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Backing up files on Android or how to make a backup of Android. How to create a full backup of an Android phone without root

Backing up system and user data and programs installed on a phone or tablet is a function that users of the Android operating system do not use very often, but the importance of which is difficult to overestimate. The most valuable thing in the modern world is information, and sometimes it is easier to come to terms with material losses than with the results of work over a long time. But even if you simply need to migrate from one Android device to another, a complete backup of all settings and applications with the ability to then restore them on a new device is the most convenient way for the user. After all, installing a new bunch of programs and performing all the necessary configuration manipulations in each one is not the easiest task.

In general, a backup copy of all your important data located on your Android device should be made every time you perform operations on it that could damage the performance of the operating system: flashing the device, obtaining root rights, etc. If something goes wrong, having a copy that will help return your phone or tablet to its original state will save you a lot of precious time and even more valuable nerve cells.

In this article, we will tell you how to backup various types of data on the Android operating system and how they can then be restored for further use.

How to backup contacts and mail using Google account synchronization

Google, the developer of the Android OS, has made sure that the user's personal contacts and email correspondence can be synchronized with his Google account, i.e. with a gmail address. Setting up this synchronization is very simple:

1. Go to the main menu of your device’s programs;

2. Go to "Settings";

3. Log in to “Accounts and Synchronization”;

4. Select the gmail address that you need to synchronize and check the boxes for the data that you want to save: contacts, gmail, calendar, etc. After this, the data checked will be automatically saved in Google Contacts on the Internet;

5. If you disable automatic synchronization in the background, you can always do it manually.

By synchronizing with your Google account, you can access your data wherever you have a computer and use it even without access to your Android device.

How to make an Android backup using Titanium Backup

The above backup method is simple and convenient, but it only saves the user's phone contacts and email. What should those who want to save all the settings of system applications and settings of user applications that are installed on the device do? One of the best solutions that can make a full backup and then restore the system to its previous state after flashing or other similar actions is the Titanium Backup application, available for download on the Google Play Store.

To use this application, you will need to obtain root rights, so take care of this in advance. The backup is saved to the SD memory card, so make sure it has enough space to accommodate all the necessary data.

The free version of the program allows you to perform basic functions, but to use advanced features ("freezing applications", using multiple backup copies of the application, etc.) you will have to buy the program.

Using Titanium Backup is not particularly difficult. You can save copies of applications individually, or using group actions that allow you to back up all user applications separately, all system data, all of the above together, etc. In addition, Titanium Backup allows you to “freeze” selected applications, stopping all their processes in the system.

Of course, various options are also offered for recovery, offering to restore everything together or in parts. After restoring data, you must reboot the device for the changes to take effect.

Read the program's user manual carefully so you don't accidentally do anything unnecessary. In general, the Titanium Backup application is one of the most flexible solutions for Android, facilitating the migration of applications after flashing the device, and reliably protecting your phone or tablet from losing important data.

How to backup your entire Android system using ROM Manager

The backup obtained in the above-mentioned way using Titanium Backup saves the settings of all applications installed on your Android OS. But you need to understand that if you need to make a full backup of the firmware, this option will not completely suit you. Specialized applications for working with firmware are best suited for this. One of the most popular such applications is ROM Manager, which is also available for download on the Google Play Market. Rom Manager allows you not only to perform a full system backup, but also to flash your device to Android, including from a flash card. The application works with ClockWorkMod Recovery, which is a more advanced version of the standard utility for flashing and restoring the system on Android.

In order to make a full backup of your firmware, follow these steps:

1. Launch the program and select "Flash ClockWorkMod Recovery";

2. In the "Install or Update Recovery" section, select "ClockWorkMod Recovery" and select the model of your Android device;

3. Select "Install ClockWorkMod";

4. If necessary, agree to grant the program root access rights;

5. After this, in the main program window you can create a backup copy of your device’s firmware;

6. If you need to restore a previously saved backup, in the “Backup and Restore” section, select the appropriate option;

7. Please note, since all firmware is saved, the backup process can take quite a long time, please be patient.

The ROM Manager program can also perform some other useful actions, such as searching for firmware for your device. Since the application works directly with the firmware, its use can be fatal. Carefully read the instructions for the application, and also check it for compatibility with your device, so as not to turn your phone or tablet into a lifeless brick.

How to backup applications without root access on your device

To save backup copies of applications if you do not have Root rights, other solutions may be suitable. One of them is the Helium program. It can work with both “rooted” Android devices and those that do not have this function activated. The program is free, but the free version does not have the function of restoring a backup from Google Disk cloud storage, so you can immediately refuse this option and work with an SD memory card.

To work with an Android device that does not have root, you need to download the add-on to your computer and install it. After this, you need to enable USB debugging mode on your phone or tablet, connect the device to the computer, and work with the program on your device in the same way as you would with existing root rights.

We looked at the main ways to backup various elements of the Android system. We hope that now you know how to make a backup and then restore from it both your personal data and the entire application data and even the entire firmware. Do not forget that before performing various operations with your phone, it is advisable to save important data and documents in another place, for example, on a computer. Carefully read the instructions for the programs and your Android device, and everything will work out for you in the best possible way.

12.07.2015 from wpandr_adm

To never worry about the safety of your data, you need to periodically backup your Android device. An Android device accumulates system errors as it operates, its memory becomes increasingly filled with your applications, pictures, SMS, contacts and other information. It all comes down to the fact that the device begins to work incorrectly, responds slowly to commands, or involuntarily deletes your personal data. This is not the most pleasant situation, so it is important to carry out the backup procedure.

While your Android device is still functioning adequately, make a backup copy by saving it to a flash card or computer. Then, when you return the system to its original settings, you can painlessly restore the necessary contacts, messages, calendar entries, videos, pictures and applications.

Some Android device users never even think about the need for a backup procedure. Usually they use the phone until it starts to glitch, and then they just get a new device, without even thinking about the possibility of caring for the gadget.

The complete procedure for returning the device to its original settings is carried out in 4 stages:

  • creating a backup copy;
  • backup;
  • data reset;
  • recovery of necessary data;

Creating a backup copy is easy; you don’t need to download applications or get root rights. All backup tools are already included in the Android system. The developers offer users several ways to make a backup:

  • copying data to SD card;
  • storing data on a Google server.

How to make a backup

There are no particular difficulties when using the first method. All pictures and videos are mostly initially stored on an external memory card, which significantly speeds up the process of copying data. First you need to open the menu and go to settings. Required items: “Restore and reset - Data backup” and “Backup to SD card”. Depending on the amount of information on your device, the process will take from 5 to 40 seconds. After this, you can safely take out the SD card and save the archive to your computer or leave it so that if necessary, the necessary data is always at hand.

Saving files on Google servers will take a little longer. But you don’t have to think about saving applications if they were downloaded through the Play Market. Your account “remembers” every application and key ever downloaded using it. When you're done with the backup, you can simply reinstall the programs you need. The list of applications can be found along the path: “Menu - My applications - All”.

Contacts can also be saved using a Google account. To do this, open the settings and find the “Accounts - Google” item. Through it you synchronize your device with mail. Check the boxes next to the data you want to save.

Photos, if you do not want to save them on the SD card, can be saved to your Google+ account. Initially, the service was positioned as a social network, but it is also often used as a storage for contacts and images from devices. Just like in other social networks, you can open and close access to albums and photos. There is a 5 GB limit on the site.

If you have a larger number of photos, you can simply transfer them via a USB cable to your computer.

Reset to factory settings

After completing the process of copying your data, you can proceed directly to returning to the native settings. The procedure is inherently intuitive. Go to settings and find the item “Return to factory settings - Reset Settings”.

For experienced users who have root rights, there are several more ways to make a backup. The simplest: backup using the Recovery menu. This method is good if the device has already been brought to the point where the operating system does not load. To call the recovery menu, you need to hold down the power button and volume up/down, in some models power on + Home. You can navigate the menu using the volume buttons, and select items by pressing the power button once.

First of all, select “backup and restore”. Next, a list of possible commands will appear. You need to select “backup”. After the device has finished recording all data, you need to select the “restore” command. The system will reboot and the device can be started.

To make the backup procedure completely convenient, you can install the Titanum backup application. A fairly convenient and fast utility for creating a backup copy of all applications and data on your device. Helps when changing firmware or banal saving during a possible reset. The program is free and available in the play market.

For prevention, it would be best if you start using the system from scratch, then you can avoid repeating old mistakes. Because when you return old applications, you can accidentally cause the same problems that you so wanted to get rid of.

It is better to backup the firmware at least once every six months. Then all your data will be securely stored. And you can always transfer them to another device or return to the old one after resetting all settings to factory settings.

When it comes to creating a data backup or restoration quickly and reliably, many Android users wonder what and how, in this article you will find many ways how and how to backup and later restore!

Why backup?

1. Your personal Android may store a lot of information that is very valuable, which you cannot afford to lose, or for example, you are planning to move from one Android device to another! Of course, when it comes to Google services, for example, everything is very simple here: you entered your username and password, waited 2 minutes until synchronization with the Google server was completed and the data was all there, but with other applications you will have to suffer to quickly make a backup copy and restore.

Method No. 1 - backup on Android and restore using standard ADB tools

Thanks to Google, which took care of creating a backup copy, the method is not ideal but still better than none!

So what do you need for this?

2. Download the program from the ADB RUN website (from version 3.21.35 and later)

Method No. 4 - DataSync (root)

The DataSync program is suitable for those who need to back up application data, as well as instantly move them to another device. If you need to create backup copies of applications themselves, and not just their data and settings, then this application is not for you. Learn more about how this DataSync application works.

Method No. 5 - OBackup (root)

OBackup - Creates backups just like Online Nandroid Backup, only this time the application has an intuitive graphical interface, and you can also send the backup to a cloud drive. OBackup details.

Method No. 6 - Titanum Backup (root)

Method No. 7 - Helium (root/ root)

A very interesting tool for creating backups. The principle of operation of this application is similar to the operation of the ADB debugging tools; more precisely, it is based on this method, only with the ability to choose which application to create a backup for. This application does not work on Motorola

The Helium application can work without Root rights, but if you have them it’s even better (if you don’t have root rights, you need Android to your computer).

How to create a backup using Helium?

1. To get started, download the Helium app

If you do not have Root rights, then you will also have to download and install the add-on on your PC

You may also need to install drivers on your PC (for non-Root devices), which are presented on the PC add-on download page

Creating a r.k. in Helium on Root devices

Launch the application refuse from the offer to log into Google Disk, so this function does not work entirely honestly (backup, but restoration only works in the paid version of the application)

You can save backups to internal or external memory

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, 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 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..

After some time has passed after purchasing a communicator or tablet computer, any owner begins to look for ways to save programs, work data, settings, files, passwords, etc. A natural question arises: “How to make a backup copy (Android)?”

Tablets and smartphones allow you to do this in several ways. We do not undertake to say which one is better, since there are a number of nuances in use, but we will definitely indicate the most popular ones. The choice, as always happens, depends entirely on the preferences of the owner himself.

What people using Android devices save

Each user has their own understanding of the importance of the applications used and the results of their work. One doesn’t want to lose the apk file of his favorite “Tetris”, another is only worried about the list of numbers in the phone book, and the third is looking for options on how to make a complete backup copy of “Android”, saving everything.

Depending on these features, the algorithm of actions also changes. Let's start with the simplest one.

How to save numbers

Any mobile communication device has a software mechanism that allows you to upload a list of phones to a file and, if necessary, restore them. To save, you need to go to “Contacts”, select “Import/Export” and select “Export to storage”. As a result, a file with the vcf extension will be created on the memory card - this is the backup copy. It is advisable to duplicate it on the computer, which will allow you not to lose the numbers if your Android device breaks down.

Save apk files

Often there is a need to figure out how to make not system data, but files downloaded by the user. For example, save programs installed from the Market. Fortunately, they are all stored on the device, so they can be transferred to any folder or other media. To do this, you can use a program in which you should select the “Applications” item and, by checking the boxes, save what you want. The Astro application is also quite functional. There is also nothing complicated about how to make a backup copy of Android using it. After installation and launch, you need to open the “Settings” menu - Tools - Application Backup, check the boxes and click on the button of the same name. The files will be saved on the memory card in the “backups/app” folder. More advanced users who have gained root access can simply copy the apk from the root "data/app" folder.

Access rights

All of the above methods are essentially half measures. They cannot be used to save settings, passwords, etc. Therefore, let's look at how to backup Android using other methods. Again, there are two solutions: using full access to the device’s file system (root) and without it. Having carried out certain successful manipulations with the mobile device, the owner gets the opportunity to delete, add, edit system files that are otherwise not available.

While learning how to back up your Android, also learn how to get root access to give yourself full control. This will significantly expand the possibilities, including you can easily figure out how to make a backup copy of Android. One of the safest methods is the Framaroot program.

Titanic copying

After obtaining access rights to the file system, you can begin to learn how to make a backup copy (Android). 4pda is a well-known forum from which you can download the Titanium Backup program. Those who want to get everything at once may be interested in the MoDaCo Plus version, however, to simply create a copy, the basic functionality is sufficient. After launch, you need to open the “Backups” tab. A list of all programs will appear, including system ones, which are highlighted in red. Next, you should select the desired application and point to it. A menu will be displayed with a choice of actions: the user can save (make a copy), freeze or delete program data. Here it is also possible to remember in a file a list of calls made/received, which is impossible to do using standard means. Sometimes this turns out to be quite in demand.

No less interesting is the question of how to make a backup copy (Android) on a computer. In fact, this is done quite simply. All data saved via Titanium is located in the TitaniumBackup folder on the memory card. That is, it is enough to connect the device to a personal computer in storage mode, open the SD card through a file manager or explorer, find the above-mentioned directory and make a duplicate of it on the hard drive. In the future, the memory card can be replaced or formatted, but by returning the folder to its place and running Titanium, you can restore everything that was previously saved. This is one of the most popular and easy to use. It is hardly possible to advance in studying the operation of Android devices without paying attention to this wonderful tool.

How to make a backup (Android)

Without root access to system files, you can also create a copy on the device. This opportunity is provided both by the operating system itself and by third-party applications.

In the first case, the user is only required to create a mailbox (account) on the Gmail resource. After this, you can use the mechanism for copying programs, settings, phone books and all related software to the Google server. To do this, you need to activate your account ("Settings" - "Accounts"), specifying your login and password, and also assign synchronization. The latter, by the way, is activated automatically. You can copy everything manually by activating “Copy data” in the “Backup and reset” section. You can return everything saved on any device that has the login parameters for this account. The “Auto-recovery” item is intended for this purpose.

In principle, this method is quite effective, but it is a stretch to consider it ideal. In particular, without access to the Internet, recovery is impossible. And if we take into account the volume required to deploy applications, then access, in addition, must be unlimited and high-speed. And finally, the main disadvantage is storing your data on a remote server.
All phone numbers, SMS texts, passwords to banking systems and, perhaps, photographs of a naked wife become public knowledge. Whether to rely on encryption or not is something everyone must decide for themselves. As an alternative to Google backup, you can use the G Cloud Backup program. This is the same cloud storage, to work with which you need to create an account. You are allowed to store 1.2 GB of data; you can increase the capabilities by participating in “promotion”.

Copy of everything

Once you have root access, you can install CWM - custom recovery. It is different for each model of smartphones and tablets, so we cannot indicate the installation and selection method here. If everything went well, then when you turn on the device, you should launch FastBoot (press and hold the volume rocker up and the power button) and select “Backup to SD” in the list of operations.