As a result, you dropped your phone on the sidewalk. Then it was trampled. Twice. Then you were nearly hit by a Subaru that was trying to pull it out of the middle of the crosswalk.
If this sad narrative sounds familiar — or at least believable — chances are the first thing that came to mind was all of the contacts, images, text messages, and notes on your phone. In a situation like this, what should an Android fan do? “Plan ahead,” like your mother used to say.
Even if your phone is destroyed, planning ahead is the easiest method to ensure that your data isn’t lost to the ether. Fortunately, Google will sync your contacts, calendar appointments, documents, and even app purchases if you give it permission. While Google will save a lot of your information, there are alternative options to consider.
Continue reading to learn how to back up your Android phone.
Use the cloud
Google, like Apple’s iOS and iPadOS, allows you to back up your Android device to the cloud automatically. This setting is usually toggled on, however, you may double-check in stock Android 11 and Samsung phones by following these steps:
Step 1: To enlarge the notification shade, swipe down from the top and Press the cog icon. This brings up the Settings window.
Step 2: Press Google or System (stock Android only).
Step 3: Press Backup.
Step 4: If this function isn’t already active, Press the toggle next to Back Up to Google Drive.
Google’s official list of what is backed up to the cloud is as follows:
- Apps
- Contacts
- Date and time
- Display settings (brightness and sleep)
- Gmail settings
- Google Calendar events and settings
- Language and input settings
- Settings and data for apps not made by Google (varies by app)
- SMS text messages (not MMS)
- Wallpapers
- Wi-Fi networks and passwords
Keep in mind that your Google Account comes with only 15GB of free cloud storage. You’ll need a subscription if you need more, especially if you’re backing up photographs and videos.
As the list indicates, this utility does not back up images, movies, or files. To upload files, you’ll need the Google Drive or Google One apps. You should also double-check that Google Photos’ automatic backups are enabled. Continue reading to learn how.
Use Google Photos
Step 1: Press to open the Google Photos app.
Step 2: Press on your Google account icon in the top right corner.
Step 3: Press Photos Settings.
Step 4: Press Back Up & Sync.
Step 5: Press the toggle next to Back Up & Sync if this feature isn’t switched on already.
Note: You can also access this toggle by using the Settings > Google > Backup route and tapping the Google Photos option.
Select what data to sync
You can also add a few more items to that list and specify exactly what you want to be backed up and what you don’t want to be backed up. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: To enlarge the notification shade, swipe down from the top and Press the cog icon. This brings up the Settings window.
Step 2: Press Accounts. On Samsung phones, Press Accounts and Backup followed by Accounts.
Step 3: Press on your Google Account.
Step 4: Press Account Sync. On Samsung phones, Press Sync Account.
Step 5: Press the Toggle next to each item you do and do not want to sync.
Please note: The list will differ depending on what you have on your phone.
Samsung Account backup
You can also back up to your Samsung Account if you have a Samsung phone. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: To enlarge the notification shade, swipe down from the top and Press the cog icon. This brings up the Settings window.
Step 2: Press Accounts and Backup.
Step 3: Press Backup and Restore.
Step 4: Press Back Up Data.
Step 5: Press on the Data you want to back up, like Messages and Settings, and then Press Back Up.
Transfer your photos to a PC
One key feature that Android lacks is a native method of backing up data to a computer. In MacOS, there are built-in ways for an iPhone or iPad, as well as the iTunes software for Windows. For Android devices, and even Chrome OS, there are no such options.
The native Your Phone app is the simplest way to transfer your images to a Windows PC. You may also use OneDrive to upload and sync your images to the cloud. Bluetooth, a physical USB connection, and various cloud services are among the other options.
Learn how to transfer your photographs and movies to a Windows 10, Mac, or Chromebook in a separate guide.
Transfer your files to a PC
Unfortunately, moving files to Windows 10 isn’t as simple, as the native Your Phone app only supports photo transfers. Instead, you should utilize OneDrive to synchronize a folder with your Windows computer. A cable connection, Bluetooth, or a different cloud service are also choices for all three platforms.
Learn how to transfer your files to a Windows 10, Mac, or Chromebook in a separate guide.
Go with a third-party backup utility
We strongly advise you to utilize Google for your backup needs, although there are other options available. Here are a few examples:
My Backup Pro ($7)
Without the need to root your phone, My Backup Pro backs up practically everything in a single session: You name it, and it’s probably covered: photos, app data, browser bookmarks, contacts, system settings, home screen shortcuts, alarms, calendars, SMS messages, and so on.
This program allows you to plan backups at convenient times, such as when you’re sleeping, and saves the backup files to your phone’s MicroSD card or to the cloud, making your data instantly accessible through the My Backup Pro site.
G Cloud Backup (free)
You can back up anything from contacts and photographs to app data, movies, music, SMS, and more with G Cloud Backup. Everything is securely stored up to the cloud, and there’s a handy Memories function for quickly seeing photographs or texts from a given date. There are even backups that can be scheduled.
You get 1GB of storage for free, but you can earn more (up to 10GB) with the app or upgrade if necessary. You can recover or migrate data with a simple tap if your phone dies or you get a new phone.
SMS Backup & Restore (free)
Do you want to save every single drunk text message for posterity? SMS Backup & Restore backs up your SMS messages in XML format using your email account, Google Drive, or Dropbox. Backups can be saved on your computer and sent via email. You can choose to view and restore individual messages or all of them at once. The program can also be used to schedule backups on a regular backup.
Titanium Backup (free)
If you’re attached to your Android device, Titanium Backup is a great option. This powerful tool comes with a plethora of useful and user-friendly functions. The $6 Pro version, on the other hand, includes everything you could want, including multiple backups per app, encryption, unlimited scheduling, CSV export, and more.
The app’s fundamental functions are free to download and use, but your phone must be rooted. You must purchase the Pro edition through Google Play.
Use your device manufacturer’s software
Almost every smartphone maker has its own backup solution for your device. However, the majority of brands are moving away from computer-based (or MicroSD card-based) storage. Instead, they’re distributing secure switching programs that let you to export and import data. Everything from your contacts and game progress to images and saved messages may be transferred to your new device without the use of cables. Here’s a rundown of some of the available options, organized by manufacturer:
Your smartphone carrier may be able to give you with one-of-a-kind data switching apps. If all else fails, go to your cell phone provider’s counter and ask if they have any solutions.
Back up now
Backing up your device on a regular basis will ensure that you don’t lose any crucial files if you lose or break it, or if it is stolen. A phone can be replaced—albeit at a high cost—but if your data is destroyed along with it, you won’t be able to recover those photos and files. Accidents happen at inconvenient periods for all smartphone users, such as soon after you’ve paid off your handset or right after its insurance expires.
Consider all of the images, videos, texts, and contact information you have on your phone or tablet. It can be difficult, if not impossible, to recover all of that carefully produced data when it vanishes.
You don’t want to lose valuable data or photos due to a lack of backup on your phone. Rather than wishing you had backed up everything, take the time now to back up your phone’s images, contacts, and apps to your PC or even an external drive so you won’t have to worry. When you look into backups for your individual gadget, you’ll discover a plethora of possibilities.
