Instructions on how to Backup and restore your Android phone or tablet

You have a lot of important data and files stored on your Android phone’s contacts, appointments, apps, settings, passwords. You want to make sure that information is backed up in case your phone crashes. Android provides a built-in backup tool through which you can back up content with your Google account. Some phone brands, like Samsung’s, also allow you to back up data with your account.

Specific Backup and restore steps vary slightly based on your device and Android version. I will cover the basic process, and you should be able to tailor it for your specific device and Android flavor.
Backup with your Google account

First, let’s see how to back up your device with your Google Account, available for any Android phone or tablet. By using your Google Account, your data and settings are automatically backed up to Google Drive storage. The following items are included in the Backup: Open Settings by swiping down from the top of the screen. Look for a setting for Backup & reset or Backup & Restore and tap it. In most cases, this should be listed as its entry in the Settings screen; in other cases, it may be nested within a more general setting, such as Accounts. If you can’t easily find it, tap the Search icon in Settings and search for Backup, which should bring up the option you need.
Back up my data

At the Backup & reset screen, tap the option to Back up my data, which automatically backs up your device data and settings to Google Drive.

Turn on Backup

Would you please turn on the switch to Back up my data? Return to the Backup & reset screen if necessary.

Choose a backup account.

Next, tap the entry for the Backup account. If you only have one Google account, it will appear. If you use more than one, you can choose which account to use. Click account.

Turn on Auto-recover

Turn on the setting for Automatic restore to restore any backed-up settings and data.

Choose what to sync

Return to the main Settings screen and switch to Account settings. Tap on your Google account and then on your specific account. Swipe down the list of apps and services to sync. Turn on any you want to include; turn off any you want to exclude.

Synchronize data

If you want to sync the data listed on this screen manually, tap the More link or the three-dot icon () and tap Sync now.

View and edit backup data

Sign in to Google Drive on your mobile device or computer. Click the item to back up. You’ll see the latest backups for your phone or tablet. Double-click a specific backup to see more details about it.
Restore with your Google account

Now, let’s say you need to reset your phone or tablet and restore the data you backed up through Google. Return to the Backup & reset screen. Tap the option to factory data reset. (If that option doesn’t appear on the screen, search Settings for the Reset option).

Perform a factory reset

Touch the Reset button.

Erase all data

At the confirmation screen, tap the button to Delete Everything or Delete All.

Restore from a previous backup
Your device restarts, all existing data will be erased and reset to factory condition. Once your device is ready, tap the Welcome screen and connect to your Wi-Fi network. You will be asked to copy your account, apps, and data from another device on the next screen. Skip this option by answering “No thanks.” On the next screen, sign in to your Google account and go through the next screens. Finally, you will see a screen asking if you want to restore the last Backup of this device. Click Next to do this.

Restore your device

Your device will then be restored from the Backup.

Back up with your manufacturer’s account

Some Android device manufacturers offer their backup option. Samsung is one, so I’ll use that as an example. First, register your account at the Samsung website.
Back up data with the manufacturer

On your Samsung phone or tablet, open Settings and go to the Backup & reset or Backup & Restore screen. In the Samsung account section, tap the option for Back up or Back up my data settings.

Set backup options

Sign in to your Samsung account. On the screen to back up data, review the apps and services and activate the ones you want to include in the Backup. Toggle the switch to Automatically back up if that option appears, or tap the Back up or Back up now command to perform a manual backup.
Make a backup

The Backup runs and then shows you the date and time when it’s done.

Restore with your manufacturer’s account

Now you can restore your data if needed without resetting your device. Tap the Restore option in the Samsung account section at the Backup & reset or Backup and Restore screen.

Perform data recovery

Make sure to back up the listed device correctly. Review different apps and services to see which will be restored. Tap Restore or Restore Now.

Restore after reset

You can also restore data backed up to your Samsung account after your phone or tablet factory reset. To do this, follow the steps to reset your device. After your device is erased and restored to factory condition, follow the setup screen but ignore the option to restore a backup from your Google account. You will then be prompted to create or sign in to your Samsung account. Sign in with your username and password. You will then see the screen to restore data. Click the Restore command. Please wait for the device to be restored and then test it to ensure the necessary data and settings are back up.