Questions tagged [backup]

Use this tag if you have issues with backups (of apps, settings, documents) on your Android device. As this is a quite generic tag, please use a more specific tag if applicable, for example 'nandroid', 'titanium-backup', 'clockwork-mod'. For restoring your backups, 'restore' is the more appropriate tag. Check the full tag wiki for more details and hints.

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373 votes
8 answers
390k views

How to fully backup non-rooted devices?

I know I'm asking for the close-to-impossible -- as a real full-backup certainly requires root permissions. But still there are many folks around not wanting to root their devices -- afraid of voiding ...
Izzy's user avatar
  • 91.1k
30 votes
8 answers
181k views

How do I backup data (SMS/contacts) from a device with a broken screen?

I just broke the screen of my (unrooted) Galaxy S. How do I get back my SMS and contacts? PS: I tried Kies but it won't detect my phone for some reason. (Kies works fine with another Galaxy I ...
kn330's user avatar
  • 508
74 votes
6 answers
25k views

How to backup an Android device?

Can anyone recommend a good way to backup Android devices? Ideally I would like to do this wirelessly and, not only backup my data, but also my user settings. Is it possible to backup an image of an ...
ninjaPixel's user avatar
  • 1,501
148 votes
10 answers
181k views

How do you extract an App's data from a full backup made through "adb backup"?

I have been backing up my Nexus 7 with adb backup to back up all files into an encrypted backup. I see that you can restore from a backup with adb restore, but that would wipe all my existing data on ...
user avatar
7 votes
1 answer
16k views

Backup/dump kernel image (and full ROM) without root for Mediatek Devices

I would like to pull the boot image of my device Pipo N7. I don't have root. I found the following link: Backup/dump kernel image without root or twrp/cwm` But when I try to find /dev -name 'by-name'...
Sruly's user avatar
  • 988
54 votes
5 answers
87k views

Google Backup: Multiple devices using the same account - what happens on Restore?

It is nothing new that one can use multiple Android devices with a single Google account. Switching on a new device for the first time asks whether one wants to store one's data with Google, which ...
Izzy's user avatar
  • 91.1k
52 votes
4 answers
58k views

Is there a way to look inside and modify an adb backup created file?

I created a backup of my Galaxy Nexus with adb backup. The resulting file is named backup.db and it's somehow encrypted. I wanted to restore the backup, but it stops when it comes to restoring com....
ingorichter's user avatar
51 votes
5 answers
9k views

How do I backup and restore SMS Messages?

How do I backup and restore SMS Messages?
Drake's user avatar
  • 2,351
45 votes
3 answers
27k views

How do I perform a full pre-rooting backup of an Android phone?

The question arises because the best-rated backup application (Titanium Backup) requires root. So what would one use instead when getting a really complete backup is essential? Is there a file manager-...
Joerg W.'s user avatar
  • 551
6 votes
1 answer
12k views

Transfer Android app with offline data to NEW PHONE without ROOT

I've purchased a new phone and have transferred most of the data from the old device to the new one using various means. There is one app, however, that does not have account login, so I cannot save ...
Y.S.'s user avatar
  • 361
1 vote
1 answer
3k views

Smart Phone flash tool - Readback - EMMC_USER backup

I trying to take backup of my phone. and i use Smart Phone Flash Tool How can i take (EMMC_USER)(64GB Rom) in HEX ? Can someone tell me what HEX i need in length in Smart Phone Flash Tool, in tab (...
fredy4's user avatar
  • 11
51 votes
10 answers
39k views

ADB backup creates 0-byte file; prompts for current backup password even though I never set one; "Failed to set password" for Desktop backup password

The problem: Every time I run ADB backup, I get a message near the bottom of the home screen saying Backup starting..., followed by a message saying Backup finished a few seconds later despite the ...
Adi Inbar's user avatar
  • 1,413
11 votes
1 answer
7k views

ADB pull stops after first error

I am trying to do a full copy of /sdcard of my unrooted OnePlus 3T to my Windows PC. So far I've tried: adb pull /sdcard/ C:\mylocalfolder\ Works OK but as soon as there is an error it stops the ...
Edgar Griñant's user avatar
6 votes
1 answer
50k views

How to perform a full system dump/backup with a broken screen?

So, yesterday my phone took a serious tumble. It is now essentially useless, as the screen either fails to turn on, or when it does, there is nothing useful to see (just lines of primary colors, ...
reidLinden's user avatar
24 votes
8 answers
284k views

New phone: How to transfer game progress?

I'm planning to buy a new Android phone and I'd like to be able to transfer the progress I have made at several games to the new device, so I won't have to play all the levels again from scratch. I ...
Cristian Lupascu's user avatar
157 votes
16 answers
195k views

How do I back up Google Authenticator?

I'm starting to use Google Authenticator for more and more things now, but I've just realized that if I lose my phone, or if I need to wipe and restore it to install new firmware, I will lose all of ...
Nick's user avatar
  • 1,693
28 votes
3 answers
20k views

What info does Google backup?

Does anyone know what exactly does Google backup (and restore) when you enable that option? Also, are we able to see this list somewhere? (Maybe hidden n-levels deep in Google Account information?) ...
pyko's user avatar
  • 1,417
20 votes
2 answers
42k views

Backup/Restore SMS/MMS via ADB on a non-rooted device?

Is there any way to backup/restore SMS and MMS messages using ADB, when the device is not rooted? adb pull won't work here, as the corresponding database (/data/data/com.android.providers.telephony/...
Izzy's user avatar
  • 91.1k
13 votes
2 answers
7k views

Creating a backup with adb results in 41 byte file

I have an old droid RAZR Maxx (4.1.2) that I decided I want to root, but I want to make a backup first just in case. I've followed instructions from this site: How To Create a Full Android Phone or ...
HaLo2FrEeEk's user avatar
3 votes
2 answers
12k views

How to take full image backup of partitions or eMMC?

I have an Archos 55 Platinum here. There is also a unofficial TWRP, if this might help. I would like to make a backup of the storage of the phone, like dd for any partition, so I can inspect the ...
davidbaumann's user avatar
26 votes
2 answers
17k views

Partial adb restore

ICS devices support creating backups using adb backup, and restoring them using adb restore. Using adb backup, one can select that everything should be backed up, or only a certain package. However, ...
Bob's user avatar
  • 725
23 votes
1 answer
20k views

Does adb backup/restore still work because it says it's deprecated?

I want to reset my phone but want to recover the system data before doing so. I tried to create a backup with adb and tried to restore it on a virtual device to see if it works. So I tried to restore ...
1789's user avatar
  • 333
60 votes
1 answer
89k views

What all does ADB backup and how do I restore part of it?

I am soon going to unlock bootloader and root my Nexus 5, but I didn't wanted to wipe all the data so I thought of using the ADB backup function to restore after rooting is done. adb backup [-f <...
Akshat Mittal's user avatar
12 votes
2 answers
40k views

Is it possible to migrate apps and their data from one unrooted Android phone to another?

I would like to migrate apps and their data from one phone to another without too much faffing around, like: rooting (very convoluted device specific process with a lot of ambiguity around it and ...
Johnny Baloney's user avatar
6 votes
2 answers
33k views

How to extract .backup files created by android stock recovery?

I'm using Coolpad note 3 lite, running Android 5.1. I created internal memory backup using stock recovery. Files were created in this format: userdata_yyyymmdd_HHMMSS.backup = 2GB ...
Jones's user avatar
  • 161
23 votes
5 answers
19k views

How can data on an unrooted phone be backed up?

What methods are available to back up data (both system and application) from a phone which is not rooted and is running stock Android 2.3.4 Gingerbread? It is my understanding that it is impossible ...
Kevin Reid's user avatar
18 votes
1 answer
34k views

adb backup command on non-rooted device creates an empty backup file?

I recently tried to backup my Motorola Moto G2 XT1068 phone running Lollipop 5.0.1 and after connecting it over USB with usb-debugging ON and I ran the adb backup command to backup my device ...
Lucky's user avatar
  • 3,331
13 votes
3 answers
27k views

Clone Android device including the content of SD card

I have to clone about 65 Android devices (Samsung Galaxy Tab 10.1N). I would do it with a backup in CyanogenMod, but the problem with the Cyanogen Backup is, it does not back up the SD card. Any other ...
Styler2go's user avatar
  • 233
9 votes
4 answers
56k views

How to backup the Android calendar file (is there such a file)?

Does anybody know which files I need to save in order to have a simple backup? Reason for my question is, that my Galaxy Android smartphone lost all calendar data without any interaction. I found ...
Alex004's user avatar
  • 191
2 votes
1 answer
3k views

Image a phone and browse on computer emulator?

I have a galaxy nexus (stock OS). During its use I have used WeChat and WhatsApp, and would like to save my chat and voice histories within these programs. Does a way exist to image my current phone ...
Steve Hatcher's user avatar
42 votes
5 answers
84k views

How to backup Angry Birds saves/data?

I need to reinstall my Android ROM but before I would like to backup my Angry Birds savegame/data/scores. Do you have any idea how can I do it?
Drake's user avatar
  • 2,351
18 votes
6 answers
18k views

How can I backup the entire Gallery (photos and videos) to my desktop computer?

The Gallery on my Android device seems to show all the photos and videos, whatever the method to get them could had been (camera, whatsapp, bluetooth, and so on). I would like to backup them all, ...
Sopalajo de Arrierez's user avatar
13 votes
9 answers
58k views

Is it possible to backup apk from an installed application?

I got some huge games which I don't play regularly but don't want to delete either. Is it possible to backup those apps as apk so that I can install them offline later? I'm not talking about backing ...
kBisla's user avatar
  • 357
7 votes
2 answers
8k views

Why is my Android not restoring the app data from its Google Drive backup?

I'm testing a new version of our app that now supports Android Auto Backup (by targeting API over 23). I've managed to get the system to back up the app's data by leaving it overnight (two nights), ...
Svend Hansen's user avatar
5 votes
3 answers
6k views

Is this the right way to use dd for a full backup?

Sadly my device (sm-g3185) isn't supported by either CWM or NANDbackup, so I am trying to do a backup manually. I found this thread which tells me to open a terminal (I'm on Arch Linux) and run: adb ...
terdon's user avatar
  • 253
4 votes
1 answer
1k views

Is it possible to back up the encryption key of Android?

Is it ever possible to get a backup of my Android smartphone's decryption key (I have my /data partition encrypted) in case something goes wrong? My phone is rooted. I have Galaxy Note 4 SM-N910C.
The Quantum Physicist's user avatar
4 votes
3 answers
25k views

Can adb be used to recover SMS messages while in permanent "Safe Mode"?

I have a non-rooted Droid X2 that is in permanent "Safe mode", but I want to recover SMS messages. SMS Backup and Restore will NOT work because safe mode only allows system apps to run. adb shell ...
rjt's user avatar
  • 169
3 votes
1 answer
3k views

How do I access to my WhatsApp backup in Google Drive?

My phone was stolen and I was unable to reclaim my number from my telco. Therefore, I'm not able to log in to WhatsApp with my stolen number. There are very important messages and contacts that I have ...
hatched's user avatar
  • 131
34 votes
7 answers
68k views

Backup and restore Android Settings and Application through ADB

I would like to ask if it possible to backup and restore all Android Settings and applications through ADB. I tried: adb backup -all adb: unable to connect for backup It is not working, while all ...
glarkou's user avatar
  • 451
30 votes
2 answers
42k views

How do I know when "adb backup" is finished?

I have a non-rooted Verizon Samsung Galaxy Nexus, and I wanted to try the "adb backup" feature. Possibly in preparation for rooting, but that's not really relevant to the question. I want to back up ...
Josh's user avatar
  • 1,609
19 votes
2 answers
11k views

What to do before root and flash my phone?

Right now I have in my phone the stock rom and I haven't rooted it. I want to root it and change the rom. What should I do first, root or flash the rom? I don't want to lose all the configuration, ...
Diego's user avatar
  • 1,311
13 votes
3 answers
8k views

Backup using adb on a phone with a dead screen

I have a Galaxy S3, screen is visually and touch impaired. It is USB debug enabled, un-rooted. I'm able to use Droid@Screen to see my screen, which i'm able to unlock. I then run this command: ...
DanBig's user avatar
  • 231
13 votes
3 answers
27k views

Mount Android encrypted data partition on PC

My Nexus 4 screen met a tragic end due to violent contact with flooring tiles. Everything works except the touchscreen (which displays fine but does not react to touch any more). I would like to get ...
personne3000's user avatar
11 votes
1 answer
165k views

Anyone know where memos are stored on a Samsung Galaxy S6?

I hooked my S6 up to a Win8 computer, and there were about 30-something folders on the S6. So I copied everything to my PC. Now I'm trying to find some of the info that was on my phone, like memos, ...
Johnny Bones's user avatar
10 votes
5 answers
18k views

Restoring an ADB backup onto a different phone of the same model?

We have several Android 4.0 phones of the same model, from the same manufacturer, purchased at the same time, from the same factory batch. We have created a backup of one of the phones using ADB. Can ...
user26689's user avatar
  • 101
8 votes
2 answers
1k views

Clone and distribute Android 4 device with preloaded applications

This may be related to Clone Android Device but I don't think it fits my need. I'm looking to accomplish something similar to Sysprep for Windows, which would allow me to distribute Android devices ...
mKorbel's user avatar
  • 181
8 votes
4 answers
20k views

Does adb backup include contacts?

Does the command: adb backup -all -f backup.ab include contacts in the backup?
user2212461's user avatar
6 votes
0 answers
4k views

Transfer WhatsApp chat from iPhone to Android [duplicate]

I recently moved from iPhone to Android, now I want to transfer all my WhatsApp chats to my new Android phone from iPhone, but the problem is WhatsApp doesn't have any feature to transfer chats ...
Deepak Vardhan's user avatar
5 votes
0 answers
830 views

Full Backup of non-rooted devices (Android version 2.3.X and below) [duplicate]

This question is NOT a duplicate of this question but of an follow-up because the answers over there does not provided any solution for Android version 2.3.X and below. In that question - Full Backup ...
Jack's user avatar
  • 1,026
4 votes
1 answer
644 views

What is the right way to backup my whole phone?

I did a factory reset last night, and I'd like to try to mod my G1 but I want to make sure I have a good, complete recovery image. Preferably one that will restore things like my K9 mail settings, in ...
Amanda's user avatar
  • 3,423

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