Android users often find themselves in a fix when they lose all their data during device formatting, app updates, or even after a software upgrade. The most painful loss is the personal data and the apps that users have spent years building. This is where the backup and restore process comes in handy.
Backing Up your Android Apps
The backup and restore process of Android applications (Apps) is relatively easy and quick. You can backup apps in multiple ways. Here are some of the common backup methods:
Method 1: Through Android System Backup
Google has made it pretty easy to backup and restore apps, which we will cover in this method. Below are the steps on how to backup applications with system backup:
- Go to your device’s settings and navigate to “System”
- Select “Backup”
- Turn on the toggle for “Backup to Google Drive”
- Select “Google Account” to save your backup data to a specific account
- You can now select “Backup Now” to begin the backup process
To restore your backup apps, you need follow the below steps:
- Once your device is set up, you will be prompted to restore the data you backed up
- Connect to the internet (WiFi or Cellular data)
- Select “Restore”
- Select the “Backup” you previously created
- Finally select “Restore”
Method 2: Through Third Party Applications
There are a lot of third-party apps that allow for backup of your Android applications. However, as the saying goes, not all that glitters is gold. Some of the apps on the Play Store or other third-party app stores might not be trustworthy.
Here are some of the best third-party apps to back up your apps:
- Helium Backup:
- SMS Backup and Restore:
This application is available on Play Store and is a good alternative to system backup. You don’t need a rooted device to use this app. However, if your device is rooted, you get extra features. The free version does not include an auto backup feature, which is available in the paid version, but otherwise works well.
This app can create backups of your SMS and contacts. This app actually creates an XML file, which can then be saved to the cloud, drive or your SD card. The user interface is quite appealing, and it has several language options.
The above is a summary of the two most common backup methods. However, in this article, we will dive deeper to discover other methods of backing up applications for Android users.
Common questions about backing up Android Apps
1. Why should I backup Android applications?
Backing up your Android apps is a great way to safeguard your data and apps. It ensures you don’t lose your data in case of a data crash, app updates or formatting your device. Backup has a secondary function as well – it can speed up the process of setting up a new device or resetting your device after a malfunction.
2. What kind of data can I backup using methods 1 or 2?
System backups made with Method 1 backup your installed applications, SMS messages, call logs and contacts, Wi-Fi passwords and other system settings. Third-party app backups with Method 2 backup application settings and data.
Other methods of backing up Android Apps
Here are some other methods for backing up Android apps:
Method 3: Through ADB (Android Debug Bridge)
ADB is a command-line tool used to communicate with Android devices. This method involves using a PC to backup Android apps. Here’s how to backup apps using ADB:
- Install ADB on your PC, here’s how to do it
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Enable USB debugging in your Android Device Developer Options. Here’s how to do it:
- On your device, go to “Settings”
- Tap “About Phone”
- Scroll to “Build Number” and tap 7 times
- Return to the previous menu and select “Developer Options”
- Toggle “USB Debugging” on
- Plug your Android device into your computer using a USB cable
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On your PC, launch the command prompt/terminal and key in the command:
adb backup -f backup.ab -noapk com.app.package.name
where the com.app.package.name is the package name-app you want to backup - Press "Enter" and you will be asked to type in a backup password
- Click on "Back Up My Data" in your android device and your backup process will start. Your backups are stored in your computer's local folder.
To restore your backup, you can use the following commands:
adb restore backup.ab
Method 4: Through Android App Backup and Restore
You can back up your apps and its data through the Backup and Restore application. This app comes preinstaled in most android devices.
Once you've downloaded the application, follow the below steps to backup your Android apps:
- On your device, open the "Backup and restore" app
- Choose "Backup" and select the apps you would like to backup
- Tap "Backup"
- The backup will take time, just be patient. When the backup is complete, you'll receive a notification alerting you of the same.
To restore your backup:
- Open the "Backup and restore" app
- Choose "Restore" and select the backup you would like to restore
- Tap "Restore"
- The process will take time, and when complete, you will receive a notification alerting you of the same.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Is it necessary to have a rooted device to backup and restore my Android apps?
No. Google provides an in-built mechanism to backup and restore applications, hence rooting is not necessary. However, rooting adds more features for backing up and restoring your apps.
2. How do I backup my Android Apps if they are not in Google Play Store?
You can archive the APK file of the required app to backup the app. The APK file is a package file format that is exclusively used in Android operating systems for the installation and the distribution of different mobile applications. You can also use third party apps to backup your apps that are not available on Google Play Store.
Backup Android Apps Conclusion
The need to backup Android apps cannot be ignored, given that we rely heavily on smartphones to store our personal information. You could use the built-in system backup feature or third-party apps backup your applications. We hope this article has provided you with knowledge on how to backup Android applications regardless of your expertise level.
Backup Android Apps Video Tutorial
Here's a useful video for backing up your Android apps:
