[Q] Backup strategy? - General Questions and Answers

Hi everyone!
I was wondering if someone could please advise me on how to backup my data so I can root my phone.
I have a Nexus S with stock Android 4.1.1, tons of apps and configurations, etc.
I want to root my phone, but I'm not necessarily (for now) going to install any custom rom. I just want some extra access, and ability to install root apps (one of them is Titanium Backup!)
Most of the posts here about backups are centered on people who switch roms often and are concerned with frequent and complex backup/restores.
I just want a safe and thorough ONE time backup procedure so I can save everything, root the phone (which I believe requires deleting everything), and get it back to the exact state where it was (except now it's rooted).
Basically, I need Titanium Backup to backup, so I can root the phone, but a rooted phone is a requirement for Titanium Backup, so I am stuck!
I know my Google account info will transfer easily (contacts, mail, calendar), what about the rest of the stuff: launcher options and screens, third party apps, etc? How can I back it up?
Thanks in advance!

You will just follow the same procedure that those other people you described would. It's exactly the same.
You don't have to wipe your phone to root it - so just follow a rooting guide and install a custom recovery if that's what you want.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using xda app-developers app

Pennycake said:
You will just follow the same procedure that those other people you described would. It's exactly the same.
You don't have to wipe your phone to root it - so just follow a rooting guide and install a custom recovery if that's what you want.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you for your help.
I'm afraid I am new to all this and I still get a bit confused with some of the concepts...
If you say I don't have to wipe my phone to root it, then that's what I want to try next, it sounds like what I need.
I have seen several guides that clearly state rooting will wipe all data from the phone (like this one: http://theunlockr.com/2010/12/17/how-to-root-the-samsung-nexus-s/ , see item I-2).
Is this one a good option, should I complete all steps in the first post here?:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=875875
Thanks!

I've never had that phone, so I can't say for sure - but that xda link looks like what you need. I'd read through the thread a bit, see what people are saying - if they had any issues with data loss or anything.
I'd back-up what you can no matter what.
Not sure if you'll have to unlock the bootloader in order to do that first step in the link - so it's possible you'll have to lose data, I don't know - I've never had a phone where the bootloader needed to be unlocked before anything else. I did have to wipe a phone before, and though it was a pain, it was worth it since I only had to do it once - after that it was all set and barring major trouble, would be backed-up and fine.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using xda app-developers app

Related

[Q] Can anyone be so kindly to help me with my new Nexus S??

wanting to know best way to root and if the superoneclick root that i used on captivates will work with my Nexus S stock gingerbread 2.3.2
Just pick any of the root guide threads in the development section. Essentially they all do the same thing and end up with the same result. The manual (hardest) method takes no longer than 10 minutes even for a beginner.
Sent from my Nexus S using XDA App
The last time I noticed someone mention superoneclick around here, they said it didn't work.
Which method you use depends on how long you've had the phone, how much data in applications you have that you don't want to lose (because without root yet, you can't back them up), and whether you want an unlocked bootloader or not.
There's several guides in the development section. The one I posted is abbreviated and relies mostly on the steps from other guides, but it is focused on NOT wiping your phone as the original methods had you do with the fastboot oem unlock command. It doesn't seem to be necessary to do that step.
You can follow just about any of the guides and just skip that oem unlock step if you're worried about not wiping all data (ALL data, including your sdcard pics, music, etc).
Even if you want the bootloader unlocked for some reason, I'd suggest following the non-wipe method to root, then running a backup of your apps' data with Titanium (also copy your sdcard contents to your computer), then you can do the wipe method and restore your backup...now you have a oem unlocked phone and no loss of data.
^^ I agree with the guy above. His thread is easy. First time root and no wipe!
I liked this one the best, includes pictures and all.
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=935819

How to root HTC one X without loosing data

Hi,
Is there a way or an app that allows hacking HTC ONE X without loosing data? i have read many tutorials but all of them suggest rooting method that wipes off all the data. also, is it possible to get official HTC updates after rooting the phone. i don't want to unlock my bootloader. just want to root the phone to install apps.
harry92008 said:
Hi,
Is there a way or an app that allows hacking HTC ONE X without loosing data? i have read many tutorials but all of them suggest rooting method that wipes off all the data. also, is it possible to get official HTC updates after rooting the phone. i don't want to unlock my bootloader. just want to root the phone to install apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can use titanium backup and nandriod to backup your data. You will get updates, but once you updated software from HTC (os) your device will be uprooted and you need to root again .
Post your questions in HTC one X forum to get more response.
Sent from my HTC One X using xda premium
forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1644167 is the guide to rooting your One X. Also, briefmobile.com/how-to-install-cwm-recovery-on-htc-one-x-att shows you how to place CWM on your phone, and you can do quite a bit from there, including installing custom ROMs without messing up your binary counter, full backups of EVERYTHING, and use Titanium Backup can be used to back up data as well, restorable upon re-installation of Titanium Backup.
Root to recover data?
DaemeonZane said:
forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1644167 is the guide to rooting your One X. Also, briefmobile.com/how-to-install-cwm-recovery-on-htc-one-x-att shows you how to place CWM on your phone, and you can do quite a bit from there, including installing custom ROMs without messing up your binary counter, full backups of EVERYTHING, and use Titanium Backup can be used to back up data as well, restorable upon re-installation of Titanium Backup.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm trying to recover deleted texts on my HTC and the program I was using said I needed to root the phone but then I hear that will wipe out data making it hard to recover. Help!!! Will that Titanium avoid that? Is it free? This has already cost me almost 200 trying to get messages off phone.

Rooted - What now?

Okay, I've just rooted my S3. First time ever rooting an android phone, so I was thrilled when Odin said "Passed" and I didn't brick it.
Now what? I've installed Titianium (Free) to backup the one app that I wanted fixed LV Sync. I only did this because everytime I rebooted my device it would delete the account that I created with LV Sync. Now after backing up, uninstalling with Titanium and then restoring, it no longer does that. Perfect.
Now what?? When I jailbroker my first iPhone I discovered after the fact that I couldn't go back because I didn't save my blobs. With everything I read about rooting, nothing said to backup first, so I decided I just did it.
Is there something that I should back up now? Is there something that I should do before anything else?
Would appreciate any guidance on this please.
jim.thornton said:
Okay, I've just rooted my S3. First time ever rooting an android phone, so I was thrilled when Odin said "Passed" and I didn't brick it.
Now what? I've installed Titianium (Free) to backup the one app that I wanted fixed LV Sync. I only did this because everytime I rebooted my device it would delete the account that I created with LV Sync. Now after backing up, uninstalling with Titanium and then restoring, it no longer does that. Perfect.
Now what?? When I jailbroker my first iPhone I discovered after the fact that I couldn't go back because I didn't save my blobs. With everything I read about rooting, nothing said to backup first, so I decided I just did it.
Is there something that I should back up now? Is there something that I should do before anything else?
Would appreciate any guidance on this please.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will first you need to install cwm you can probably find that where you learned how to root then you can make a android backup which backups up your whole phone even the operating system then you can install a custom ROM I recommend the latest CyanogenMod 10.1 nightly there very stable
Sent from my SCH-I500 using Tapatalk 2
bbrad said:
Will first you need to install cwm you can probably find that where you learned how to root then you can make a android backup which backups up your whole phone even the operating system then you can install a custom ROM I recommend the latest CyanogenMod 10.1 nightly there very stable
Sent from my SCH-I500 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
At this time I don't really want to install a custom ROM. I use the phone for work and I don't really want to go through the process of setting everything up again.
Also, the method that I used for rooting it was Chainfire's method which didn't use ClockworkMod. There was a comment about it interfering with something (can't remember what though).
Is there any other way to make a backup of the phone exactly as-is other than CWM?
jim.thornton said:
At this time I don't really want to install a custom ROM. I use the phone for work and I don't really want to go through the process of setting everything up again.
Also, the method that I used for rooting it was Chainfire's method which didn't use ClockworkMod. There was a comment about it interfering with something (can't remember what though).
Is there any other way to make a backup of the phone exactly as-is other than CWM?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not really 90% of the stuff requires cwm you can use a app like my backup pro which bakes up all your apps and contacts to your SD. Or you can just go ahead and make the jump to a custom ROM which then you can schedule regular full system backups and exsprience tons of performance increase and you learn a lot about android but if you don't want to make the jump I recommend mubackuppro
Sent from my SCH-I500 using Tapatalk 2
bbrad said:
Not really 90% of the stuff requires cwm you can use a app like my backup pro which bakes up all your apps and contacts to your SD. Or you can just go ahead and make the jump to a custom ROM which then you can schedule regular full system backups and exsprience tons of performance increase and you learn a lot about android but if you don't want to make the jump I recommend mubackuppro
Sent from my SCH-I500 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, as mentioned, the guide that I used did not show CWM. Is there a guide that I can use that will work? Will CWM work on all versions of the S3? I have the Canadian version SGH-I747M. I just want to be careful not to brick it.
Also... If I use CWM, will that allow me to make a backup ROM? Meaning, that if I install a custom ROM and don't like it for any reason or run into problems that I can put my phone back exactly as it is now?
CM allows you to do a compete backup of your ROM. I don't think that includes media FYI
Google how to install Cwm on your S3 Version which you should initially flash to device through Odin.
I believe using ROM MANAGER you can locate download and flash your recovery.
International S III 16GB / CM10.1 / Gokhan's SK
Bricking
I wouldn't worry too much about bricking your phone. most of the time when people say they bricked their phone all they need to do is restore it using recovery mode/a computer.
To actually brick your device it needs to stop turning on and stop responding to it being plugged into the computer which is quite unlikely to happen.
If your phone turns on but just doesn't boot into a ROM that is not bricked!
I would just throw in that I have used both CWM ("Clockwork Mod") and TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) and I like TWRP better. It's not a pain to change if you decide to, but doing backups can take a while. You can get TWRP with the Goomanager app in the Play Store. If I were you, I'd recommend researching both a bit and then deciding for yourself.
Brick itttt!!!!!!!
wanna thank xda? here
Well now roms
Sent from my HTC6435LVW using xda app-developers app
If you gamers, cusrom with gamming tweaks recommended. But first, you must backup your rom if you don't like the cusrom gamming mode
Sent from my GT-I8150 using xda app-developers app
Don't worry, within a few weeks you'll probably unlock the bootloader and flash custom roms.
So first step would be to install cwm. Even if you are not gonna unlock bootloader, it will help you to FULLY backup, restore your phone and install modules.
Just for safety keep an ftf file of your stock version with you (on pc).
And do a backup before flashing any custom roms.
Just dig around a lot before doing anything and there won't be any chance of bricking it.
Sent from my Xperia Mini Pro
jim.thornton said:
Well, as mentioned, the guide that I used did not show CWM. Is there a guide that I can use that will work? Will CWM work on all versions of the S3? I have the Canadian version SGH-I747M. I just want to be careful not to brick it.
Also... If I use CWM, will that allow me to make a backup ROM? Meaning, that if I install a custom ROM and don't like it for any reason or run into problems that I can put my phone back exactly as it is now?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you can use rom manager or rom toolbox (available in the play store) to flash cwm. then use CWM to make a nandroid back of your rom. then try new roms if you don't like them you can unse recovery to reflash your stock rom. after you flash a custom rom play store shoud reinstall you apps for you and your google account will sync your contacts so setting up your phone after a fresh install is not very hard or time consuming
You shouldn't have to worry about setting up your phone all over after flashing a new ROM if you have titanium backup. Just get on Google play and re download titanium, run it and reboot. Your apps and even how you at up your home pages are back to normal, but you'd have the benefits of the new ROM. I love Synergy ROM. there are a lot of good ones.
bbrad said:
Not really 90% of the stuff requires cwm you can use a app like my backup pro which bakes up all your apps and contacts to your SD. Or you can just go ahead and make the jump to a custom ROM which then you can schedule regular full system backups and exsprience tons of performance increase and you learn a lot about android but if you don't want to make the jump I recommend mubackuppro
Sent from my SCH-I500 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also use my backup pro. It's simple and works well for me.
I flash a lot of roms to check them out and my backup pro restores all my apps, contacts, txt messages every time without issue. It will even restore your shortcuts on your home screen if you'd like.
I also use TWRP. like it a lot.
Sent from my SCH-I605 using xda app-developers app
As said previously, install cwm(through romantic manager) or twrp (through goo manager) (I personally prefer twrp) and make a full nandroid backup.
This backup will be your goto stock image in case you flash something else.
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app
Thanks to Everyone! Your help has really made the process easy and worry free. I've completed the rooting, installed goomanager and installed TWRP and run a full backup. I'm even starting to get the itch to look at some ROMs... I guess you were right mnishamk.
I have a few questions and was hoping for some clarification please:
1. What is nandroid? I installed the TWRP and clicked "BACKUP". Is that a nandroid backup?
2. Is there a resource that I can go to that will list all of the ROMS that are available and the differences? I'm not really into tweaking a lot of things, but love smooth running/looking apps and efficiency.
3. My mom has a Galaxy Nexus (not sure which version/baseband -- does it matter). I would like to root her device.
4. My Dad has a Toshiba AT100 tablet. I would also like to do that.
I'm not sure where to find the guides for each of the devices.
jim.thornton said:
Thanks to Everyone! Your help has really made the process easy and worry free. I've completed the rooting, installed goomanager and installed TWRP and run a full backup. I'm even starting to get the itch to look at some ROMs... I guess you were right mnishamk.
I have a few questions and was hoping for some clarification please:
1. What is nandroid? I installed the TWRP and clicked "BACKUP". Is that a nandroid backup?
2. Is there a resource that I can go to that will list all of the ROMS that are available and the differences? I'm not really into tweaking a lot of things, but love smooth running/looking apps and efficiency.
3. My mom has a Galaxy Nexus (not sure which version/baseband -- does it matter). I would like to root her device.
4. My Dad has a Toshiba AT100 tablet. I would also like to do that.
I'm not sure where to find the guides for each of the devices.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Yes that's nandroid
2.Not really but I suggest cm10 its smooth stable and efficient
3.You can look at the thread for the galaxy nexus and there's probably a rooting guide stickied
4 Look at 3
Sent from my SCH-I500 using Tapatalk 2
I might suggest not rooting your mom's device/dad's tablet. I have helped my mom set up her tablet, but I'm not going to root it unless there's a really good reason where root is absolutely the only solution to what needs to be done.
The problem is, if she doesn't understand what rooting is and what's going on, she can mess up the phone much more than get any advantage. It's not really necessary unless you have a specific goal. I rooted my tablet because I wanted to flash custom ROMs because ASUS no longer supports this tablet. I rooted my phone because I wanted to install Google Wallet. I helped my friend root her phone so she could try out custom ROMs - she is computer literate unlike my mom and understands the risks involved.
Maybe your mom is much more into computers than mine is, but I wouldn't root a device for someone who doesn't understand it and doesn't have a reason to. While a custom recovery is useful for people who want to mess with their phones, it's not something a regular user really needs to the point that the benefits outweigh the risks.
Sent from my Transformer TF101 using xda app-developers app
Look for a rom that incorporates the CM/AOKP theme chooser. So many really nice looking themes. Alloy ui is a favorite of mine
Sent from my Galaxy Nexus using xda app-developers app

[Q] Removing unistallable apps from stock ROM?

Hi
My Verizon S3 (SCH-i535) has been off contract for a few months now. I'm considering buying a new phone, but I think the S3 is still a pretty good phone. However, I would really like to customize it a little if I'm going to keep it.
It has the latest OTA update (4.4.2), so I understand I can't load custom ROM's. But I can root it if I'm not mistaken. If that's right what I would like to do it remove some of the apps that I don't want or have no need for, but aren't uninstallable.
So, my questions are, does root let me do this? If so, is it fairly straight forward to do? And, how do I find out what is safe to remove and what will break my phone?
I'm at the point where if I can't 'make it my own' (short of a custom ROM) I'm going to by an unlocked phone. Which hopefully will give me more control than this one .
Thanks,
Jon
Yes, you can remove "unremovable" apps with root. Use Titanium Backup or a file explorer with root access. You just need to be careful that you don't remove something critical for the phone to operate. I would highly recommend installing the unofficial Safestrap for our bootloader locked phones and make a backup of the rom before you remove anything.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using XDA Free mobile app
roaddog665 said:
Yes, you can remove "unremovable" apps with root. Use Titanium Backup or a file explorer with root access. You just need to be careful that you don't remove something critical for the phone to operate. I would highly recommend installing the unofficial Safestrap for our bootloader locked phones and make a backup of the rom before you remove anything.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using XDA Free mobile app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. I had been planning on putting a few examples in the original post as examples. But when I went in the settings and looked at all the apps again (haven't poked around in there in a while) there were dozens. I couldn't decide which to list . So I guess I will have to be careful I don't go overboard.
I'm still trying to understand what Safestrap is, or does (although I did read some of the description). It sounds like even though we can't unlock the bootloader, and therefor replace the factory ROM, we can get the device to boot an alternate ROM stored on the SD card. I keep wondering if I have this right, it sounds a little odd. Or maybe not, I can't decide.
jdnandroid said:
Thanks. I had been planning on putting a few examples in the original post as examples. But when I went in the settings and looked at all the apps again (haven't poked around in there in a while) there were dozens. I couldn't decide which to list . So I guess I will have to be careful I don't go overboard.
I'm still trying to understand what Safestrap is, or does (although I did read some of the description). It sounds like even though we can't unlock the bootloader, and therefor replace the factory ROM, we can get the device to boot an alternate ROM stored on the SD card. I keep wondering if I have this right, it sounds a little odd. Or maybe not, I can't decide.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, safestrap will let you run another rom, but it has to be based off of the stock 4.4.2 rom. I think there are 2 or 3. And the second rom will use the internal phone storage. So if you have the 16gb phone like I do, 2 roms don't leave much space. I just use safestrap as a custom recovery to make backups in case I screw something up and to flash a few things. I just use the stock rom and don't put a second one on. As far as what is safe to remove, if you find one you aren't sure of just Google it and you should be able to find out. There are several lists floating around. I usually disable them with titanium backup and leave them there, although a did remove a few so I could add some other apps to the system. They can't run when disabled so they aren't using ram or battery. If it has the android guy beside it, it is probably important! I think I have all the Samsung stuff and most of the Verizon disabled.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using XDA Free mobile app

Question Cannot restore app data

Hi all,
I just got my Pixel 7 Pro few hours ago and I'm followed the instruction to copy my app and data from my Pixel 4. But it seems that some apps are not restored and some are restored but no data.
Is there anyone who can recommend a tool to backup data on my Pixel 4 and then restore them on Pixel 7 Pro (I would like to avoid to root it)? I should be able to find the APK to re-install some of the apps.
I tried Helium (Carbon) (I used it many years ago) but some apps cannot be backup (Helium says "not allowed").
Thanks a lot,
Axello
If the apps you are trying to restore are 32bit apps they will not restore, or work any longer.
jaseman said:
If the apps you are trying to restore are 32bit apps they will not restore, or work any longer.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Jaseman.
Since I moved from my Pixel 4, I assumed my apps are not 32-bit.
I'm more interested to find a way to backup the data from my Pixel 4 to restore in my Pixel 7 Pro. Any idea?
axello said:
Thanks Jaseman.
Since I moved from my Pixel 4, I assumed my apps are not 32-bit.
I'm more interested to find a way to backup the data from my Pixel 4 to restore in my Pixel 7 Pro. Any idea?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
axello said:
...
Is there anyone who can recommend a tool to backup data on my Pixel 4 and then restore them on Pixel 7 Pro (I would like to avoid to root it)? I should be able to find the APK to re-install some of the apps.
...
Thanks a lot,
Axello
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Usually, as a rule of thumb, you need to be able to root both devices in order to transfer the data part of backups....
I could be wrong here; but isn't there ways to install apps through adb and/or backup and restore through adb? Maybe someone else out there can help....
You could always unlock bootloader, root, transfer apk's and data, then unroot and even re-lock bootloader (I do NOT recommend doing this last part as many people have bricked their device doing so unnecessarily...)...
If you do go that route, a lot of people are using Swift Backup with almost complete success and/or I saw a couple of people still using Migrate....
I personally haven't had issues with Swift, but I transferred most everything through the cord; but on the select times I used them for apps that didn't come from the Play Store, it worked perfectly...
simplepinoi177 said:
Usually, as a rule of thumb, you need to be able to root both devices in order to transfer the data part of backups....
I could be wrong here; but isn't there ways to install apps through adb and/or backup and restore through adb? Maybe someone else out there can help....
You could always unlock bootloader, root, transfer apk's and data, then unroot and even re-lock bootloader (I do NOT recommend doing this last part as many people have bricked their device doing so unnecessarily...)...
If you do go that route, a lot of people are using Swift Backup with almost complete success and/or I saw a couple of people still using Migrate....
I personally haven't had issues with Swift, but I transferred most everything through the cord; but on the select times I used them for apps that didn't come from the Play Store, it worked perfectly...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks Simplepinoi177,
I have never root my phones and I'm worried to do something wrong and break it.
I'll see if I need to setup these so one by one except if there is anyone else with another suggestion.
Axello
Is root easy/safe?
Would Google updates still be pushed on the phone without issue?
I think I saw some post about root, I'll go read them but I'm still concern I am not knowledgeable enough to do it...
axello said:
Is root easy/safe?
Would Google updates still be pushed on the phone without issue?
I think I saw some post about root, I'll go read them but I'm still concern I am not knowledgeable enough to do it...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I would say that basic rooting is relatively safe; in most cases if all else fails, you can simply load up bootloader mode and flash the stock factory image to restore your phone. Unless you are installing custom ROMs, kernels, or modded Magisk or some modules, you should be safe as attempting to apply those things (instead of merely just having root access) is what has a higher risk of bricking/bootloops where you can't access recovery or bootloader mode.
But I just realized that you are attempting to transfer data from a Pixel 4. In order to root the Pixel 4 to get access to the app data, you would have to unlock the bootloader which factory resets the phone -- so the point is rendered moot and goes against the whole point.
So, I guess I don't have anything else to suggest as having root access seems to be the only real way of accessing and transferring/backing-up app data.
Again, you might ask someone more knowledgeable if it's possible to use the adb commands to backup and restore apps with their data....
simplepinoi177 said:
I would say that basic rooting is relatively safe; in most cases if all else fails, you can simply load up bootloader mode and flash the stock factory image to restore your phone. Unless you are installing custom ROMs, kernels, or modded Magisk or some modules, you should be safe as attempting to apply those things (instead of merely just having root access) is what has a higher risk of bricking/bootloops where you can't access recovery or bootloader mode.
But I just realized that you are attempting to transfer data from a Pixel 4. In order to root the Pixel 4 to get access to the app data, you would have to unlock the bootloader which factory resets the phone -- so the point is rendered moot and goes against the whole point.
So, I guess I don't have anything else to suggest as having root access seems to be the only real way of accessing and transferring/backing-up app data.
Again, you might ask someone more knowledgeable if it's possible to use the adb commands to backup and restore apps with their data....
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks a lot for your help, greatly appreciated.
Yes, maybe there is not much choice then. One of the problem is an app that didn't get the data transferred and I cannot login anymore (company has bankrupted)

Categories

Resources