Creating an Android backup. How to backup an Android device before flashing it

If you want to back up apps or games on Android, it's best to use the program, but if you need to back up your entire system, it's easier to install the universal ROM Manager app. It has many functions that will be useful when flashing the device.

Using ROM Manager you can also flash your smartphone or tablet. How to do this is described in detail on our website. To operate the application, root rights are required, which can be obtained using the programs, or.

So, install ROM Manager from Google Play, open the application and follow the instructions:

1. First of all, you need to install ClockWorkMod (modified Recovery). To do this, select “Recovery Setup” in the main menu of the program. It may also be called “Install ClockWorkMod”.

3. In the menu that appears, click on “Install ClockWorkMod”.

4. ROM Manager will require root access, after which the ClockWorkMod installation process will begin.

5. Now you can proceed to creating an Android backup. To do this, select “Save current ROM” in the main menu of the program.

6. In the window that appears, you can change the name of the backup copy. Finally click "OK".

7. After this, your device will go into ClockWorkMod Recovery and backup creation will begin. This process can take quite a long time, so don't worry.

8. If you want to restore the system, open “Backups”, select the saved backup and in the next window click “Restore”.

Overall, ROM Manager is a truly versatile application. Using it, you can install CWM, create a system backup and restore it if necessary, and also flash your Android smartphone or tablet.

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, enter your username and password, wait 2 minutes for it to complete synchronization with Google server and the data is 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 to create a backup copy, the method is not ideal but still better than none!

So what do you need for this?

Turn on USB debugging on Adnroid;
Download the site's proprietary program ADB RUN(from version 3.21.35 and later);
If not installed driver for PC, install;
USB cable.

Instructions on how to do it

backup and restore using Adb Run

Creating a Backup

1. Run Adb Run and select the Backup menu

2. Select the first item adb backup

3. Take your Android smartphone or tablet and click the create backup button (you don’t have to create a password)

Restoring from a backup

1. To restore, select adb restore

2. Take your Android smartphone or tablet and click the Recover Data button

Method number 2 - using custom Recovery (root)

First of all, you must have custom Recovery installed! How to do this and how, you can find out in detail from the article download and install Recovery. Creating a backup is not really a backup - it is creating an image of the current firmware state !

After installed Recovery log into it.

Select the Backup and Restore menu

Select the Backup menu item to create a backup copy

Select the Restore menu item to restore

Method number 4 - DataSync (root)

DataSync is suitable for those who need to back up application data, as well as instant movement them on other 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 application works. DataSync.

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. Details OBackup.

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. First, download the application from the official Google Play app store

free version

If you don't 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

To create a backup, select applications in the section RESERVATION, which you want to back up and click the button to start the process

The recovery process is also simple

Creating a r.k. in Helium on NON-Root devices

The process is very similar, only with certain caveats. After downloading and installing the add-on on your PC, run it

Regularity. Creating backups should be as regular as brushing your teeth in the morning.
Examination. Check the backup you just made. It will be very disappointing if, at a particularly tense moment, your lifesaver turns out to be a dummy. Open several files from the archive and make sure they work.
Separateness. It is better to store backups not in one place, but in at least two. For example, on an external hard drive and in the cloud. After all, disks sometimes fail, and cloud storage may not be available at the right time.
Demarcation. Divide what you plan to store into several clear categories. Data of varying importance require different approaches to archiving.

System solutions

Windows

Windows has a standard backup and recovery tool that allows you to save both individual files and an entire image from which you can restore the system in the event of a failure.

Windows 7

Go to the “Control Panel” by left-clicking on the “Start” button and selecting the appropriate item. In “Control Panel” select “System and Security” → “Backup computer data” → “Set up backup”.

Next, the system will ask you to specify a location to save the archive. Please note: if you want to backup data from drive C, you will not be able to save it there. To do this, you will have to select another medium, for example a second physical disk, flash drive, DVD or a folder on the local network. If we recall the principles of creating a backup, the archive must be stored on a separate medium, and not on the very computer from which the copy was made.

Next, the system will prompt you to automatically or manually select folders for archiving. Click on “Give me a choice” and in the window that opens, check the boxes for the folders you want to save. Click Next → Save settings and exit.

Now the “Archive” button appears in the “Backup or restore files” window. Clicking on it will start the process of archiving your data.

Recovery follows the same principle. To do this, click on the item “Select another backup to restore files” and indicate the one into which the backup was made.

Windows 8 and above

The built-in File History tool allows for real-time archiving. For it to work, only initial setup is required.

Go to "Control Panel". To do this, click on the “Start” button with the right mouse button and find the desired line in the context menu.

As a storage location, select a disk other than the system one, a flash drive, or a network folder. Click Enable.

“File History” will automatically copy the following libraries: “Documents”, “Music”, “Images”, “Videos” - and standard user folders: Windows, “Desktop”, “Favorites”.

By default, backups are made every hour, but you can change this time, for example, to 10 minutes. However, this will require more disk space. The retention time for each copy can be configured in the Advanced Options menu.

macOS

Time Machine is a standard Apple solution designed for creating backup copies of applications, files and folders, documents, videos, and music.

To use Time Machine, you will need third-party storage, such as a flash drive, external hard drive, or network solution.

When you connect your external drive to your Mac, you should be asked: Should I use it as backup storage? Select "Use as backup drive."

If the window does not appear, you must select the backup disk manually:

go to the menu and open Time Machine settings;
click on “Select backup disk”;
select the one you need and click on “Use disk”.

Backups will be automatically created once every hour, backups for the past month every day, and backups for the entire time every week. Don't be afraid that the capacity of your hard drive will be small. Time Machine will only save changed information, and old copies will be automatically deleted as disk space becomes full.

Android

Android Backup Service

Designed to create backup copies of Google account data. With its help you can save:

data about Wi-Fi networks;
desktop wallpaper;
Gmail settings;
Google Play apps;
language and input settings;
date and time;
settings for a number of third-party applications.

To create a backup you need:

open device settings;
go to “Personal data” → “Restore and reset”;
enable "Data backup".

To restore data on another device, just log in with your account. To restore the settings of saved applications, go to “Personal data” → “Recovery and reset” → “Auto recovery”.

Synchronization

Android provides a standard synchronization tool that allows you to save user contacts, applications installed from Google Play, calendar, display settings, languages and input methods, Google Drive data and settings of some third-party applications. The tool requires a Google account.

Synchronization in Android is enabled by default. If you want to get the latest backup copy, do the following:

open your phone settings;
in the “Accounts and Synchronization” section, select Google;
Check the required boxes and click “Synchronize”.

The data will automatically be sent to Google cloud storage. To restore them on another Android device, just connect your account to it.

You can also synchronize most popular accounts: Skype, Telegram, Viber and VKontakte. To sync photos and images, Android has a built-in Google Photo solution.

iOS

iTunes

Apple's universal application for receiving and playing content. Allows you to locally save data from a device connected to a computer running Windows or macOS. This is especially convenient when you do not have Internet access.

To create a copy using iTunes, do the following:

connect the device to the computer;
go to the “Devices” tab;
click "Sync".

photos;
notes;
contact list;
calendar;
SMS/MMS messages;
Safari browser;
access point settings;
application data;
main screen view.

iCloud

Cloud service for storing user data. Like any cloud, it has two limitations: the need for Internet access and a relatively small (5 GB) amount of free allocated space.

To save data using iCloud on your device, open Settings → iCloud → Backup and start the process of creating a copy.

Saved in iCloud:

purchase history in the App Store;
photos;
phone settings;
application data;
main screen view;
ringtones;
voice mail.

Software tools

Windows

License: commercial software.

Russian language support: There is.

A simple solution for creating backups. Allows you to save both individual files (photos, music or movies) and mail files, for example from Microsoft Outlook or TheBat.

In the main program window, click “Create a new task” → “Create a backup copy”. From the directory tree, select the data you want to save. In our case, this will be the “Music” folder on the desktop.

Finally, give the task a name and click Finish. Archiving is complete.

Data recovery is performed using the same principle. Select the saved backup copy, and then select the location where you want to restore it.

The trial period for using the program is 30 days. The developers offer to purchase the full basic version for 800 rubles. There are other versions of Handy Backup - Professional and Expert. Their capabilities are much wider and tailored to professional needs; for our purposes, the Standard version is quite sufficient.

License: shareware.

Russian language support: No.

Another solution for creating backups and recovering lost files. The interface is so simple and clear that even the lack of Russian language will not be an obstacle.

First of all, choose where to save your data. Let it be a removable drive E.

The next step is to specify the data to be saved. The program offers both a smart selection, where you can mark desktop files, system folders “Pictures” or “Videos”, and a directory tree at once. Go to it and save the already familiar “Music” folder.

After clicking on the checkbox, the archiving window will open. On the selected drive, the program automatically creates a Genie TineLine folder, where it places the saved files.

Save and restore functions are available in the basic version of Genie Timeline Free. The advanced paid versions of Genie Timeline Home and Genie Timeline Pro have much greater capabilities: sending notifications by email, highly secure data encryption, and setting up a schedule. But for saving home files, the Free version is quite enough.

Genie TineLine has an iOS app that allows you to check the status of your backups on your computer.

License: commercial software.

Russian language support: There is.

A powerful tool for creating backups and restoring data. You can store backups not only on physical disks, but also on Acronis’s own cloud service. However, for this you will have to subscribe for a year, and the amount of space provided will depend on the tariff plan. With a standard subscription, 50 GB are allocated, when purchasing a premium version - from 1 TB.

Immediately after installation, the program prompts you to choose what data to send to the copy: from the entire computer, from disks and partitions, or individual folders.

Select "Files and folders" and select the ones you need. Let this again be the “Music” folder on the desktop. Click "OK" and proceed to select storage.

Select flash drive E, click “OK” → “Create a copy” again. A copy of the “Music” folder has been created on a flash drive.

Acronis also has other useful features. For example, “Archive” allows you to free up disk space by packing large files, and the “Disk Cloning” tool will create a complete copy of local disks, which will allow you to restore the system to its original state in the event of a failure.

The cost of the program is 2,700 rubles. A standard subscription for a year will cost users 2,400 rubles, an extended one - 5,100 rubles. Mobile applications work in conjunction with the desktop version and are downloaded for free.

macOS

Carbon Cope Cloner

License: commercial software.

Russian language support: No.

A utility for creating a duplicate disk. Russian language support is not provided, but understanding the interface will not be difficult.

In Source Disk, select the drive you want to copy. In Target Disk, specify the location to store the copy. Start the process with the Clone button.

The free period of using the program is 30 days. After Carbon Cope Cloner will cost 2,405.65 rubles.

Android

License: shareware.

Russian language support: There is.

A convenient solution for creating backups and synchronizing applications on Android that does not require root rights. However, for full operation you will have to install Helium on a computer running Windows, Linux or macOS.

After installing the application on your smartphone, you will immediately receive a notification about the need for the desktop version. To make installation easier and save time, the program offers to send a link to a user-friendly messenger or email. From there follow the link to the program website, download and run. Installation in the “Next” → “Next” → “OK” style does not cause any difficulties.

While the program is installing, the mobile application asks you to connect the phone to the computer and enable USB debugging.

After receiving a notification about successful synchronization, you can disconnect your smartphone from the computer.

Open the mobile application. From the list of installed programs, select the ones you need and click on the “Backup” button. Specify where the backup will be stored and wait for the process to complete.

To restore from a backup, go to the “Restore and Sync” tab, select the storage location with the copy, select the desired applications and click “Restore”.

The basic version of the program is free, the cost of the extended version is 149.86 rubles.

The extended version allows:

disable advertising;
set up scheduled backups;
enable synchronization between Android devices;
save data in the cloud.

Owners of Motorola devices and some Sony models will not be able to install the application.

License: shareware.

Russian language support: There is.

The most popular application backup tool among Android users. Requires root access to the device.

To create a backup copy of one or more applications, open the “Backups” tab, which provides a complete list of installed software. An exclamation mark next to an application indicates that a copy has not yet been created for it. The phone icon means that the program is stored on the device's internal memory. The SD card icon indicates applications stored on the memory card.

Select the application and click “Save” in the menu that opens.

The backup has been created. Now, if you enter the application again, you can see the “Restore” button.

Titanum Backup supports group work with applications and backups. To do this, go to “Menu” → “Batch actions”.

This function allows you to:

check backups - both recently created and entire ones - for errors;
make backup copies of all installed applications;
make backup copies of all system data;
delete old backups;
restore all backups;
restore all system data;
clear application cache;
remove system or user applications.

The functionality of Titanium Backup is much broader, but for our purposes the listed capabilities are quite sufficient.

The extended version of Titanium Backup costs 349 rubles. Its main features:

creating multiple backups for the application;
encryption of reserved data;
checking all archives;
batch freezing and unfreezing of applications;
synchronization of backups with the cloud.

iOS

iMazing

License: commercial software.

Russian language support: There is.

Compatibility: Microsoft Windows, macOS.

In fact, it is a file manager with backup capabilities. In many ways it is similar to iTunes, but working in it is much easier and more enjoyable. You can transfer data both via cable and via Wi-Fi, and in iMazing there is no limit on the number of connected devices.

When you connect your device to your computer, iMazing automatically makes a backup of it. The function of changing data directly in a saved copy is very useful: the next time you connect, the changed data is instantly synchronized.

The free period is 30 days, after which you will have to pay $39.99 for use on one computer.

License: commercial software.

Russian language support: No.

Compatibility: iOS.

A tool for backing up devices with . Allows you to save notes, contacts, photos, messages, call history and much more.

To create a backup, just select what you want to save and click on the corresponding icon. A copy can be stored on your smartphone, computer, in the cloud, or sent by email.

To restore data, click on the Restore button in the menu on the left side of the screen.

BackupAZ costs $2.99.

iLex

License: free software.

Russian language support: There is.

Compatibility: iOS.

And this software product will require you to have a jailbreak. The free iLex application allows you to save absolutely any data from your device, and it doesn’t require a computer to work.

Having created a backup copy, save it where it is convenient for you, and after flashing the device or in case of loss, copy the archive to your phone and restore the necessary information.

Cydia

License: free software.

Russian language support: There is.

To do this, just go to Manage Accounts, enter your account and select Installable Purchases. But this can only be done for purchased applications. Cydia does not save information about free ones.

Cloud solutions

Google Drive

License: shareware.

Russian language support: There is.

Compatibility:

Allows you to store user data on Google servers, differentiate access rights to files and folders, open access and share them with other Internet users.

Storage includes:

Google Drive - used to store files;
Gmail - stores the user's contacts and is a powerful email client;
Google Photo - automatically finds images on devices and saves them to the cloud.

15 GB is provided for free. For larger volumes you will have to pay from $2.99 to $299. The maximum storage capacity is 30 TB, and the maximum uploaded file is 5 TB.

2 GB of storage is available for free use. The cost of 1 TB will be 9.99 euros. Unlimited space can be purchased for 10 euros per month.

Yandex.Disk

License: shareware.

Russian language support: There is.

Compatibility: browsers, Microsoft Windows, macOS, Android, iOS.

Cloud service of Russian origin, former Yandex.People. Like previous solutions, it allows you to save data in the cloud and share it with other Internet users. Supports synchronization between different devices.

Users are provided with 10 GB free of charge. For an additional 10 GB, Yandex asks to pay an additional 30 rubles, for 100 GB - 80 rubles, and the cost of 1 TB will be only 200 rubles.

An old adage in the IT world says that it is better to have 10 backups than one big problem. With the development of modern technologies, mobile phones have come close to personal computers in terms of complexity and principles of data organization, as well as in the operation of software. For many users who are not very familiar with the structure, the question of how to make an Android backup is becoming increasingly relevant.

Let's see what different categories of personal device owners mean by this concept?

Among the most universal methods that do not require special knowledge and skills is MOBILedit! Enterprise. It provides the user with all the possibilities at once:

automatic detection of a huge list of devices;
directly during installation you can download drivers for all types of equipment from global manufacturers;
owners of Chinese products based on MTK chips do not have to worry, since there are drivers for all generations of such devices;
convenient interface, which has all the functionality of any exchange programs;
ability to save data to cloud storage;
The program can do cloning - a full backup Android, which makes a backup copy of everything.

Everyone knows that a smartphone can be easily lost or broken. In the early 2000s, after this you would have to not only buy a new phone, but also start manually entering all the numbers of your friends, relatives and colleagues into it. And we would have to completely forget about the history of SMS messages. Fortunately, the situation has now changed. Now you can make a backup of your phone, which will protect useful information. In the future, all that remains is to restore the backup copy on another device.

The words “system backup” mean its complete or partial copying. And not necessarily on a PC - you can also use a cloud service. If you make a partial backup, the following sections of the system are often copied:

Contact book;
Call log;
SMS messages;
Calendar;
List of installed applications.

At the same time, you can exclude some sections from this list. For example, if you never use the “Calendar”, then it would be logical to remove it in order to speed up the backup.

If you are planning to make a full backup of Android, then in the future you will be able to restore the entire system, and not the individual components that make up it. This is most relevant for those cases if you regularly experiment with your device by installing third-party firmware on it.

Where is the data copied?

If you decide to make a backup of Android, then you need to decide where exactly to copy all the information. Often, special applications offer the following options:

microSD memory card- a very convenient method if you have the appropriate slot, but this is not the best option for ensuring data safety if you are afraid of losing your smartphone;
Computer- a slightly more complicated method, since you will need to connect via a USB cable, but it is the most reliable;
"Cloud"- contacts and other information are copied to the application developer’s server, or to Dropbox or some other similar service.

Using Airdroid's built-in tools

A Google account allows you not to worry about the personal data contained on your smartphone. With its help, all information is regularly copied to Google servers, from where it can be borrowed when purchasing a new device. How to register such an account - we told you in separate article. Here we will tell you how to enable synchronization with servers.

Step 1. Go to " Settings».

Step 2. Go to the " Recovery and reset».

Data backup" Below you can select the account that will be used for backup. This is relevant for those users whose device contains multiple Google accounts.

Step 4. Now you need to select the operating system partitions that will be copied to the servers of the American company. To do this in " Settings" go to the section " Accounts».

Step 5. Click on the item " Google».

Step 6: Click on your Gmail email address.

Step 7. Here you can check the boxes of the items you need. If you do not buy movies on Google Play, then the corresponding item can be left inactive. The same is the case with music. But it’s better to synchronize contacts, documents, calendar events, tables and some other data so as not to lose them if your smartphone is stolen or broken.

Using Super Backup

Some people feel that Google's servers are not secure enough. They believe that Android backup could fall into the wrong hands this way. These people are wondering, “How can I make a backup without sending it to the Internet?” Previously in the section " Recovery and reset“There was a corresponding item that allowed you to copy all the information to a memory card. But for the sake of security, this function has been removed from modern versions of the Android operating system. If you still need an Android backup on a microSD memory card, then use the application Super Backup .

Step 1. Install and run the utility Super Backup.

Step 2. When you first start it, you will be asked to set up an automatic backup on a schedule. If you want to do this, then click the appropriate button. If not, then click " Not now».

Step 3. In any case, we need to configure the backup method. Therefore, you will have to proceed to " Settings" To do this, in the main program window you need to click on the vertical ellipsis located in the upper right corner.

Step 4. In the menu that appears, click on the item “ Settings».

Step 5. In this section, click on the item “ Save path».

Step 6. Place a dot next to “ External save card", then select the appropriate folder (to do this, click the " Look"). When finished, click on the " OK».

Step 7. Now return to the main program window and backup the types of information you need. You can choose from apps, SMS, contacts, calendar, call log and internet browser bookmarks. All this is done by pressing the buttons " Save».

Step 8. When you want to use the saved data, do everything the same, but now click on the “ Restore».

Please note: The program can send a backup to the cloud. In this case, this is not a developer server, but a more reliable Google Drive. This is a very good way for those who want to quickly transfer their phone book and other information from one device to another.

Using ADB Run

The previous backup options considered had a couple of significant drawbacks. Standard Google tools will refuse to work without a connection to the World Wide Web. Well, there is no point in using Super Backup on a device without a memory card slot - and there are a lot of such smartphones. Therefore, we need a third backup option that allows you to make a backup copy and send it to your computer. There are a fairly large number of computer programs that allow you to do this. We will consider ADB Run- this utility was developed by Vitaly Shipilov, a true expert on the Android operating system.

Please note: To successfully use the program, you must have the driver for your smartphone model installed on your computer.

Step 1. Download and install ADB Run.

Step 2. Enable USB debugging on your smartphone or tablet. To do this, go to " Settings", then proceed to the section " For developers».

Step 3. Activate the checkbox next to “ USB Debugging" If necessary, activate the section itself (switch at the very top).

Step 4. Connect your smartphone to the computer, then run ADB Run (find the file in the folder with the installed program adb_run.bat, or click on the icon that appears on the desktop).

Step 5. The utility does not have an interface, but instead has a console view. In this regard, you will have to enter commands in numbers. In our case, you need to enter “ 12 "(without quotes) - this command is responsible for backup. Confirm your action by pressing the key Enter.

Step 6: Enter a number 1 and press Enter.

Step 7. What exactly do you want to copy to your computer? If only basic data, then enter a number 1 . If personal data and applications, then enter two. AND three, if you want to add the contents of the memory card to this. Click Enter.

Step 8. Wait for the operation to complete.

You can also transfer personal data from your smartphone to your computer using other utilities. For example, a good backup program for Android is Airdroid, although in fact it is not one. You can read more about other applications of this kind in the article about