[Q] Android: Backups of various different things.

[Q] Android: Backups of various different things. - General Questions and Answers

I have recently purchased a Samsung Galaxy S2. I have the phone set up the way i like it but i wish to try different OS versions which will require rooting and wiping my phone so a few questions regarding backups:
1) Currently i have my gmail contacts and facebook contacts "linked" together. I believe this is only stored locally on my phone. Is there a way i can save all this contact info so when i log back in to my profile in the future it will all be seamlessly placed as it was.
2) Currently i have a whole batch of homescreens with icons and widgets and my applications screen with every app in a "folder" can i back these up exactly as they are?
3) Within various different applications there are different options or save games and various things like that, are these easily accessible and able to be backed up
4) Finally can i just do an "image" of my phone and if i wipe it and mess about then simply restore that image back to exactly how it was?
Cheers for any help

boxrick,
Can't answer specifically for the Galaxy S2 as I don't have it, and because Android is "pimped" in various ways by different device makers some of the homescreens/layouts are custom implemented, and best backed up by the methods appropriate for--or offered by--that device.
Having said that, if you are using Google market, a lot of stuff (like the apps obviously) is automatically saved with them. Or the apps themselves can be backed up with any good file manager, like Astro, to an SD card or via USB.
I can't answer you about the Gmail & Facebook contacts being "linked together", but from experience most items are stored in the Google Contacts data-fields and stored remotely in your Google account (and therefore restored from there straightaway)
I have multiple Android devices, and to tell you the truth I pretty much just copy everything "en-masse" to a hard drive. If you're rooted, it's fairly easy to pull down almost everything this way. You're just dealing with files and folders, just like on your regular computer (which is why I'm pretty much done with anything "black-box" like formerly iphone/ipad, btw )
If you're looking for a "set-it-and-forget-it" type app, I don't currently use any, but on my travels I've seen a few "names" tossed around with good reviews. You can research
MyBackup Pro
Sprite Backup
Those two are pretty well known full-blown-backup type apps. They're paid apps, but cheap.
I've heard of The Missing Sync which takes a different approach by syncing all your data to a Windows or Mac desktop for backup and also for re-distribution to other devices. Sort of like a "data-centralizer" type approach, which might be up your alley. I think the app runs about $40 though.
Finally, I do use the free LifeSaver 2 app for important SMS messages and call logs-- picked it up over at F-droid.org. It's for pretty specific data types, but it's this stuff that usually is the hardest to save (since I don't actually know where it is when I backup the entire root directory + subs & files).
Hope the above gives you some ideas. My general advice would be to research, read the boards, with special attention to the threads dedicated to the Galaxy S2, because the other users have gone before you
And btw, if you find something really cool (including if one of the apps above turn out to help you), make sure you come back and post your findings. I'm always on the lookout for a "gem" app that makes my life easier.
Good luck!

Apps: Titanium.
Data: MyBackup.
MyBackup does a much better job at saving your contacts than Google does. MyBackup restores them exactly as they were, Google often loses custom fields and messes up your contact names. Just look at the mess when you sync a contact called "Al's Pizza (open 'till midnight)" back from Google. It also gets the timestamps on SMSs right, which most competitors don't.
You could forget about Tit and backup your apps with MyB too, but then you miss out on all the different batch jobs that come with Tit.
There's one thing that all backup apps choke on: widgets. I always have to set 'em up again after a wipe/restore job.

Can't titanium backup both apps & data?

Titanium can backup user data, sort of.
Restoring user data with Tit is not as straightforward as with MyB. They should add a user data screen so you don't have to hunt for your data in a long list of apps.

One final question, if I was to change from Android Phone A to Android Phone B. Will these "apps" and backups be able to restored to a totally different phone?

rogier666 said:
There's one thing that all backup apps choke on: widgets. I always have to set 'em up again after a wipe/restore job.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
rogier, what widget app do you use? I use Elixir, and in it there's an option to export widget data. Search for the "edit widgets" button, click it and you'll be taken to a pane where all the widgets are replaceable. Below it, you'll see a "More" button--that's where the import/export widgets button is. After you export widgets settings (you have to type in a name for it), Elixir then saves that exact config. After flashing a ROM and restoring via Ti, you can then choose to add back your widgets via the "Import" button. Remember though: if you want to bring back a 5x5 widget, you have to choose "5x5" widget after long pressing on a blank space, otherwise the widget won't restore properly. With this, you can have as many widgets you want and not worry about the tedious process of reconstructing them after a restore.

do you have to use the paid for version of titanium?

boxrick said:
One final question, if I was to change from Android Phone A to Android Phone B. Will these "apps" and backups be able to restored to a totally different phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you can with Google . Go to Settings --> Privacy --> Back up my data.
When you buy your new phone, select restore my data. At first you won't see any difference, but after a few hours your apps will be restored

Borat38 said:
rogier, what widget app do you use? I use Elixir...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right now I've got Widgetsoid, DroidStats, Smooth Calendar, PlayerPro, DroidWall, Make Your Own Clock, and seNotes on my home screens.
Some widget apps have a backup option, some only come in one flavor (like DroidWall) so they don't really need a backup option. But others (like most notes widgets) don't have any backup option at all.
This is really annoying for the sticky notes widgets, because it's often impossible to remember what info you'd have to put back in them (which is why you wrote it in a note to begin with).
So I'd really like a one click option to back up and restore all my widgets.

thetinybus said:
do you have to use the paid for version of titanium?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, you don't. The free version backs up everything too. It just takes more clicks to restore your stuff.
The free version of MyBackup only restores to the same phone that it backed up, so if you want to use MyBackup to transfer your data to a new phone you'll need the paid version.

I have purchased MybackupPro. The problem is I am fairly confident it will not back up my linked contacts. Therefore I need to root my phone and use TI backup...
Id like to post here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1125414&page=12 and find out about after unrooting, flashing back to the default kernel ( for warranty purposes ). Need 10 posts
Now it seems I am getting restrictions on the amount of times I am posting. This also doesn't help me much!

Related

[APP] Titanium Backup

If I do a wipe and change roms would do the pro version of titanium backup put all my apps and settings back exactly how they were with the new rom?

djsaad1 said:
If I do a wipe and change roms would do the pro version of titanium backup put all my apps and settings back exactly how they were with the new rom?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you're switching different roms (like Cyanogen to Sense), it'd probably mess stuff up quite a bit

would be going from cyanogen to enomther. I would like to try enomther out but really not in the mood to install everything again and put all my settings back in, especially if I end up going back to cyanogen again.

I'm not sure if this is how it works, but everytime I flash I backup the app and data of helixlauncher and when I restore it my icons are all in the right place. You obviously have to reinstall all your applications first before the icons work, but it worked, to my surprise.

From my experience with the pro version, which is much better than the free, and worth it,
Any of the stuff in red, i dont back up. I just backup all my actual apps I know i use on my phone, with data.
I use mybackupPro, to restore all my call logs and texts, yadda yadda, but titanium backup for apps+data
I haven't found anything to successfuly restore my screens and widgets without error or issues, but whatever. atleast the widgets data is still stores [atleast with Pure calenders and such]
I wish there was some sort of better guide though, like exactly which system settings NOT to back up, that would be awesome.

I too would like to see it all spelled out. Especially for noob such as myself.
I've been using mybackupPro for exactly the same reason, together with Titanium. But my widgets and shorcuts aren't restored. And I use More Icons Pro which is more of a pain to redo after every flash or ROM change.

Ok Guys. Here is an easy report on Titanium Backup.
Titanium Backup will backup all of your installed applications(this can include system apps), settings, Launcher Icon Layout, Wifi, sms/calllog etc..
It WILL work between at least android 2.1 roms(Cyan, Enom etc,,). I have not tried going over to a desire ROM
PRO is VERY much worth it. It allows you batch install instead of clicking for every app. Easily worth 4 or 6 bux.
Now what you do.
Install and possibly donate. U use paypal and get an email with the "pro" key soon after.
-Click backup/restore
-Click menu(phone button), batch
-Click Backup All user apps.
-Let it run, then go back.
-Individually backup all items highlighted in green. This will be bookmarks, call log, calendar, LAUNCHER, wifi, stuff like that.
-SKIP RED ONES. These are system apps and u basically are overwriting your new ROM.
Ok now you are backed up in your SD card in folder Titanium backup.
You can now, Wipe, install a rom, download titanium from market, click backup/restore, Click batch. Then click restore all apps and Data.
Restart your Phone.
And your back in business. EZ PZ. Your settings, Wifi, Icon layout, etc. will be installed. The only thing I have to adjust is my wallpaper/widgets usually.
All in all you can do a full ROM from wipe swap in about 15 minutes. I always Wipe because its so easy, why not.
Also. This works with Apps2sd as well. It can go from non-apps2sd to apps2sd, or apps2sd to non-apps2sd. Basically it doesnt care...

seanowns said:
Ok Guys. Here is an easy report on Titanium Backup.
Titanium Backup will backup all of your installed applications(this can include system apps), settings, Launcher Icon Layout, Wifi, sms/calllog etc..
It WILL work between at least android 2.1 roms(Cyan, Enom etc,,). I have not tried going over to a desire ROM
PRO is VERY much worth it. It allows you batch install instead of clicking for every app. Easily worth 4 or 6 bux.
Now what you do.
Install and possibly donate. U use paypal and get an email with the "pro" key soon after.
-Click backup/restore
-Click menu(phone button), batch
-Click Backup All user apps.
-Let it run, then go back.
-Individually backup all items highlighted in green. This will be bookmarks, call log, calendar, LAUNCHER, wifi, stuff like that.
-SKIP RED ONES. These are system apps and u basically are overwriting your new ROM.
Ok now you are backed up in your SD card in folder Titanium backup.
You can now, Wipe, install a rom, download titanium from market, click backup/restore, Click batch. Then click restore all apps and Data.
Restart your Phone.
And your back in business. EZ PZ. Your settings, Wifi, Icon layout, etc. will be installed. The only thing I have to adjust is my wallpaper/widgets usually.
All in all you can do a full ROM from wipe swap in about 15 minutes. I always Wipe because its so easy, why not.
Also. This works with Apps2sd as well. It can go from non-apps2sd to apps2sd, or apps2sd to non-apps2sd. Basically it doesnt care...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Great write-up. I think a lot of us needed this...

is Titanium regarded as a better backup solution than Nandroid? or are they comparable?
thnx!

Does the author of titanium post here?
Would like to share some feedback.
MI_canuck said:
is Titanium regarded as a better backup solution than Nandroid? or are they comparable?
thnx!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Different types of backups.

MI_canuck said:
is Titanium regarded as a better backup solution than Nandroid? or are they comparable?
thnx!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nandroid will back up your entire ROM, all apps, and all settings in one package. Titanium just baks up the apps that you use, so if you switch ROMs or wipe, it's a very fast and easy process to reinstate them.
Both are pretty mandatory. Show some love and get the donate version. Good devs shouldn't have to eat Ramen Noodles. Except by choice.

seanowns said:
It WILL work between at least android 2.1 roms(Cyan, Enom etc,,). I have not tried going over to a desire ROM
PRO is VERY much worth it. It allows you batch install instead of clicking for every app. Easily worth 4 or 6 bux.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just a note: The free version does batch back-up and restore, but no verify or market doctor. This may be a recent change to the free, as I just started using titanium when I got my Nexus.
Jumped to the MoDaCo Desire Rom for a few, and reinstalled only the apps without any system data, worked just fine. I can see a potential issue though doing backups from Desire of anything requiring Sense, and trying to restore on a non-Sense ROM.

Daswolven said:
Just a note: The free version does batch back-up and restore, but no verify or market doctor. This may be a recent change to the free, as I just started using titanium when I got my Nexus.
Jumped to the MoDaCo Desire Rom for a few, and reinstalled only the apps without any system data, worked just fine. I can see a potential issue though doing backups from Desire of anything requiring Sense, and trying to restore on a non-Sense ROM.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is still accurate today. I might add the backup verifier in the free version, but it's hard as that requires Hypershell.
Yes indeed, when backing up/restoring across HTC and Google ROMs (or generally speaking: between wildly different ROMs), it is advised to restore the system items with caution, and generally only the system items you need. There's no such problem with user apps & data, which will *always* work across ROMs.

Ahh. Good to know about the Red system items. It means I can be even more lazy and just back up everything.
Adding an official guide is a good idea. I had these same questions a few months ago and actually held of trying it for a week.

@ joel.bourquard
Welcome
Thanks for stopping by...BTW..i love your app...full version
I didnt know about the green and red labeled items lol
Have to look whether there is a feature to select all *green* or similar to that.
Or if Green items in list can be added to a batch execution, if it is, im not understanding the wording of the batch files

Ideas for Titanium Improvement
joel.bourquard said:
This is still accurate today. I might add the backup verifier in the free version, but it's hard as that requires Hypershell.
Yes indeed, when backing up/restoring across HTC and Google ROMs (or generally speaking: between wildly different ROMs), it is advised to restore the system items with caution, and generally only the system items you need. There's no such problem with user apps & data, which will *always* work across ROMs.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I know I'm asking a ton here, but it's something to think about implementing. What would be really useful is to have one (or more if you have multiple backup copies selected) main "Market/User batch" backup restore. If multiple backups are enabled, a name for each set would be cool.
The really useful part would allow several system app/settings entries and allow unique naming by user. One could have say a Cm, a Desire and Enomther system folders, and could back up and restore to each as need be. That way if someone's testing several ROM's there's no confusion about which system app/setting came from which build. That way you're not restoring Enomther's Spare Parts app to a Desire build.
I don't know if this is possible either (I know nandroid does this, but I'm stretching for in house), but a feature where if you are unsure about a system app/data/setting restoration, allow a onetime snapshot pre-restore, so if things do not work out, an undo of last action is possible. Or, if you implement the ideas in the latter paragraph, that responsibility could be left to the user, since they could save the fresh target and data in it's new folder before messing with it.
I'm sure this is all possible now by moving and renaming the backups on sdcard, but it would be much cleaner from within Titanium's ui.
Great app...happy donator here, and it has been a staple in many tutorials I have scattered around the forums. Thank you, and keep up the good work!

Nice Idea!!
And TitBackup is absolutely worth the money!!! (Happy ProVersion User)

rori1 said:
Nice Idea!!
And TitBackup is absolutely worth the money!!! (Happy ProVersion User)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not exactly the best abbreviation...

So, can I backup the MUSIC playlists? I tried backing up the Music (in ReD) in hopes that it would contain the playlist...but when I restored...it didn't have the playlist.

[APP] Titanium Backup and Froyo - What settings can I restore without issue?

If I restore all the settings labeled green I can't get a location fix with the Genie widget and I can't move apps to the SD card.

sinbot said:
If I restore all the settings labeled green I can't get a location fix with the Genie widget and I can't move apps to the SD card.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What is it exactly that you want to restore??? Personally, I wouldn't (and didnt) restore ANYTHING from titanium. It takes like what 5 minutes to go through the settings menu and set stuff back up the way you had it?
Apps have to be coded to allow them to be moved to sdcard. It's up to the developers to add that option in. It's not because you are restoring stuff from titanium, but because you are trying to move something that doesn't have the ability to be moved yet.

gIMpSTa said:
What is it exactly that you want to restore??? Personally, I wouldn't (and didnt) restore ANYTHING from titanium. It takes like what 5 minutes to go through the settings menu and set stuff back up the way you had it?
Apps have to be coded to allow them to be moved to sdcard. It's up to the developers to add that option in. It's not because you are restoring stuff from titanium, but because you are trying to move something that doesn't have the ability to be moved yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can force your phone to allow apps2sd with pm setInstallLocation=2
In anycase your response was not helpful but dismissive. My reasons to backup and restore are valid enough for me to ask and if you can't answer go find another post to respond to.
In any case I have by trial and error found that a number of settings restore just fine and I have put mot of my applications on the sdcard.

sinbot said:
You can force your phone to allow apps2sd with pm setInstallLocation=2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, I know all about this. Anything with a widget or service will not work, but will still goto SD (bad). And other apps may not work properly. YMMV, but personally I set that option on, moved a couple of big apps, tested them, then immediately turned it back off (pm setInstallLocation=0). I'm on my third wipe and things are running better then ever since doing it this way. I had apps that do not include a widget or service, were not protected, that should have run fine from there and did not.
sinbot said:
In anycase your response was not helpful but dismissive. My reasons to backup and restore are valid enough for me to ask and if you can't answer go find another post to respond to.
In any case I have by trial and error found that a number of settings restore just fine and I have put mot of my applications on the sdcard.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I wasn't being "dismissive" by any means... I was simply curious as to what it was you wanted to restore as it helps to answer "what you can safely restore" if people know what it is that you want. My point about it taking 5 minutes was simply trying to point out you may actually save your self some time and frustration by doing it manually.

gIMpSTa said:
I wasn't being "dismissive" by any means... I was simply curious as to what it was you wanted to restore as it helps to answer "what you can safely restore" if people know what it is that you want. My point about it taking 5 minutes was simply trying to point out you may actually save your self some time and frustration by doing it manually.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Maybe you should read hat I wrote before just saying not to even try backing things up. Wow I wanted to keep my settings, text messages and call history and be able to toss my applications on the SD and get a location fix. Some setting carried over stops those from working and wanting to know what it is or why it is is a whole lot more intelligent than just throwing my hands up and saying "Well, I paid for an application I guess I shouldn't use it!"

This probably doesn't help but I personally don't like everything about titanium. It seems to restore too much. I still use it for apps but It's hard to identify what you are restoring when it comes to "data". mybackuppro does a better job of choosing what to back up and restored. very clear and concise, everything is labeled, (ie: sms, call log, mms, playlists, home screen icons etc etc). I know I know, its not help with titanium but maybe it'll help.

sinbot said:
Maybe you should read hat I wrote before just saying not to even try backing things up. Wow I wanted to keep my settings, text messages and call history and be able to toss my applications on the SD and get a location fix. Some setting carried over stops those from working and wanting to know what it is or why it is is a whole lot more intelligent than just throwing my hands up and saying "Well, I paid for an application I guess I shouldn't use it!"
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Okay pointless argument. Once again, I wasn't saying "dont even try!" I said "PERSONALLY, I didn't restore anything". That's because after my first install I did restore several things and it caused issues. I was giving you my personal advice on the matter. Sorry it didn't answer the question the way you wanted, but it wasn't by any means trying to put you or what you wanted to do down.
I also paid for titanium backup and use it and love it all the time. I think we are asking a bit much of it to backup stuff from a (assuming here) custom rom, then importing them onto a stock rom and have absolutely no issues.
Maybe I could have worded my initial response better, but it helps people to answer your questions if we know what you wanted to restore specifically rather then trying to answer what can and cannot be restored. Had you said how can I safely restore my texts, and call logs someone may have piped in and said "I restored X in titantium backup and had no issues!"
Again, wasn't flaming, telling you to give up, or anything. Only offering my personal experiences with this.

sinbot said:
If I restore all the settings labeled green I can't get a location fix with the Genie widget and I can't move apps to the SD card.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
polo79 said:
This probably doesn't help but I personally don't like everything about titanium. It seems to restore too much. I still use it for apps but It's hard to identify what you are restoring when it comes to "data". mybackuppro does a better job of choosing what to back up and restored. very clear and concise, everything is labeled, (ie: sms, call log, mms, playlists, home screen icons etc etc). I know I know, its not help with titanium but maybe it'll help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I agree with polo79. While Titanium is fantastic at restoring apps and their data, It is not very concise on what data is restored. IMO, the most useful feature Titanium offers is it's ability to replace the Market links to the restored apps. While what you want to do probably is possible using Titanium, MyBackup Pro makes it much more clear cut on what you're restoring.
As far as restoring apps go (and I have many of those), after much trial and error, what I did was restore as much as I could using InstallLocation 0 until I ran out of room. Then I set it to 2 and went through and moved what I thought safe to sd. Then went back and installed more using Titanium using 0 again...well, you get the procedure.
And enough bickering. Gimpsta was only trying to help, but maybe a "no reply" here would have been best.

Well I went through and my results are I can restore all applications and the following datasets without issue to location or installing to sd:
[ACCOUNTS] Account and Sync Settings 2.2 - check.
Application widgets - blanks out desktop but can get location lock.
[Bookmarks] Browser 2.2 - check
[Calendar] Calendar Storage 2.2 - check
[USER DICT] com.amdroid.providers.userdictionary 2.2 - check
[CONTACTS/CALLS] Contacts Storge 2.2 - Check
[SMS/MMS/APN] Dialer Storage 2.2 - check
I didn't try the rest because everything was working and I didn't need anything weird in the rest.

Hi, I'm testing froyo roms now, currently very pleased with performance
Tintanium backup is really a great app, I ditch all other backup programs after installing it.
I was able to restore to froyo, APNs, contacts, call history, wifi settings, sms.
cheers,

can somebody shed some light why i can't restore contacts from 2.1,
sms restored perfectly, but contacts say restored successful but i can't see them, only call log
tnx

don't know why, but here's how i got around it
can't tell you why, but i miight be able to show a way around it.
I had the same problem a couple of time. what i did is exporting my contacts to a "vcf"-file on sd card. after flashing the new rom i imported all contacts with now probs.
hope it will work for you to.
the tiny drawback is, you have to nandroid-backup your actual setup. restore the previous, export your contacts. restore the actual and import.
good luck

sidebar:
anyone know what you need to backup when using titanium to back up my contacts ringtones i set for each contact?

[Q] How do I modify my backup and restore manifest?

Hi xda,
Though my thread title may be a little vague and might supposedly be better asked on google or android per se, just patiently read along as I try to explain my dilemma in more detail.
For ICS users, we all know the convenience of the "backup & restore" feature. Everything from wifi passwords, contacts, and installed apps will be magically restored when you install a new firmware on your phone with a full data wipe. And for us flash junkies, that indeed is really convenient.
But even though I have come to love such feature, I've noticed a few quirks as I was using it over time. The backup manifest or shall I say, the list of backed up data gets cluttered as you continue to backup data over time. This leading to a point where my backup data is now so messed up, whenever it auto restores once again, I see previously uninstalled apps back again and duplicate contact entries. So messed up, that I've decided to stop using this much loved feature and just manually backup my contacts, and re-install apps.
So, I am looking for some solution that I might be somehow able to manually edit that current backed up list (over at google or wherever it's stored), and update which will be restored if ever I flash my phone again. Or wipe that list clean and overwrite it with my current phone state.
Sorry for the long post but I've done my googling and forum searching beforehand only to no avail.

You can forgo that feature entirely and use titanium backup instead, for backing up your personal app data...
Titanium acts a little twitchy when restoring system apps and data across roms with different bases...
Your best bet would be to backup your downloaded apps with titanium, backup contacts and msgs (and call logs) from other market apps (I use go backup)...
For bluetooth and wifi access points, I haven't found anything that is truly cross compatible among roms...so better of you just write it down somewhere and refer that later...
Typed using a small touchscreen

Switching phones

Ok I'm newish/ back to the Samsung. But like a Jack*** I decided to drop my new s8+ on its face. There sending me a new phone threw insurance. My question is how do I do a backup like you get on iPhone where it's a mirror of the phone you have? I run nova launcher and some other stuff that I don't wanna set all back up. Is there anything like that now for these phones? Thanks for the help in advance.

maybe?

It's called Smart Switch. Available on Google or Samsung store.

I would recommend the following, as a fellow Nova user and someone who hates spending hours setting everything back up:
-Ensure Samsung cloud backup is enabled and has done a backup recently
-In Nova, got to Settings>Backup and Restore, and create a backup file of your current layout. Restoration will not be complete if you rely solely on Samsung/Google. Also, you'll need to re-setup widgets. No way around that without root + TiBu
-Just in case, I would also use a third party app like Helium or apkextractor to back up some of the apps/data. Note: regardless of what you use, app devs can restrict the ability to backup data or even the app itself without root permissions, so no matter what you will not get a full backup akin to a nandroid.
-I really like SMS Backup and Restore for scheduled backups of my SMS/MMS. You can store them in the cloud on Google, or locally on your SD card.
That's as good as it gets. It's far from complete, and you'll still have some setting up to do.

smart switch doesn't move over things like nova launcher settings and all that from what I read its just contacts and your most important things

Question New to Sammy Z flip3, question

Hey guys & gals I just received my brand new Galaxy Z flip 3, (still haven't opened sealed box yet, lol).
I was hoping someone could answer a Q concering Samsung Switch? I am coming from a Sammy note 10+, and my Q is, "does the Samsung switch app truly transfer all my content to my new phone, meaning absolutely everything?
I've used the app in the past and ran into issues where it only partially copied text messages, contacts, and files saved to my internal storage.
I guess my Q is a 2 parter, lol, if not Samsung switch is there a better, safer, more complete app that will do this? If it means using a PC program thats fine too. Any help would be greatly appreciated, and thank you all in advance!

I hoped you backed up all your critical data...
Use Contacts to make a export/import file copy of your contacts. Any app like Poweramp that allows for backup files do so. Docs, pictures, etc copy/paste from your backup source.
SmartSwitch isn't that smart; it may or may not work. Best to load the new Fold from scratch.
If you get a bad build using SmartSwitch you'll need to do a factory reset.
The odds of it not screwing up aren't that good. Something simple like contacts it can likely do ok. Apps, homepage settings probably won't end well going from the N10+ to a Fold.
Never trust SmartSwitch to backup critical data as it can fail you miserably.

Thanks for the reply very much appreciated. What process/app do you use? I was thinking of just using one of the full backup/transfer apps for pc, and just do it that way since it seems to truly back up everything, any thought recommendation?
I noticed you did mention loading the Galaxy ZF 3 from scratch, so do you recommend that versus's a total back up & transfer, bc I was thinking a lot of my setting home screens, etc. arent always going to play nice, and will just cause slowed performance, crashes, etc. any thoughts?
Thank you again for the reply I really do appreciate it, I just want to do things the right/less pain in the ass way.

I have 2 N10+'s. The oldest, running on Pie, was hand loaded and that load will be 2 yo in June, still fast and stable.
The newest is running on Android 10. I used SmartSwitch but screwed up making the SmartSwitch copy. I had intended to only copy homepage settings but inadvertently included apps. It seemed to work but it has a lag now that I need to troubleshoot. It may well be from using SmartSwitch and force me to do a factory reset I'll play with it more as it may be something simple. It's the backup for this phone, no rush.
Unfortunately with stock Samsung's SmartSwitch is their one trick pony. Unless rooted there are no cloning options. One of the major shortcomings of stock Androids. All my PC OS loads are cloned. The good news is the Android OS load can be extremely long lived with minimal maintenance if you don't update the firmware.
A clean load is important as poorly written apps can change hidden user settings and sometimes a factory reset is needed to clear them. You are what you install... I use ApkExport to save installable copies of all my apps which are known good. No Playstore needed, it makes a reload faster and more precise, no surprises.
Everything I need to do a full reload is on the SD card which in turn is backed up redundantly to hdds.
You can use a OTA flashstick to do this but also make at least 2 hdd copies of it that are physically and electronically isolated from each other and the PC. Verify data size, number of folders and that the copies are readable.
Never use encryption on backup data drives.
Never clone music or other databases that can be damaged by compression... those silly null marks matter. This is another possible way SmartSwitch may damage critical data, compression.

Very interesting, and a lot of great information I did not know, so thank you for educating me on your diffrent techniques, Sammy switch, and everything else, my phone will thank you!

Samsung Kies, SmartSwitch's predecessor was worse
ColorNote is another favorite; it allows direct hyperlinks to the browser. I use it for bookmarks and more. It allows for daily cloud, SD card backup.
This is ApkExport, it's on Playstore too.
It works with Android 9 and 10 but not sure about 11 and up. A near perfect freeware apk.

Smart Switch has changed a lot in 3 years. I wouldn't write it off before giving it a try, especially in combination with Google's own backup and restore or other solutions. The important thing is to read the options before clicking next. Exclude system apps and you eliminate the risk of corrupted settings. You are not obligated to enable every single option, but even if Smart Switch only works to copy text messages and bookmarks, Samsung is going to have much better access to those items than any third-party app.
The copy does not remove the data from the original phone, so the only harm in trying is time. You can always do a factory reset and try another way if it doesn't work out. Compared to exporting all of your apps and manually inputting the settings back into every one from the start, it seems worth even an hour to see if you can save two.
I copied from a Note 20 Ultra, so the configuration was a little closer. Obviously, a Note 10 is not going to be a near match in terms of the stock setup. Using the two methods together left me with going through system settings and a handful of apps that I had to manually set up again (mostly logins and things that really shouldn't transfer).

I have used smart switch to set up my z flip from my OnePlus 7t pro McLaren 5G and I used it to transfer my original phones contents to my warranty replacement z flip 3 and I have had no issues

luigi90210 said:
I have used smart switch to set up my z flip from my OnePlus 7t pro McLaren 5G and I used it to transfer my original phones contents to my warranty replacement z flip 3 and I have had no issues
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Sometimes it works, but you better be prepared if it doesn't. It's not suitable for critical data backup. Neither was Kies

twistedumbrella said:
Smart Switch has changed a lot in 3 years. I wouldn't write it off before giving it a try, especially in combination with Google's own backup and restore or other solutions. The important thing is to read the options before clicking next. Exclude system apps and you eliminate the risk of corrupted settings. You are not obligated to enable every single option, but even if Smart Switch only works to copy text messages and bookmarks, Samsung is going to have much better access to those items than any third-party app.
The copy does not remove the data from the original phone, so the only harm in trying is time. You can always do a factory reset and try another way if it doesn't work out. Compared to exporting all of your apps and manually inputting the settings back into every one from the start, it seems worth even an hour to see if you can save two.
I copied from a Note 20 Ultra, so the configuration was a little closer. Obviously, a Note 10 is not going to be a near match in terms of the stock setup. Using the two methods together left me with going through system settings and a handful of apps that I had to manually set up again (mostly logins and things that really shouldn't transfer).
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You had said, "using the two methods together left mewith going....", which two methods are you referring to? Thanks!

paranoid365 said:
You had said, "using the two methods together left mewith going....", which two methods are you referring to? Thanks!
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The way that I read it it's Smart Switch and Google backup combo

paranoid365 said:
You had said, "using the two methods together left mewith going....", which two methods are you referring to? Thanks!
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Just like @beanbean50 said. I did the two that prompt during setup. I let Smart Switch do stuff like messages and browser (excluding desktop and system), but had Google do my apps. Photos and files I copied manually. I use Smart Launcher 6, so that has its own backup and restore.

blackhawk said:
Sometimes it works, but you better be prepared if it doesn't. It's not suitable for critical data backup. Neither was Kies
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At no point did anyone say it's critical data that needed to be transferred
OP stated themselves it's basic things that OP wants that many other backup systems take care of(literally 3 of them exist on Samsung phones out of the box) unless you're a dingus and turn all that off
Google backup and Samsung backup both backup contacts, photos, videos, texts, apps, ect and having both of these systems on an older Samsung would mean that even if smart switch missed something like a few text messages, google or Samsung backup would fill in what's missing and to have both of these systems not functional would mean you disabled that on purpose
If your data is that critical and important you are already either practicing good backup practices or your company makes you auto back up to their servers. You wouldn't be using Samsung smart switch and while I understand to some people pictures of "your grandma"(not you specifically) are important and valuable, it's by no means the definition of critical data

luigi90210 said:
At no point did anyone say it's critical data that needed to be transferred
OP stated themselves it's basic things that OP wants that many other backup systems take care of(literally 3 of them exist on Samsung phones out of the box) unless you're a dingus and turn all that off
Google backup and Samsung backup both backup contacts, photos, videos, texts, apps, ect and having both of these systems on an older Samsung would mean that even if smart switch missed something like a few text messages, google or Samsung backup would fill in what's missing and to have both of these systems not functional would mean you disabled that on purpose
If your data is that critical and important you are already either practicing good backup practices or your company makes you auto back up to their servers. You wouldn't be using Samsung smart switch and while I understand to some people pictures of "your grandma"(not you specifically) are important and valuable, it's by no means the definition of critical data
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That fact that SmartSwitch can corrupt a otherwise clean load is also always a risk. Do it right the first time... you know the definition of insanity, right?

blackhawk said:
That fact that SmartSwitch can corrupt a otherwise clean load is also always a risk. Do it right the first time... you know the definition of insanity, right?
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Never had that happen to me or any of the thousands of customers I have processed line upgrades for, have you considered you did something wrong or maybe your data was corrupted from the other device or maybe you tried doing everything wirelessly instead of hardwired, all of these things are factors that can cause what you're describing and then some, just the act of disconnecting the phone while data is transferring can risk data corruption
Also if you're not a dingus and you didn't turn off all the other backup systems on your Samsung, you're supposed to use Google restore to restore accounts, texts and apps and you use smart switch to move photos, videos, and other personal files over
Guaranteed to never corrupt your install but considering how many people I have just used smart switch to move their accounts and data over from one phone to another and it's never given me an issue personally or professionally, I think smart switch is gonna be fine for OP and 99% of people out there in the world

luigi90210 said:
Never had that happen to me or any of the thousands of customers I have processed line upgrades for, have you considered you did something wrong or maybe your data was corrupted from the other device or maybe you tried doing everything wirelessly instead of hardwired, all of these things are factors that can cause what you're describing and then some, just the act of disconnecting the phone while data is transferring can risk data corruption
Also if you're not a dingus and you didn't turn off all the other backup systems on your Samsung, you're supposed to use Google restore to restore accounts, texts and apps and you use smart switch to move photos, videos, and other personal files over
Guaranteed to never corrupt your install but considering how many people I have just used smart switch to move their accounts and data over from one phone to another and it's never given me an issue personally or professionally, I think smart switch is gonna be fine for OP and 99% of people out there in the world
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You're entitled to your opinion. Let's see the white papers to back up that bold statement. I'm all ears.
An easy option for the lazy. It guarantees nothing...
It's not a cloned copy so there's a lot that can go wrong as it tries to merge the data.
Samsung and Google backups?
When they fail, then what? Both Samsung and Google have had hacks and lost client accounts forever. Hell Samsung can't even secure their own critical data
Meanwhile they waste power and resources, constantly in the background

Database Info

welcome