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[Q] Is there a painless way to restore settings and apps when moving to a new ROM?

Ok, I was on factory stock. I had all of the programs I wanted working and functional. I've been using MyBackupPro in order to backup all of my settings and apps.
After I install a new ROM, I restore all of my apps and settings using MyBackup Pro. However, I get nothing but issues. Many apps force close, apps don't show up in the app drawer, and I have to reorganize my home screen due to broken app links. Needless to say, it's a pain in the ass to switch ROMs.
Is there a painless way to backup all of your stuff and restore everything onto a new ROM? Taking hours to restore what I once had is no longer fun.
Now, I know there's Titanium Backup. If you like using it and it works for you perfectly, please tell me the EXACT steps you use to backup your apps and settings. Just telling me to "use Titanium" is not helpful. Thanks.

Nevermind. I just said screw it and paid for Titanium Pro. It cleaned up the mess.
However, I will say that using Titanium Pro is like using a bulldozer to make a sandcastle.

DangerZone1223 said:
Nevermind. I just said screw it and paid for Titanium Pro. It cleaned up the mess.
However, I will say that using Titanium Pro is like using a bulldozer to make a sandcastle.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
you never want to restore data if coming from one rom to a different rom. you will get lots of Fc's among other issues. just restore the apks.

simms22 said:
you never want to restore data if coming from one rom to a different rom. you will get lots of Fc's among other issues. just restore the apks.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Psh never had a problem unless I was restoring system APKs and data. Then you're dead. I was always fine restoring games and apps and their data even switching from a ROM to another.

Best Way to Reinstall Apps after Flashing

I know there are a lot of posts on how to restore apps after flashing a new ROM. I have only done this twice so far and both times I used Titanium Pro to restore the apps and data. However each time I have had a number of apps that didn't work or didn't work correctly until I uninstalled and then reinstalled them. If I let the Play Store reinstall my apps (and side load the ones not in the store) I shouldn't have this problem. I was wondering if anyone could comment on how long that approach would take and what issues I may run into doing it that way. I don't really need to reinstall the data for many apps and I have those settings, etc. (like Nova Launcher and Elixir) backed up where the program can reload them after I install it.
Thanks for any experiences you can share and any advice you can provide.

Wyvern49 said:
I know there are a lot of posts on how to restore apps after flashing a new ROM. I have only done this twice so far and both times I used Titanium Pro to restore the apps and data. However each time I have had a number of apps that didn't work or didn't work correctly until I uninstalled and then reinstalled them. If I let the Play Store reinstall my apps (and side load the ones not in the store) I shouldn't have this problem. I was wondering if anyone could comment on how long that approach would take and what issues I may run into doing it that way. I don't really need to reinstall the data for many apps and I have those settings, etc. (like Nova Launcher and Elixir) backed up where the program can reload them after I install it.
Thanks for any experiences you can share and any advice you can provide.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try gobackup not the pro version, just the free one before it was tooken down from the play store. I believe you can Google search the apk.

Wyvern49 said:
I know there are a lot of posts on how to restore apps after flashing a new ROM. I have only done this twice so far and both times I used Titanium Pro to restore the apps and data. However each time I have had a number of apps that didn't work or didn't work correctly until I uninstalled and then reinstalled them. If I let the Play Store reinstall my apps (and side load the ones not in the store) I shouldn't have this problem. I was wondering if anyone could comment on how long that approach would take and what issues I may run into doing it that way. I don't really need to reinstall the data for many apps and I have those settings, etc. (like Nova Launcher and Elixir) backed up where the program can reload them after I install it.
Thanks for any experiences you can share and any advice you can provide.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It can be pretty quick or it can take seemingly forever depending on the number of apps you have. I have a little 130 and it takes about 2 hours, on a constant 12mbps (1.3-6MBps) connection.
I had a problem when I first used Tibu with Maildroid being crazy as hell until I uninstalled it, reinstalled it, and set it back up. I was also having the same problem when I restored a CWM backup. I went and deleted every backup I had made in Tibu and all my nandroids and tried backing the apps up again and it worked for about 3 flashes and then Maildroid was going crazy again. I finally just Odin'ed back to stock cause I was having a few other issues, GPS & NFC, and once I went back to stock VRALG7 and fully wiped everything and rerooted, flashed recovery, and unlocked I haven't had a problem with anything since. The only thing I have changed is my recovery, went to TWRP, and everything is smooth sailing. I had been using CWM touch, it was the latest version that I was on before Odin'ing, and I really think there is some kind of issue with CWM not backing up right because I had tons of issues and even when restoring to the stock ROM my phone came out of the box on I couldn't get GPS or NFC to work.
But if you don't have many apps you could let the Play store restore you apps, I never used Tibu until this phone and was really skeptical of it cause of the corrupted Maildroid problems I was having but this is hands down one of the best apps I own. Also I'm pretty sure you can use ROM Manager to backup your apps and restore them.
If I were you I would wipe the Tibu backup folder, after you had completely re-downloaded and installed your apps from the market, and then back them up again and see if that worked. Also my Maps backup never ever works, I have to re-download it every time.
There is also MyBackup Pro, I used it before this phone, but its not great in the GS3. It takes about 45 minutes to back up my apps and it freezes constantly, never had this problem with it until this phone though.
You could also try using Tibu's flashable zip creator that was just added. It makes a flashable zip of you app backup folder so you still want to redo all your apps to make sure that it just isn't a once in a lifetime bug that cause a couple of your apps to be corrupted.
Sent from one of the many Anthropomorphic Personalities on the Disc

Best way I have found is to use AppMonster Pro.
That app allows you to make an "old style backup" which saves the APK from every app you have installed.
That way, after you flash a rom, you can click the APKs and do a true clean install of every app which is FAR more dependable than a TIBU restore. Although I have TIBU Pro, I rarely use it anymore.

Thanks everyone. All the info is much appreciated.

jmorton10 said:
Best way I have found is to use AppMonster Pro.
That app allows you to make an "old style backup" which saves the APK from every app you have installed.
That way, after you flash a rom, you can click the APKs and do a true clean install of every app which is FAR more dependable than a TIBU restore. Although I have TIBU Pro, I rarely use it anymore.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you actually look in the Tibu folder it saves all of apps as APK's also and you can choose to back up your apps without the app data. The way I've always always understood it is that you can do a true clean install with Tibu too. Now I may be wrong with this but that's just the way I've understood it.
Sent from one of the many Anthropomorphic Personalities on the Disc
---------- Post added at 10:56 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:52 PM ----------
Wyvern49 said:
Thanks everyone. All the info is much appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hope you figure out how to keep the apps from becoming corrupted. If you do let us know what worked and what all you went through before the apps stopped installing corrupted.
Sent from one of the many Anthropomorphic Personalities on the Disc

I just use Titanium Backup.

I'm going to give TiBu a try first since I think it will be the quickest way to do this. I also did a backup using AppMonster. If I run into issues with TiBu I'll start over again and try AppMonster. All I need now is a block of time to do the update. First Thanksgiving, then taking my grandson to see the train display at the Botanical Gardens, today out with both daughters (separately) helping with their Christmas shopping and doing some of our own. Maybe tomorrow I'll have a free block of time.
I'll let everyone know how it goes. Thanks again.

I've made the switch to ROM toolbox. The free version let's me batch install apps just no data which I prefer anyways. Then I don't have to click for every app.
Sent from my SGS3 running Eclipse 2.1

I finally got time to update to Clean ROM 5.0 and it went fairly well. I used TiBu but had a few apps that had to be reinstalled so I used the AppMonster backup apk's and everything went well. Restoring the data via TiBu went well for all of my apps that need it done except for Red Laser which lost all the loyalty card info. Not a big deal as its easy to rescan the cards.
Thanks again for all the advice and info.

Maybe i'm just a noob but i dont understand how these backup apps work. I've backed up my apps then rom'd my phone but can't get my apps back cause the back up app isn't there anymore... Is it in the cwm recovery ? Confused
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

Depends on the backup app you use. In general, you can install the backup app from Play Store and then you should be able to use it to restore your backed up apps. If you use a backup app the saves your apps as apk files, just install them from the apk. You can also install the apps from the Play Store again like you did originally.
Hope this helps.

I have been using TiBu for a long time and it works great and saves a huge amount of time. Sometimes I also get an app acting wacky after a flash. Just use it and if you have a problem with an app just go to settings and clear data for the specific app. It will save a lot of time doing it that way!!

Is there any issues with restoring User Apps & Data that were backed up under an ICS ROM, onto a flashed JellyBean ROM? I wouldn't think so, but wanted to ask. I know system apps & data would be bad, but not sure about user apps.

Wyvern49 said:
I know there are a lot of posts on how to restore apps after flashing a new ROM. I have only done this twice so far and both times I used Titanium Pro to restore the apps and data. However each time I have had a number of apps that didn't work or didn't work correctly until I uninstalled and then reinstalled them. If I let the Play Store reinstall my apps (and side load the ones not in the store) I shouldn't have this problem. I was wondering if anyone could comment on how long that approach would take and what issues I may run into doing it that way. I don't really need to reinstall the data for many apps and I have those settings, etc. (like Nova Launcher and Elixir) backed up where the program can reload them after I install it.
Thanks for any experiences you can share and any advice you can provide.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use super back up , its free and backs up apps , sms ,contacts ,call logs and calander. It also has batch install

I use titanium, have been using it for years. Restoring apps plus data can cause them to be a little screwy. I only restore data on games.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda app-developers app

Try this. Make a Nandroid. If you're flashing a ROM that uses the same version of Android, just restore data. When flashing nightlies I learned, that all you have to do is WIPE, flash your ROM, then do an advanced restore of data only (No TiBU, you do this before you leave recovery). Now everything is there, nice and clean, homescreen, apps, setup, and even your alarm clock! Takes 5 minutes.
I'm stilla newb so if you're like "duh," don't flame me! :laugh::laugh:

fretbro6 said:
Try this. Make a Nandroid. If you're flashing a ROM that uses the same version of Android, just restore data. When flashing nightlies I learned, that all you have to do is WIPE, flash your ROM, then do an advanced restore of data only (No TiBU, you do this before you leave recovery). Now everything is there, nice and clean, homescreen, apps, setup, and even your alarm clock! Takes 5 minutes.
I'm stilla newb so if you're like "duh," don't flame me! :laugh::laugh:
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That works, but if you're doing that don't bother factory resetting before flashing. All you do is erase the data to put it back on
Sent from my SGS3 running Eclipse 2.1

kintwofan said:
That works, but if you're doing that don't bother factory resetting before flashing. All you do is erase the data to put it back on
Sent from my SGS3 running Eclipse 2.1
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
OK cool! I knew I was putting the data back on but I guess I thought I was wiping other things as well with this method.
Thanks for that!

lennie paz said:
I just use Titanium Backup.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Same here and I've never had any problems with it. I was restoring apps+data but I started having problems after I became a flashaholic so now I only restore apps and spend the extra time relogging in/setting up my apps. Yes it takes longer but it'll save you from problems in the long run.
Sent from my SCH-I535 using xda premium

[Q] backing up SMS

I've switched ROMs often in these past few days, and one of the few things that annoy me is that I lose my SMS every time. Is there a way to backup and restore? I thought of Titanium, but then I know it's not ideal to use Titanium after clean installs
Alex

alexm231 said:
I've switched ROMs often in these past few days, and one of the few things that annoy me is that I lose my SMS every time. Is there a way to backup and restore? I thought of Titanium, but then I know it's not ideal to use Titanium after clean installs
Alex
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've always used this app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.riteshsahu.SMSBackupRestore
Saves SMS messages to an xml file on the device.

surrealjam said:
I've always used this app: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.riteshsahu.SMSBackupRestore
Saves SMS messages to an xml file on the device.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Looks to be exactly what I was after!
I should have thought to look around in the play store, I just never believed there would be a dedicated app for that.
Thanks for the help!
Alex

Titanium works great... I restore all my SMS and MMS all the time when flashing new ROMs. Never had an issue.
Sent from my GT-N7105 using xda app-developers app

There's no problem using titanium on clean installs but the onus is on the user to understand the difference between data/app data, system/app data and why clean installs are required in the first place.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

Titanium backup has an option in the menu to back up sms/mms to xml. Much cleaner than contact/phone data in normal backup options on there
Sent from my Nexus 5

Yeah, careful who you listen to. Lol
Titanium backup is an amazing tool for flashers.
Sent from my N5, N7, Moto X, G Tab 3 or S2.....

Never had a problem restoring SMS/MMS from Titanium...

try Hover Chat ... it offers message backup and has a preety nice pop-up window for messages - I find that very useful
I use the PRO versions ( more skins )
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ninja.sms.promo

rootSU said:
There's no problem using titanium on clean installs but the onus is on the user to understand the difference between data/app data, system/app data and why clean installs are required in the first place.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is that why on some roms the phone process FCs when I use titanium to restore sms/mms? I've been using titanium for quite a while now and experience this from time to time, but never took the time to look into it. The only thing that resolves the problem is throwing the phone into airplane mode and clearing the phone data I had just restored.

uodii said:
Is that why on some roms the phone process FCs when I use titanium to restore sms/mms? I've been using titanium for quite a while now and experience this from time to time, but never took the time to look into it. The only thing that resolves the problem is throwing the phone into airplane mode and clearing the phone data I had just restored.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes I would suspect so.
Sent from my Nexus 5 using Tapatalk

Farewell to titanium backup. Looking for alternative.

Hi.
Just had and upgrade from OnePlus 6t to OnePlus 7 pro. I was thinking, that it's gonna to be easy walk in the park using my old friend Titanium backup. Ow how I was wrong. I used "migrate system data" checkbox checked
Every third user app force closes after restore from titanium backup
All user settings bluetooth / wifi pairings was was not restored successfully. Didnt even tried messages and call logs, as I read in play store comments, that it's also a failure
Box.com backups of app got's corrupted. Downloaded backups verification fails with "error with properties of backup". In details it shows: has data:yes, has app:No. But folder size is same as on source system. Simple to test on single device: backup any app, upload to box.com. Uninstall app and delete it's backup. Sync back from box to titanium backup. And this app is not restoreable anymore. Same test succeeds with google drive. Wrote support, but no answer. Ended moving files between devices via oneplus file manager file dash.
Folder organizer labels does not work anymore
How I can backup and move titanium settings and labels from one device to another? "Auto sync tb settings" checkbox does not generate any file on source device for me
UI issues trimming part of the labels / texts
And it's not only me. See one of the most thanked comment on play store from 2019-03-18:
App data backup / restore works, but that's about it. * It only backs up the main .apk file in a split apk. Restoring a backup of split apk will most likely cause the app to crash.Google is pushing app bundles hard, so these will become more and more common. * It doesn't backup Messages / call logs correctly (DB location moved to /data/user_de/0 sometime in Kit-Kat? This backs up the old location) * Backups occasionally fail reporting no space left, despite having more than enough available * Lots of UI issues, such as dark text on dark buttons - nearly illegible * Developer is unresponsive to support emails
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I don't want to say farewell to my old beloved friend, but lack of support and such issues is not acceptable for me. Any recommendations for reliable backup app?

I think I found alternative: Swift backup.
Supports all new android features (split apks + permision restore). Also app has extremely active and supportive telegram group with app author in constant contact with users. Requested one feature, and it got implemented in a few moments!

I also now start running into hanging restores using trusty old Titanium Backup. So it stopped working properly. I indeed reckon it is due to split apks. So I am now also stuck wondering whether to ask for updating TB or move over to using something else. I will have a look at your found alternative, thanks.

Necrothreading here . But in 2020 Titanium still freezes on split APKs and doesn't support DE app data. I also took a look at Swift but immediately rejected it because it won't run even in a basic mode without GApps and a sign-in - useless when testing developer ROMs where the gapps might be broken.
Any other 2020 root backup solutions that work?

Those apps are not taken care because people don't root their phones nowadays. Would recommend you to use TWRP for backup.

had the same issue, but I fixed it with disabling this android setting: "Verify apps over USB". This setting is under system > developer options, so you will have to enabled developer mode..
I found this advice elsewhere, so I thought I'd put it here too. I'm looking for an alternative for titanium, (I'm happily using SMS Backup and Restore), but haven't found anything I like just yet.

Mr. Fitzie said:
had the same issue, but I fixed it with disabling this android setting: "Verify apps over USB". This setting is under system > developer options, so you will have to enabled developer mode..
I found this advice elsewhere, so I thought I'd put it here too. I'm looking for an alternative for titanium, (I'm happily using SMS Backup and Restore), but haven't found anything I like just yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
cash_h said:
Those apps are not taken care because people don't root their phones nowadays. Would recommend you to use TWRP for backup.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Swift Backup
And
Helium
Sent from my SM-S767VL using Tapatalk

Swift is perfect
Sent from my OnePlus7Pro using XDA Labs

Mr. Fitzie said:
had the same issue, but I fixed it with disabling this android setting: "Verify apps over USB". This setting is under system > developer options, so you will have to enabled developer mode...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I disabled "Verify apps over USB" and it allowed my hanging restores to complete.
HOWEVER, the apps in question then crashed every time I tried to open them. So not truly a working solution.

dadnammit said:
I disabled "Verify apps over USB" and it allowed my hanging restores to complete.
HOWEVER, the apps in question then crashed every time I tried to open them. So not truly a working solution.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
did you take a look at logcat for details of the crash? I think I had similar issues, and it turns out I needed to change permissions/ownership on a single directory (/sdcard?). I had to do this once, and then all subsequent restores have been working fine. it's quite easy to do with "adb logcat" and then just try to start the app.
The best thing I did was not to try to restore everything on the new phone, but just selectively restore apps that I missed from the old phone over time. apps like signal/whatapp need specialized restore processes anyway due the encryption, and the storage of data outside of the app data location.
hth/

spart0n said:
Swift is perfect
Sent from my OnePlus7Pro using XDA Labs
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SWIFT requires GAPPS. If you're trying to move away from Google, it won't work.
I have noticed on my own phone that Titanium Backup often does not restore the APK properly. However, I have had great success with it in restoring app data and I can always download and install the app from APKMonk, APKMirror F-Droid or my backup APK. Unfortunately, without GAPPS, the Titanium Backup PRO key will not work and the free app is too limiting. Titanium Backup does have the capability of using a license file and I have tried multiple times to contact the programmer to acquire or re-buy the license file but I have heard nothing back from them since I started pestering them a month ago, not from their TitaniumTrack website, not from the legacy page and not by direct email to Mr. Bourquard. I'm going to keep trying but there have been no updates to the app in Google Play since 24 Nov 2019 (the TitaniumTrack website has a change log but no update date). I hope he isn't dead ...

Shadeclan said:
SWIFT requires GAPPS. If you're trying to move away from Google, it won't work.
I have noticed on my own phone that Titanium Backup often does not restore the APK properly. However, I have had great success with it in restoring app data and I can always download and install the app from APKMonk, APKMirror F-Droid or my backup APK.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The problem of apps with Split APK's makes it harder to make your own backup APK, and if you can't find the full APK on a mirror, you can be in trouble.
I have found a good solution using SAI ( https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.aefyr.sai&hl=en&gl=US ).
I backup the app with TiB (which, as you say, does a good job still with the app data). And I backup the APKs with SAI. Between the two, I can rollback/restore/etcetera.

dadnammit said:
The problem of apps with Split APK's makes it harder to make your own backup APK, and if you can't find the full APK on a mirror, you can be in trouble.
I have found a good solution using SAI ( https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.aefyr.sai&hl=en&gl=US ).
I backup the app with TiB (which, as you say, does a good job still with the app data). And I backup the APKs with SAI. Between the two, I can rollback/restore/etcetera.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's not a bad idea.
I recently migrated away from Google and have /e/OS loaded on my phone without GAPPS. I can use Aurora Store to access Google Play but SAI is also available in the /e/ store so I'll get it from there. I had looked at and rejected SAI because it doesn't save app data but I'll try combining the two.

I'm not sure why Swift Backup is not talked about more often. It's one of the best backup app out there. Way better than what Titanium offers.

Well, unfortunately Titanium hasn't been updated in ages...

simplydat said:
I'm not sure why Swift Backup is not talked about more often. It's one of the best backup app out there. Way better than what Titanium offers.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just wish the app would grab the data, too.

Shadeclan said:
Just wish the app would grab the data, too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I also search a new Backup ap and tried swift.
I tried it with some apps and the datas are also restored

deadmeiker said:
I also search a new Backup ap and tried swift.
I tried it with some apps and the datas are also restored
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I explained earlier, Swift requires the Google Play store, which I purposely do not have installed on my phone.

Have you guys not heard of oandbackup ? It's not updated since 2019 but I think it does a pretty good job, the github page also mentions about how to restore the files manually and setting security context etc. I haven't tried it but I am about too.

Shadeclan said:
As I explained earlier, Swift requires the Google Play store, which I purposely do not have installed on my phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It is no longer mandatory to have GApps, though it is still mandatory to sign to google account. You can still do local back up

Best way to back everything up?

Just curious what, if any, app to use to try and back everything up before wiping?
Finally going to try and convert my T-Mobile OP7 to international. I'd like to save all my pictures, game saves, etc.
Not really sure how to do it without root, though.

https://www.titaniumtrack.com/lates...supports-backups-from-non-rooted-devices.html
You can also use oneplus switch app on your phone. It's not the best, but it does 80% of what you want. You will have to restore settings and some apps wont restore properly.

Google drive

Titanium Backup for apps+app data
SMS Backup and Restore for texts and call logs
Nova backup created within Nova Launcher for homescreen layout
And everything else I setup from scratch
This is how I do it, anyway

What was old is new again.
.
https://forum.xda-developers.com/oneplus-7-pro/help/diff-twrps-nandroid-backup-onepluss-t3941452

equlizer said:
https://www.titaniumtrack.com/lates...supports-backups-from-non-rooted-devices.html
You can also use oneplus switch app on your phone. It's not the best, but it does 80% of what you want. You will have to restore settings and some apps wont restore properly.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Whoa, I didn't know you could back up the phone without root using ADB. Nice!
rickysidhu_ said:
Titanium Backup for apps+app data
SMS Backup and Restore for texts and call logs
Nova backup created within Nova Launcher for homescreen layout
And everything else I setup from scratch
This is how I do it, anyway
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I usually use TiBu and sms backup and restore, but normally I buy a phone and immediately root it, lol.
I'll probably try multiple options just in case one of them misses something.
Thanks everyone!