Database Info

How To: Backup Your Apps, Data & Settings BEFORE You Root/Change ROMs on Your Device!

How To: Backup Your Apps, Data & Settings BEFORE You Root/Change ROMs on Your Device!
I recently rooted my Evo 4G and since I had been using it for a while didn't want to lose all of my settings and data and didn't want to sit for hours installing apps and trying to set them each up the way I had them beforehand. None of the root guides that I've found seem to cover this critical first step before they get into the process of rooting the device. So a lot of people root and flash a new ROM and then realize all of their stuff is gone. So, here's how to back everything up before you root or change ROMs:
1) Locate/Download/Install Z4Root to your device. (It appears as though it was removed from the market due to people using it to get temp root in order to use hot spot tethers. The apk can be found in a thread on this forum here)
2) Install Titanium Backup from the market (I recommend the full version because it makes the restore process a one touch option whereas the free one requires you to click 'Install' and then 'confirm' for each individual app which can be a royal PITA if you have lots of apps)
3) Install 'Root Check' from the market
4) Launch Z4 and use to gain temporary root access of your device. Use Root Check to make sure you indeed do have root access.
5) Launch Titanium Backup and grant superuser permissions where necessary
6) Click the center option at the top of the screen after Titanium checks all possible scenarios. Scroll through the options and find the option (usually has the highest number on the right... or real close to it) that backs up all your apps + system data and settings. Allow it to complete this process which can take a bit.
7) Once this is complete back out of Titanium Backup and reboot your device. This will remove the temporary root access from the device. When the device has settled run Root Check one last time to make sure don't have root access.
8) Proceed with your favorite root/ROM process & enjoy not having to waste hours setting up your phone again the way you had it. When you recover make sure you chose the option to recover all missing apps and all data/settings because if you choose to recover ALL apps you can run into issues with the apps it tries to override.
Now, sometimes there are minor issues from ROM to ROM or device to device when you backup from one platform and then recover on another but for the most part it will save you a LOT of time. You can also try a reboot or two after you recover which can help with some settings that don't show up immediately after a recover. I did this before rooting my Evo 4G and it worked flawlessly.
Thanks and hopefully that helps.

Cool. I never thought about backing up while in temp root. Good find.
^_^_^'s tbolt

EEdaesung said:
Cool. I never thought about backing up while in temp root. Good find.
^_^_^'s tbolt
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sure thing, hopefully it saves others some time & effort.

Newer and better explanation!
http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1152233
Worked the first time!

Does this work with htc inspire 4g the link u provide
and the initial topic on this thread ?

Just to add, Z4Root will work for few device (older models)
Most of newer android version running on Gingerbread, it won't support.

Downloaded and installed z4 but keeps force closing??? please help. running on stock epic 4g touch

Z4Root
z4root doesn't work anymore on android jeally bean 4.2.2 ........ any ideas ??

does update.zip in cwm functions same

restore issues
if i back up using this app in stock firmware after that suppose a did a customrom. will there be any issue if i restored using this app.
jelly bean to kitkat. custom rom cynmod11.

jeswinjames6 said:
if i back up using this app in stock firmware after that suppose a did a customrom. will there be any issue if i restored using this app.
jelly bean to kitkat. custom rom cynmod11.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Should be fine as it's still just app data. I haven't personally tested it to confirm though so proceed at your own risk.

qesion about backup

I think I am idiot If I wait for htc ics update any more .
I want to change my original Rom to custom Rom but one concern.
I don want to loos my applications and my data .
what can I do ?
can I backup my all softwares in stock rom ?
I mean If I backup data in 2.3 rom can I use that in ICS ?
for instance gps software ,maps and places that I entered ?
second question is If I backup data in insertcoin rom can I use that in revolution rom ?
is the backup 100 percent reliable ?
thanks guys

1st question - My backup pro
2nd question - Yes

As jacks said yes, but in my case I'm using Titanium Backup to have all data from my apps saved.
You just have to go S-Off, SuperCID, Root, save all with Titatnium and start all process to flash ROM's (Firmware, Wipe, ROM, kernel...)
And btw, when I started on the ROM's world 1 week ago I tried InsertCoin, did a backup on it (Angry birds xD) and when I ported all to Revolution it worked perfectly So just quite similar case here!

thanks about repllys.
but what about ics.
can I backup android 2.2 sofwares and use it in ics ?

I guess you refer to sd card apps and data and not to system data.
In this case yes. Unless some appls may not be compatible with ICS.
Do not attempt to restore system data from GB to ICS as it will jam up your device.

bluelove2 said:
thanks about repllys.
but what about ics.
can I backup android 2.2 sofwares and use it in ics ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Clicking on THanks button it's enough
Btw, take care on the 2.2 backups... I supose you are talking about Titanium backup or so isn't it? As said before you should have problem with not compatible apps, but if they can update via Google Play properly you should not lose any important data
What apps do you mean exactly, or about which one are you worried about? Just to help better

[APP] App2zip [Make a flashable zip of all your apps and their data!]

Greetings!​
**Standard Disclaimer applies here: If you screw up your device trying to follow the steps in this thread, it's not my fault. The second you unlocked your bootloader, you took full responsibility for what happens to your device.**
First, I want to thank SCDevs and xdaid for putting this app out and for continuing development and support. The original thread can be found here: http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1561729
The app can also be downloaded for free in the Play Store here: http://goo.gl/Zmzmh
May I suggest that you support development of this app by buying the Donate version here: http://goo.gl/SVtyl
What does this app do? This app will make a flashable update.zip of all your apps and their data, /including system apps if you so choose, for you to flash after you complete a full wipe and flash a new rom.
While it is understood that Titanium backup can restore all your apps and data and take a relatively short amount of time to do its job, this app makes it a bit more convenient by allowing you to just flash a zip and be done with it.
Enjoy the app.

I found a bug with the restoration of 2 apps.
Chrome browser
Quickpic
Both apps had to be uninstalled and.reinstalled for them to function. Just a heads up.
>>DARKSIDE<<

Can I do a backup from stock message app and restore to a sense 4.0 text message app?

abcdavidefg said:
Can I do a backup from stock message app and restore to a sense 4.0 text message app?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The stock sense mms.apk? Idk I haven't tried that. Haven't used a pure stock sensation Rom since last July. I'm guessing no since stock is gb and sense 4.0 is ics. You can try it tho. If you want to save your messages just use.sms backup and restore in the Play Store. It's a free app and has always worked for me.
On a side note, I know the stock ics mms.apk DOES work on sense 4.0. I'm using it on OrDroid right now.
Hope that helped. Lmk if I didn't answer your question.
************************************************-
Wait a second... I get it. You can do the backup and restore from one messaging app to another, you just have to use sms backup and restore or a similar app.
>>DARKSIDE

I get an error(0) Installation aborted, when flashing the update.zip.
Any thoughts?
Edit: Now i am getting error(7) Something like looking for four found three

arifqur said:
I get an error(0) Installation aborted, when flashing the update.zip.
Any thoughts?
Edit: Now i am getting error(7) Something like looking for four found three
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Weird. Ok so the way around that is to grab the update-binary from a rom that doesn't use aroma installer (I used aokp when I tested this) and overwrite the one found in data/data/scdev-app2zip/files then make your backup zip. I know that will work.
>>DARKSIDE<<

[Q] help

I have a sgh-t869 rooted with super user and I am trying to get rid of all the factory tmobil crap apps they put on it is there a safe way to no what are operating systems and what are apps I can trash. Another question is what is the best rom to use for best preformance.
Thanks for any info

you can use Root Toolbox on market if you know the name of the apk this will create a backup to reinstall it later
***EDIT***
sometime you need to do it 2 time to be sure the app is uninstalled!

To get rid of all that stuff: just make a backup of your bloatware loaded stock rom cia cwm. Afterwards, download Paranoid Android from here:http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?p=32915499
Follow instructions and be happy! =p
Iam running this for a couple of weeks now, its almost perfect!
Have fun!

[Q] 1st time root/rom question -hyperdrive rls15 GS3

Hello all:
This is my first foray into rooting/roming and I am liking it so far.
But now I have a few questions
here are my specs:
Verizon Galaxy S III
Hyperdrive RLS15
TWRP
Titanium backup
busyBox - not sure what this does
So, here are my questions
1)
This whole rom /modding thing is fun as s#!+.
I want to try other ROMs. Is there a way to install a different ROM without having to re-install all of my third party apps all over again?
2)
I like the Hyperdrive ROM but I would like to add and remove some of the features I installed when I loaded the ROM initially.
Is there a way to change my configuration without having to start from the beginning and having to re-install 3rd party apps?
3)
Apparently this ROM has a battery calibrator built in that I can run in terminal.
Can anyone tell me what it actually does
4)
What is BusyBox and why do I need it?
Thanks in advance for all your help and all the work this community does
biTToe

biTToe said:
Hello all:
This is my first foray into rooting/roming and I am liking it so far.
But now I have a few questions
here are my specs:
Verizon Galaxy S III
Hyperdrive RLS15
TWRP
Titanium backup
busyBox - not sure what this does
So, here are my questions
1)
This whole rom /modding thing is fun as s#!+.
I want to try other ROMs. Is there a way to install a different ROM without having to re-install all of my third party apps all over again?
2)
I like the Hyperdrive ROM but I would like to add and remove some of the features I installed when I loaded the ROM initially.
Is there a way to change my configuration without having to start from the beginning and having to re-install 3rd party apps?
3)
Apparently this ROM has a battery calibrator built in that I can run in terminal.
Can anyone tell me what it actually does
4)
What is BusyBox and why do I need it?
Thanks in advance for all your help and all the work this community does
biTToe
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
1. Basically no, the fastest and easiest way to get your apps back is using titanium backup. It's even recommended to not even restore with tb if you switch from touchwiz and AOSP or vise versa.
2. Hyperdrive uses aroma and this is true for any rom running aroma, but to change your features you simply have to reflash the rom. Then while you're in aroma, simply deselect all the features you don't want anymore, but if you forget to mark something you already had it'll go away.
3. Can't help you with this one, try searching the development thread.
4. Busybox is basically a terminal (if you can call it that?) that runs with Linux. It basically gives your phone the ability to run a vast majority of basic commands that would otherwise have to be manually entered into a terminal. It's a stripped down version of a full Linux kit, so it's designed for more stripped down environments such as mobile and tablet devices.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

BadUsername said:
1. Basically no, the fastest and easiest way to get your apps back is using titanium backup. It's even recommended to not even restore with tb if you switch from touchwiz and AOSP or vise versa.
2. Hyperdrive uses aroma and this is true for any rom running aroma, but to change your features you simply have to reflash the rom. Then while you're in aroma, simply deselect all the features you don't want anymore, but if you forget to mark something you already had it'll go away.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, do you mean to say that I can back-up and restore only my apps when I either change roms or re-install the current rom?
But if I switch from a TW rom to an AOSP rom then restoring those apps via TB is NOT reccommended?
-- I mean I can back-up and restore all kinds of things, but I can b/u the apps by themselves?
And thanks so much for your reply

You can use alternatives to titanium backup for backing up your apps.

jmxc23 said:
You can use alternatives to titanium backup for backing up your apps.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there a specific app that backs up apps?

biTToe said:
Is there a specific app that backs up apps?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I think titanium is great for backing up apps, and yes, if I'm switching between touchwiz roms or the same rom I'll use titanium to restore user apps with data. But if I went to an AOSP rom I'd only restore the app itself mainly because of the different android versions, most apps such as games should run normally, but restoring data will sometimes cause issues with a rom. You'd have to do a lot of battery stats hunting to get rid of some of them. If you didn't restore data, your system would be pretty clean, and new data would be written for the apps you use as you use them instead of restoring them from a different version.
I would never in any case restore system data, unless I'm reinstalling a clean flash of the same exact rom and build I was on.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

biTToe said:
Is there a specific app that backs up apps?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Easy Backup is one and Helium is another.

BadUsername said:
I would never in any case restore system data, unless I'm reinstalling a clean flash of the same exact rom and build I was on.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
So, in my case, I would like to re-install the hyperdrive rom to add some other features and remove some features. Should I do a system data restore or would that not be a good idea?
What does a system data restore do for me? pros and cons?

biTToe said:
So, in my case, I would like to re-install the hyperdrive rom to add some other features and remove some features. Should I do a system data restore or would that not be a good idea?
What does a system data restore do for me? pros and cons?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you dirty flash without a factory reset your data will stay intact even after a reflash.
Stuff that's included in system data are contacts, text messages, call logs, etc. I usually never restore that stuff, and just let Google restore my contacts from the cloud.
It generally isn't a good idea, but it shouldn't be a problem going into the same rom. It's up to you whether to do it or not.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2

you can restore apps coming from AOSP to TW or vice versa. Ive never had a problem anyway when i used to flip flop back and forth.
I always select user apps and not system apps though.
You can use sms backup and call log backup to restore messages and call logs. theyre great apps.

thanks
thanks everyone for all the advice and tips.
~biTToe

Hi -this is actually in response to a comment on another thread, but I wanted to be sure to reach you and figured if I commented on a thread you initiated you'd get a notification. I just got the S5 mini and it's driving me nuts - I primarily use it to listen to music and it skips/stops the song if I so much as breathe. I cant use it for jogging or even listening while walking, which means it's useless to me. Did you ever find a solution to the sensitivity factor - screen protector, case, etc.........? I may just return it. Even if I twist my hand the tiniest amount it happens, and it doesn't just skip - it turns the song or even the page off completely. I literally haven't been able to listen to one single song all the way through since I got it - even when it is laying down flat. Help!

hey:
weird way to contact me, but it worked.
i never did figure it out. i didn't try a screen protector either, i just hate them.
i just end up being annoyed at the thing.
I hang-up on people with my cheek, i inadvertently open or close apps. i am constantly opening the recent app menu (though i finally found a way to re=map that damn key)... so basically i'm stil unhappy, but i have a year till my contract expires so i'm living with it.
as an aside I somehow changed a setting, disabled my wi-fi, then lost root and can't seem to re-root or enable the wi-fi
~most un-excellent

Running Hyperdrive on my Note 3....phone no longer charging correctly, so got a replacement Note 3 via insurance. No longer have a pc to root, replacement, is there a way to root strictly via my phone?

cwalkin said:
Running Hyperdrive on my Note 3....phone no longer charging correctly, so got a replacement Note 3 via insurance. No longer have a pc to root, replacement, is there a way to root strictly via my phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Towelroot may be your only option
Nexus 6 via SSHD/Cataclysm