How to Back Up Your Entire Android Device & Restore It Later

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Keeping your Android device backed up ensures you don’t lose apps, messages, media, or settings when switching phones, doing a factory reset, or flashing a new ROM.

:magnifying_glass_tilted_left: What Can (and Can’t) Be Backed Up?

Data Type Google Backup Third-Party (No Root) Root (Titanium)
Apps + App Data :check_mark: (some data) :check_mark: (limited) :check_mark::check_mark::check_mark: (full)
SMS / Call Logs :cross_mark: :check_mark: :check_mark:
Photos & Media :check_mark: (Photos app) :check_mark: :check_mark:
Device Settings :check_mark: :cross_mark: :check_mark:
Wi-Fi + Passwords :check_mark: :cross_mark: :check_mark:

Method 1: Google One Backup (No Root)

Google automatically backs up key data, including:

  • App data (limited to what developers allow)
  • SMS (on Pixel/Samsung devices)
  • Call history
  • Wi-Fi networks
  • Wallpapers, some settings

To enable:

  1. Go to Settings > System > Backup
  2. Toggle Backup by Google One
  3. Tap Back up now

To restore:

During device setup, sign in with your Google account and select the backup from the list.

Method 2: Third-Party Apps (No Root)

1. Swift Backup (Best all-in-one option)

  • Backs up apps, call logs, SMS, wallpapers, and more.
  • Root gives more power, but works well without it too.
  • Needs a Google account or custom sync destination (like Dropbox).

Swift Backup

2. SMS Backup & Restore

  • Save SMS and call logs to Google Drive or local storage.
  • Schedule daily backups.

SMS Backup & Restore

3. FolderSync / Syncthing

  • Backup folders (DCIM, Downloads, WhatsApp, etc.) to cloud or another device.
  • Ideal for photos, documents, media.

Method 3: ADB Backup (No Root, Requires PC)

ADB lets you create a near-complete backup without root. It’s not perfect but useful.

:toolbox: Requirements:

  • PC or Mac
  • USB debugging enabled on phone (Settings > Developer options)
  • ADB on your computer (or use WebADB)

Run this in terminal:

adb backup -apk -shared -all -f backup.ab

To restore:

adb restore backup.ab

:warning: Note: Some apps may not be backed up due to restrictions.

Method 4: Titanium Backup (Root Only)

This is the most powerful backup tool for rooted users.

Features:

  • Full app + data backups
  • Freeze bloatware
  • Sync to cloud
  • Batch restore

Steps:

  1. Grant root access
  2. Choose apps/data to back up
  3. Save to internal or external storage
  4. Copy Titanium folder to PC/cloud for safekeeping

Backing Up Photos & Media (Manually)

Even if you use other backup methods, always copy your media manually or via apps like:

  • Google Photos (auto cloud backup)
  • FolderSync or Syncthing (sync to cloud or local server)
  • Connect to PC and copy DCIM, Pictures, Downloads, etc.

Restoring Backups

Depends on your method:

  • Google Backup: Restore during setup
  • Swift Backup: Open app, select Restore
  • ADB: adb restore
  • Titanium: Open app, tap Restore

Always test backups before wiping your phone.

2 Likes
2

Nice!

I prefer these for rooted backup:

Or

1 Like
3

When I fire this command the phone just reboots and gets disconnected from adb
Once back on and reconnected to adb doesn’t look like anything changed

4

Is it the same type of phone? Gotta figure out whats crashing it

5

Sonim XP3900

6

I mean are you backing up and restoring on the same model phone?

7

Yes

8

Are these still the best apps for complete root backups?
I would like app data and settings to be backed up too.