How to backup an Android device using Recovery - saving important information in a simple way

Do you have a lot of data on Android that you don't want to lose, if something happens? Android OS allows you to back up all your data and settings and restore them at any time!

Gone are the days when Android was not a very attractive operating system and could do little. Many of you have installed a program like Titanium Backup or used TWRP Recovery to create a backup copy of all your data and settings and restore everything back if something happens. Now the Android OS can do a lot of things, looks great, and also allows you to make full backups and, if anything happens, restore from them using standard or, as they more often say, stock Recovery, without resorting to third-party utilities, custom recovery, or root rights.

What is reserved?

• Installed applications
• Program settings
• Program data
• Interface settings
• Photo, video, audio and other files

In this article we will try to tell you how to use Android backup, and also tell you what you need for this.

It is also worth clarifying that depending on the model and manufacturer of the device, the backup function using stock Recovery may not be available.

Why do you need backup?

Almost all owners of smartphones and other smart devices who care about data safety have heard of the concept of a backup copy. It is also often called the word backup. A backup copy allows you to save all the gadget files in order to temporarily send them to the memory of another storage. At any convenient time, a person will be able to restore data.

Let's consider several options when a user may need to create a backup:

• Precautions for information security.
• Preparing for a factory reset or operating system update.
• Buying a new smartphone.

It is imperative to say a few words about each reason for creating a backup. This precaution is basic, but rarely used by owners of Android devices. Unfortunately, your smartphone can malfunction at any time, leading to data loss. But, if a person has made a backup, he will be able to restore all the information.

Make sure you keep an up-to-date backup at all times. This can be done through your phone settings. This way you will 100% protect yourself and all stored information.

Also, creating a backup copy is indispensable if the user is going to update the operating system version or perform a factory reset. If you do not take care of backup, all information will be lost during the operation. It will be extremely difficult to recover data and, most likely, you will have to forget about photos, music and videos.

Finally, buying a new smartphone also forces a person to create a backup copy. This will allow you to quickly transfer all information from your old device to the newly purchased one. Of course, you can do without backup, but in this case it will take much more time to restore the data.

Using a PC

Obtaining root access, and at the same time mastering various applications, can be difficult for the user, while making a backup of Android firmware on a computer will be much easier for someone than with TWRP. Moreover, you don’t have to download any additional applications for the device.

All you need for this:

1. Enabled USB debugging on the Android device (you can do this from the settings).
2. Install ADB RUN for your computer, download it for free.
3. PC drivers, which are often installed automatically, and a USB cable.

Algorithm of actions:

1. We connect the phone to the computer and launch the ADB program.
2. Select Backup in the window that opens.
3. Next, select the first item in the new menu.
4. On your Android device, click “Back up data.” You are also prompted to create a password, but this action is optional.

A copy has been created for you to use if necessary!

Here we discussed the main ways to create a full backup for Android, that is, a firmware backup. In addition, there are various functions and utilities that allow you to make copies of applications or various Android games, contacts, SMS, etc. separately.

Types of backups in Android

Backup is a rather vague concept, the general capabilities of which are not clear to every person. Before you create a backup, you need to study all its varieties. There are two types of backup:

• General.
• Selective.

The first type involves saving absolutely all information stored on the smartphone. These include multimedia files, passwords, and contacts from your address book. Of course, storing such an impressive amount of data will require a lot of free space. In addition, the more files are sent to the backup, the longer the operation takes.

Selective backup, in turn, allows you to solve the problem of lack of free space. For example, music files are not as important to a person as phone contacts. Therefore, when creating a backup copy, he can mark only that type of information, the loss of which will lead to fatal consequences. Thanks to this feature, the user has the right to separately save:

• SMS.
• Contacts.
• Accounts and passwords.
• Personal photos and videos.
• IMEI.

Each type of information is important in its own way. The user must decide for himself what he is willing to lose and what he cannot do without. If you need to save absolutely all your data, you should choose a shared backup, since the Android operating system allows you to do this.

Decrypting HiSuite backups

What to do if you don't have these wonderful programs?
In this case, a Python script developed and maintained by Francesco Picasso, an employee of Reality Net System Solutions, will help you. You can find this script on GitHub, and its more detailed description can be found in the article “Huawei backup decryptor”. The decrypted HiSuite backup can then be imported and analyzed using classic forensic utilities (for example, Autopsy) or manually.

Where is the backup stored on Android?

Creating a backup is only half the battle. The operation generally risks becoming useless if a person does not understand where the files are saved. In order for users not to miss this moment, the developers suggest that at the first stage of creating a backup copy, immediately select a location to save:

• Internal memory of the device.
• Memory card.
• Cloud storage.

In the first case, all information is placed in a single archive, which is stored in one of the Android system folders. This saving option may become erroneous if, immediately after creating a copy, the owner of the smartphone performs a reset to factory settings. The backup made must be transferred to a computer or external storage device before the update or reset process is completed.

A memory card is a universal method, since resetting the settings does not affect external media. But, just in case, after creating a copy and before performing the operation, it is recommended to remove the MicroSD flash drive.

The problem with saving to a memory card is that not all smartphones support external media. In such a situation, cloud storage comes to the rescue. They allow you to temporarily place data on the Internet. Moreover, only the owner can see them, since he will have the login and password for the account.

It is recommended to store the backup in cloud storage. Since if you lose your smartphone, you can only restore data using the cloud.

Third Party Applications

Let's look at several programs for backing up your Android phone.

MyPhoneExplorer

You can backup your phone using MyPhoneExplorer as follows:

1. Download the computer program and the client application to your smartphone. Make sure your PC and phone are connected to the same network.
2. Launch the application on your smartphone and PC. Android Phone as the device to be connected in the “ Advanced ” . Set the connection type to “ Wi-Fi ”. Click " Next ".
3. To connect via USB, the “ USB Debugging ” item must be active.

1. Connect your smartphone and PC.
2. To create a backup, click on the “ Miscellaneous ” tab and select “ Create a backup copy of data ”. By default, MyPhoneExplorer copies contacts, call logs, appointments, notes and SMS.
3. To create a copy of files and applications from your phone, you need to activate the checkboxes on the desired tabs. A separate folder will be created for copies of files, and applications will be saved as APK files. Click “ Create a backup copy ”.

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TWRP Recovery

Custom recovery from “Team Win”. TWRP is a powerful utility that provides much more options to the user compared to the stock one.

Instructions:

1. Click on the “ Backup ” button.

1. Mark the required sections to create a backup and swipe on the “blocker” below to confirm.

1. Click on the “ Do not Install ” button if the recovery prompts you to install superuser rights.

Recovery:

1. Click on the “ Restore ” button.

1. The system will display a list of previously made copies. Select the one you need and the partition from the list that requires recovery .

1. The recovery process will start.

Super Backup

Main features of Super Backup:

• Save applications/contacts/messages/calls to a memory card.
• Recovering applications/contacts/messages/calls from a memory card.
• Deleting saved copies from the memory card.

Instructions:

• open the application, select the desired function;

• for example, SMS is selected. Click the “ Save ” button;
• specify the desired file name, click on the “ OK ” button;

• To restore, click “ Restore ”;
• select a save file.

The same manipulations can be performed with Contacts, applications, and call logs. You can link Google Drive to the application, and copying will also be done to it.

Online Nandroid Backup

Online Nandroid Backup app features:

• the copies that Nandroid creates are compatible with CWM 5 and 6;
• has full support for the “onandroid” script;
• Custom names are created for the various backups ;
• allows you to select a partition for saving backups;
• It has a simplified backup manager that allows you to quickly and easily delete, create, and rename copies.

The disadvantage is that not all smartphones support Nandroid. The program requires root rights .

Using DataSync

DataSync is an application created for synchronization between devices via WiFi, FTP and Dropbox.

Functional:

• support for synchronizing files and folders, as well as saves in games;
• synchronization in several threads;
• auto detection ;
• widget for quick synchronization.

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Orange Backup Features

Features of Orange Backup include:

• support for automatic uploading of copies to DropBox, Google Drive or FTP transfer;
• application removal function ;
• built-in task manager ;
• compatibility of backups with CWM and TWRP recovery.

Titanium Backup

Powerful application for OS Android. Requires root rights. Titanium Backup has the following features:

• backup of any applications and settings;
• support for data processing in batches according to a schedule;
• allows you to transfer data from third-party applications to microSD;
• allows you to hide unnecessary system applications in “freeze” mode;
• control of updates in the Play Market;
• allows you to clear Dalvik-cache ;
• makes it possible to save information in the Dropbox service.

Helium

A manager that allows you to make a full system backup. Helium has the ability to work both with and without root rights.

Using Root rights:

1. During the first launch, 2 screens will be displayed. The first is for selecting applications and data to create copies, and the second is for viewing completed backups.
2. To create a backup, select the necessary information, click on the “ Backup ” button, then select the location to save the copy (internal, external drive or cloud storage).
3. To restore, you need to select the drive and select the recovery file .

Without Root rights:

• install the Helium client for PC;
• enable USB debugging ;
• connect your smartphone using a cable to your computer;
• connection will occur. The first time you try, you will be prompted device access keys
• after successful synchronization the following window will appear;
• The same window will appear on your smartphone. After this, you can turn off your smartphone.

How to backup personal data

As a rule, the owner of a smartphone does not need to worry about downloading additional software in order to make a backup copy. The Android interface allows you to perform the operation.

But, of course, if you need to save a copy on a memory card, you will need a flash drive. And to send a backup to the cloud, you will need a valid account on one of the services.

Finally, no one prohibits the use of third-party applications, which will also be discussed today. If you are unable to create a copy using standard methods, download a suitable program from Google Play. But remember that some applications require root access.

A smartphone with open root access cannot be repaired under warranty.

Applications for creating backups

Those who don’t like built-in solutions use third-party software. Methods for installing a backup are standard:

• via Play Market;
• using an apk file.

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Below are the functions of each software.

Super backup

Solution from Mobileidea Studio developers:

• in addition to contacts and SMS, it can backup photos and phone call records;
• you can select the type of document saving, view or delete a copy;
• supports data transfer via Wi-Fi network or FTP server;
• There are saving planning settings.

Backup

Android backup program from Artur Jaszczyk. The application can:

• backup Wi-Fi passwords, bookmarks and browser history;
• save an archive of data on a memory card, use cloud storage;
• encrypt data.

Unlike the previous project, there is a “cluttered” interface and a lot of advertising.

How to make a backup on Android using built-in tools

Every person who wants to create a backup first needs to consider the option of saving through system tools. The Android operating system provides for all scenarios.

To create a copy you will need:

1. Open phone settings.
2. Go to the “Recovery and reset” section (may be called differently depending on the device model).
3. Click the “Backup” button.
4. Mark files to save.
5. Select data storage.
6. Click on “Start copying”.

   Immediately after this, the process of saving all marked data will begin. All information will be placed in one file, which can later be restored. The size of the copy and the duration of the operation depend on how much information you decide to place in the backup.

To avoid accidentally losing your backup copy, it is recommended to immediately transfer the created file to your computer or removable storage device. Perform a further reset, if required, only after you make sure that the backup is in a safe place.

Helium

One of the most famous applications for quickly creating backup copies of a wide variety of data, as well as system settings, Wi-Fi passwords and much more. The program boasts both an easy-to-use interface and rich functionality that allows you to save all the data you need in a matter of seconds.

The program is divided into two tabs: backup, where all installed user programs are located, as well as system settings and other parameters, as well as the recovery and synchronization tab, the name of which speaks for itself. It's a pity that the program can't save multimedia data, but for most users, regular copying to cloud storage will be more than enough.

Pros:

• simple and convenient interface;
• ROOT rights are not required;
• Scheduled backups;
• automatic copying of data to cloud storage;
• interface in Russian;
• high speed.

Minuses:

• presence of advertising in the free version;
• limited data backup by type;
• additional functionality only in the full version.

How to make a full backup of your phone using programs

Mobile device users are not limited in their choice of backup methods. If you are unable to make a backup using standard methods, you can use third-party applications. All programs necessary for this are available on Google Play.

To make a backup, the smartphone owner will need to download the application he likes, select files and a location to save the copy, and also confirm the start of the operation. Creating a backup will take the same amount of time as with standard Android tools. However, some programs offer users advanced functionality that is not available with conventional copy creation methods. Next, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the best applications that will help you make a backup.

TWRP Recovery

This program is a custom recovery menu (recovery mode). Among the available functions is the creation of a backup copy that we need.

In order to get a backup file, you will need:

1. Open the application.
2. Select "Backup".
3. Specify files for copy.
4. Click "Select drive".
5. Designate the save location and click “OK”.

After all the actions of the algorithm are completed, the process of creating a backup will start. The progress will be displayed at the bottom of the screen, and while the operation is in progress, there is no need to restart or turn off your mobile device.

Titanium Backup

One of the most popular applications that allows owners of Android devices to make backups. Titanium Backup has already been rated by 400 thousand people, but you shouldn't go straight to downloading it. First, you should understand that the program requires the user to obtain root rights. This process is performed through a special utility, and the operation itself entails an increased risk of infecting the phone with viruses, as well as removing it from warranty.

Titanium Backup has an extended version for 369 rubles. It adds new features that are not available in the regular application.

If you decide to create a backup copy via Titanium Backup, you will need to perform several steps from the algorithm:

1. Open the program.
2. Go to the "Backups" section.
3. Click on “Batch Actions”.
4. Select files to copy.
5. Tick.
6. Click “Start”.

The process of creating a copy can be tracked using the scale at the bottom of the screen. Depending on the number of selected files, the operation will take from one to a couple of tens of minutes.

CWM Recovery + ROM Manager

This application, like the previous one, is very popular among owners of smartphones running the Android operating system. Unfortunately, ROM Manager also does not work without obtaining root rights. But access is opened directly through this program, and not with the help of additional utilities.

Once the application is downloaded, there are a few steps left to do:

1. Launch the utility.
2. Open "Backup and Restore".
3. Click on “Save current ROM”.
4. Come up with a name for the archive and click “OK”.
5. Confirm that you have received root access.

Now you will have to wait a few minutes while all the operating system files are added to a separate archive.

A.D.B.

ADB is a whole set of procedures (Android Debug Bridge), which is performed by connecting a smartphone to a computer. Accordingly, the utility is installed on the PC. Next you need to do the following:

1. Open root access on your Android device.
2. Enable USB debugging.
3. Connect your smartphone to your computer using the supplied cable.
4. Open the previously downloaded and installed program.
5. Select item number 10 (Memory and Partitions).
6. Click on “Partitions /dev/block/”.
7. Select one of the proposed methods for performing the operation.
8. Click “Backup” in the main menu, and then click “Backup and Restore dev/block (IMG)”.
9. Manually enter names for all partitions that need to be added to the backup.
10. Press the “Enter” key.
11. Wait for the process to complete.

You need to perform this operation via ADB only if you are confident in your own abilities and skills in using a PC. There are a huge number of alternatives that will help you create a backup much faster.

SP FlashTool+MTK DroidTools

Another method that requires serious effort and connecting the phone to the PC. If you are ready to open root access and allocate half an hour to an hour to create a backup, then follow the following instructions:

1. Install ADB drivers on your PC.
2. Enable USB debugging on your phone.
3. Connect your Android device to your PC.
4. Launch MTK DroidTools.
5. Wait until the program detects the smartphone.
6. Select the “Block Map” item.
7. Click “Create scatter file”.
8. Open the saved file using Notepad++.
9. Copy the values ​​of the parameters “partition_name: CACHE” and “linear_start_addr”.
10. Open the SP FlashTools program.
11. Go to the “Readback” tab.
12. Click the “Add” button.
13. Save file.
14. In the “Length” field, enter the value from the line “linear_start_addr”.
15. Click "OK".
16. Click "Read back".
17. Wait for the operation to complete.
18. Open MTK DroidTools.
19. Click on the “root, backup, recovery” tab.
20. Click “Make a backup from ROM_ flash drive”.
21. Open the previously created “ROM_0” file through the MTK program.

The file will display all the information placed in the backup copy. Of course, one might wonder, why spend so much time on backup? But we have already said that this method should be chosen only by experienced users who need to save all Android directories.

Super Backup

Let's return to Android applications. This program also allows you to add a backup copy immediately to the cloud. If this is not required, just click “Save” after launching, select the necessary files and start the process. Obtaining root rights to perform the operation is not required.

The program has a paid version, available for 129 rubles.

Helium – App Sync and Backup

This application allows you to:

• Create a copy of calls.
• Make a backup of applications and all settings.
• Copy SMS and contacts.

The program has a paid version, but there is no need for it. Yes, it has advanced functionality, but you can also create a backup using the standard App Sync and Backup.

To create a copy you will need:

1. Open the application.
2. Select the option to save a copy.
3. Mark files.
4. Specify the save path.
5. Wait for the process to complete.

Remember that you don't have to use one of the programs we reviewed. These are only proven methods for which there are instructions.

Recovery

Recovery is a special program that differs from regular applications for the Android system, which creates backup copies and then allows you to roll back to them. Stock recovery is installed on devices initially when they are purchased. This type of backup is performed only if you have root rights to the device.

You can install custom recovery yourself. The latter allow you to perform more different actions, and therefore are popular. The most common of them are: TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) and CWM (ClockworkMod). Next, you will see how to install backup on Android through recovery.

CWM

ClockworkMod is an older program that has less functionality compared to TWRP. You can replace the stock recovery with it (if it is not already installed as the main one) using the ROM Manager utility in the “Setup recovery” section. One of the features of CWM is the control of only “hard” buttons, i.e., volume control and power buttons, which all Android phones and tablets have.

Algorithm for creating a backup using CWM:

1. The phone charge should be at least 60%, and preferably 100%.
2. Free up 500 MB or more of free space.
3. Turn off, wait about a minute.
4. Press and hold the power button and “-” or “+”, depending on the phone model.
5. When the upside-down Android icon appears, briefly press the power button and the opposite volume control button to go to the menu.
6. In the menu that appears, use the “-” or “+” buttons to select the “backup and restore” section, and confirm the selection with the power button
7. In the next menu, select and click “Backup” in the same way
8. All! Within 10–15 minutes, a backup of the firmware and all files will be created on your phone.

Go to the Backup section

How to make a backup on Android without applications? Use the same algorithm, since often installed recoveries have similar menus, as well as control methods. In this case, you do not have to get root access.

If this option seems too inconvenient or you need a backup copy of only part of the data, then below you will read how to make an Android backup using TWRP recovery.

TWRP

TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is a more advanced utility for the Android system that allows you to use the touchpad and has an almost complete set of functions for working with file storage, software and the operating system. For example, you can back up only selected files. TWRP has a more convenient menu compared to CWM.

To install TWRP, you will need one of the special applications, such as GooManager. In the program menu you need to select “Install OpenRecovery Script”. Then, using the same program, click “Reboot Recovery” and get to the TWRP menu.

IMPORTANT. It is worth noting that the Android device must also have a high battery level and free storage space.

Click “Backup” and select the required partitions. We swipe across the part of the screen highlighted at the bottom, and the program begins creating a copy for the Android system. After a few minutes, click “Reboot system”. The copy is ready.

Select content to copy and storage path

How to Backup Android Phone to Cloud

At the very beginning of the material, we said that the most reliable method of saving a backup copy involves using the cloud. If you save files on the Internet, you can recover them even after losing your smartphone.

You can add a backup to the cloud through the application that you downloaded for this purpose. Standard methods for creating a cloud backup are also available. To perform the operation, you need:

1. Go to phone settings.
2. Open the “Backup and Reset” item.
3. Move the slider next to “Data backup” to the right.
4. Go back a step.
5. Go to the “Accounts” section.
6. Select Google or any other cloud storage account.
7. Click on your account login.
8. Select files to back up and confirm the operation.

Now the specified information will be automatically added to the cloud as soon as the smartphone detects an Internet connection.

How to backup IMEI

IMEI (International Mobile Equipment Identity) is a unique number for a mobile device.

To save a backup copy of this information, root rights are required. If you already have them, let’s move on to the process:

1. Download a file manager such as “Root Explorer”. Find the “ efs ” folder. It is where information about IMEI, WiFi and Bluetooth MAC-address is stored.

1. Long press on this folder to open an additional menu, in which you will find the item “ Create TAR or ZIP archive ”. This archive can be stored on the SD card of a smartphone, on a PC or in cloud storage.
2. Be sure to archive directly from the device to preserve user read rights (rwx next to each file). Extract in the same way in Root Explorer.

How to restore Android from a backup

Of course, the matter is not limited to creating a backup. The saved files need to be restored as soon as the person completes all planned operations with his smartphone. How to restore information from a backup? Let's figure it out right now.

Hermann

Expert in the field of digital technologies and the activities of mobile operators. I am engaged in constant monitoring of industry changes in Russia and abroad.

Ask a Question

Question to the expert

How to recover data from the cloud?

Log in through the “Accounts” section in the account of the service through which the backup was created. Then open the Backup & Reset menu. Select "Restore backup".

How to restore a backup from a separate file?

Transfer the backup file to your phone. Open Settings and go to Backup & Reset. Select the data recovery option and specify the path to the backup file.

Is it possible to restore a copy from a special application?

Yes, but only if the backup was created through it. For example, you used TWRP Recovery. Then open the program and select “Recovery”.

What to do if the information is lost?

It will be quite difficult to return all files if a backup was not created. But there is still a certain chance of recovery through applications like DiskDigger or Dumpster.

4.4 / 5 ( 25 votes)

Author

Hermann

Expert in the field of digital technologies and the activities of mobile operators. I am engaged in constant monitoring of industry changes in Russia and abroad.

Analyzing a HiSuite backup using Belkasoft Evidence Center

To analyze the resulting backup using Belkasoft Evidence Center, create a new case. Mobile Image
as your data source .
In the menu that opens, specify the path to the directory where the smartphone backup is located and select the info.xml
.

Specifying the path to the backup:

In the next window, the program will prompt you to select the types of artifacts that you need to find.
After starting the scan, go to the Task Manager
and click the
Configure task
, since the program expects you to enter a password to decrypt the encrypted backup.

Configure task button

:
After decrypting the backup, Belkasoft Evidence Center will ask you to re-specify the types of artifacts that need to be extracted. Once the analysis is complete, information about the extracted artifacts can be viewed in the Case Explorer
and
Overview
.

Huawei Honor 20 Pro backup analysis results:

Definition

Backup is an archived backup copy of your phone or computer files. A backup can be created on any operating system. Its purpose is to save all user data and configure the system at the time the archive was created.

After a factory reset or a forced system restore using a backup, you can quickly return all lost data and avoid wasting time re-installing programs and configuring the OS.

A copy of the data is created using special programs. The most popular utilities:

• Titanium Backup;
• Super Backup;
• Nandroid Manager;
• Helium and others;
• SP FlashTools.

Why is it important to create Backups periodically?

Backup allows you to get rid of the problems associated with sudden loss of data on your smartphone.

Periodically creating a backup will allow you to save all operating system settings, as well as messages and multimedia files.

If errors occur that require you to reset your phone, you can easily get back all the deleted information . In the Android OS, a backup can be created using the built-in system options or using special programs.

In what cases should you make a backup?

It is recommended to create a backup copy before each action that involves changes to the operating system:

1 Before updating the firmware . It doesn't matter whether you download a new version of Android over the air or install updates manually, create a copy of the installed OS. We recommend moving all photos, videos and music to a memory card or uploading this data to cloud storage;

2 Before resetting. Over time, smartphone users may experience a decrease in the performance of their gadget. This happens due to RAM load and viruses. The easiest way to restore devices is to reset the OS to factory settings. Before doing this, it is better to create a backup of your phone book and SMS so as not to lose important data;

3 To reset the lock password. If you set a password, pattern or PIN code and forgot it, you can reset it without losing data by using a backup. The only requirement is that an archive with a copy of the data must be created before setting the password.

Also, periodically creating a backup phone book will allow you to quickly return lost numbers in the event of a SIM card error or after clearing the memory card.