google services: contacts, calendar, cloud storage "Google Drive" and others.

    In order not to lose your data, you need to enable backup in Android settings. For this:

    1) Go to Settings> Data Backup.

    2) Make sure Data Backup is enabled.

    3) Select the Google account to which the data backup will be linked.

    4) Make sure App AutoRecover is enabled.


    If the settings are enabled, then applications and settings will be automatically saved in the cloud storage "Google Drive". At the same time, 25 MB of storage is allocated to each application. This is not much, but it is enough to save most of the settings. The applications themselves, of course, are not saved in Google Drive, the system will pull them up automatically from the Google Play application catalog.

    Note: The ability to save application settings to Google Drive is dependent on the application developers. If a specific developer has not implemented this function, then when the application is restored, its data will not be restored.

    Backups do not take up most of the space in Google Drive. You can view which applications the system stores by opening the Google Drive app> sidebar> Settings> Manage backups.


    When resetting or activating a new device, after entering a Google account, Android will offer to restore the device from a backup.


    It is important to remember a few more nuances related to data recovery on Android:

    Use the Google Start Launcher

    Google's branded launcher can be installed by anyone from the Google Play app catalog. Its advantage is not only that it will give the operating system a "clean" look, conceived by Google, but will also fully preserve the desktop settings. When restoring data, all folders, widgets and icon arrangement will be in place. This will not happen when using the manufacturer's standard launcher. Third-party launchers are most often able to make a backup copy too, but there it must be done manually.

    Don't forget to use cloud sync

    Don't give up on Android's main convenience - cloud syncing. When saving a new contact in your notebook, you shouldn't save it locally on your device, it's better to use your Google account right away. Thus, it will never be lost, unless you manually delete it from the cloud, but even then, it can be restored. The same goes for calendar, mail, notes and other types of data.

    Instruments from device manufacturers

    If you are an adherent of a particular brand of devices, for example, Samsung, Meizu or LG, then it is useful to remember about the tools built by manufacturers that help create data backups. Most often, they provide the ability to create a complete backup of the device, which can be stored for as long as you want. The advantage of this approach is that absolutely all data is saved in one file (like on iOS), but the main disadvantage is that such backups will not work between devices from different manufacturers. A backup from an LG smartphone will not work with a Samsung smartphone and vice versa. This can be done with third-party software, but this requires Root access.

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