[Q] "adb restore" leaves stuff out - ONE Q&A, Help & Troubleshooting

I am trying to restore files back to my reset OnePlus One using "adb restore <file>" but while the restore happens without error, some files/folders are not restored. I have checked the backup file and the files and folders are present in the backup file, yet adb restore does not restore them
My backup is created with this command:
adb backup -f backup.ab -apk -obb -shared -all -system
And I try to restore with this:
adb restore backup.ab
Especially in the /sdcard/Android/data are a lot of files and folders missing and apps are not getting restored to their working state.
How do I restore the backup properly? Do I have to push every single file/folder to the phone manually?

Never mind. I just noticed that the backup files did not care to backup the /sdcard/Android folder and I have lost all files.
Why is it so impossible to make a proper backup on Android?
I am so close to ditching android just because I cannot get a working backup/restore to work!
And no, my phone is not rooted as rooting erases my files. Chicken and egg problem. I really hate android here.

"adb restore" didn't restore any of my accounts! I am so very pissed about android right now. Such a "mature" platform and no working backup/restore.
Plenty of tools offering to make backup/restore, but the all require me to erase all data (root) making the backup moot. And those tools that do not require root cannot backup anything besides what "adb backup" offers to back up (which is more miss than hit).
I am really envious of Apple users here. They have perfect (so it seems) working backup and restore.

... and I cannot add the missing accounts because they are already created. So, none of my accounts were restored and even though all accounts are actually there, none of them can synchronize as they are not there.
And all this trouble just to fix non-working MMS which turned out not to work after a reset anyway. I hate really hate android. So f...... unreliable.

I seriously cannot recommend anyone to use adb backup/restore. This will totally mess up your phone. Copy files manually and write down all your accounts (type/username/password/all settings) create them manually afterwards. "adb restore" cannot restore accounts.

If everything is lost at this point might as well root now and use titanium backup or parcel in the future? Not sure if parcel can backup accounts, titanium backup can though
Sent From Lollipopified Bacon Goodness!

ek69 said:
If everything is lost at this point might as well root now and use titanium backup or parcel in the future? Not sure if parcel can backup accounts, titanium backup can though
Sent From Lollipopified Bacon Goodness!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Indeed

galmok said:
And no, my phone is not rooted as rooting erases my files. Chicken and egg problem. I really hate android here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Why didn't you just connect to your PC and copy your files across? Or at least research the phone before you bought it or started using it? If you unlock the bootloader when you receive the device the wiping that occurs during the unlocking process is a non-event.
There's no reason to "hate Android" because of this situation. There are several ways to make backups on an Android device, you just failed to unlock your device at the correct time. Just trying to put it into perspective a bit here.
Transmitted via Bacon

timmaaa said:
Why didn't you just connect to your PC and copy your files across? Or at least research the phone before you bought it or started using it? If you unlock the bootloader when you receive the device the wiping that occurs during the unlocking process is a non-event.
There's no reason to "hate Android" because of this situation. There are several ways to make backups on an Android device, you just failed to unlock your device at the correct time. Just trying to put it into perspective a bit here.
Transmitted via Bacon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I cannot copy everything to my pc. Accounts for instance cannot be copied. Same with system settings, Wi-Fi passwords and some apps do not survive the adb backup/restore (like Waze that enters a crash loop) and other apps just vanish. This system is not user friendly. There is no way I could make anyone I know accept this phone if they knew they couldn't back it up. They know nothing about rooting but they will not accept a non-working backup.
I at least tried (hard) to make a backup and restored it back and that was a horrible experience. I cannot help wondering why Google hasn't arranged android to have working backups. Apple has it and it seems near perfect compared to android.

galmok said:
I cannot copy everything to my pc. Accounts for instance cannot be copied. Same with system settings, Wi-Fi passwords and some apps do not survive the adb backup/restore (like Waze that enters a crash loop) and other apps just vanish. This system is not user friendly. There is no way I could make anyone I know accept this phone if they knew they couldn't back it up. They know nothing about rooting but they will not accept a non-working backup.
I at least tried (hard) to make a backup and restored it back and that was a horrible experience. I cannot help wondering why Google hasn't arranged android to have working backups. Apple has it and it seems near perfect compared to android.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Google does have backups, in the settings menu. Most of the system settings are backed up (and even if they weren't it should only take a total of ten mins to set them up again). Apps are backed up and downloaded again on a fresh install. It all works perfectly if you know what you're doing.
Transmitted via Bacon

timmaaa said:
Google does have backups, in the settings menu. Most of the system settings are backed up (and even if they weren't it should only take a total of ten mins to set them up again). Apps are backed up and downloaded again on a fresh install. It all works perfectly if you know what you're doing.
Transmitted via Bacon
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Except I have apps that are not on Google Play. I cannot backup my Wi-Fi passwords and am forced to let Google keep a copy. And there are so many settings that 10 minutes is far from enough to find them all and fix them. And the point is, I shouldn't have to. I should be able to make a backup, preferably compartmentalized, and restore the sections I want, if not all. And it should be 1 tool.
Also, following a reset, the phone will begin reinstalling apps from Google Play and what happens if I begin adb restore at the same time? I didn't want to find out and let it install. But when some games use 1.5GB of storage, that takes a long time. Would be much faster if I knew I could use adb restore.
Oh well, I will have to accept the horrible backup/restore solution for this phone, but I really am envious of the backup/restore for iOS devices.

Related

All this wiping, how do you people keep your data

i'm reading through all the posts for people updating to the new firmware and wiping away all their data without a care. how can you afford to do that so easily?
I have lots of data like SMS messages I need to keep around, applications that cant be downloaded anymore (such as hello aim beta, wifi tether), settings, etc.. that I just can't wipe my phone. how are you people keeping this data around?
I personally use apps to Sd card and to backup sms and such I use MyBackup Pro available on market for about $5. It works great. Go try it. You can even back up applications with it.
John5788 said:
i'm reading through all the posts for people updating to the new firmware and wiping away all their data without a care. how can you afford to do that so easily?
I have lots of data like SMS messages I need to keep around, applications that cant be downloaded anymore (such as hello aim beta, wifi tether), settings, etc.. that I just can't wipe my phone. how are you people keeping this data around?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I usually will run a nandroid backup first then i can just flash it back without any trouble after the wipe.
I also have GSCRIPT on the phone and have a script that backs up all my apps to the SD and then I have a SCRIPT that will reinstall all my APPS when it is all said and done if I need it for those times that I am unable to backup first.
John5788 said:
i'm reading through all the posts for people updating to the new firmware and wiping away all their data without a care. how can you afford to do that so easily?
I have lots of data like SMS messages I need to keep around, applications that cant be downloaded anymore (such as hello aim beta, wifi tether), settings, etc.. that I just can't wipe my phone. how are you people keeping this data around?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I always make a nandroid backup. As a matter of fact, I make a nandroid backup weekly or before I do anything drastic to my phone like delete all SMS or try something new. Nandroid backup process takes but 5 minutes. Most of the apps can be downloaded over again and most of SMS are of no importance. All my pics and audio and wallpapers are on SD, so that automatically gets moved.
If I ever need to reference to something, I just flash the nandroid backup, look up what I need and then flash back to the other nandroid backup etc. So far that is my game plan, but i've yet to do this as I've never really had the need to go back.
It is tedious process especially for the apps but I have kept a list and it isn't too bad.
there are other wifi tether programs that are probably better than what you had before.
anything and everything is out there apk wise, if you know where to look.
but, there are backup programs and since I don't use them (other than nandroid), hopefully someone can comment on them.
question, i can do a nandroid backup fine without any problems. i believe i am using jf1.42 recovery image, but lets say my phone bricks, whatever nandroid backed up for me, how do i install it back again? n00b question i know but ive searched around and havnt found that answer yet.
I haven't wiped my phone in over a month.
I use MyBackup Pro. Backs up all your Data, Apps, and settings. And, of course, I make a nandroid backup before I flash anything.
madunix said:
question, i can do a nandroid backup fine without any problems. i believe i am using jf1.42 recovery image, but lets say my phone bricks, whatever nandroid backed up for me, how do i install it back again? n00b question i know but ive searched around and havnt found that answer yet.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Here's a quick and easy explanation: http://androidcommunity.com/forums/168953-post6.html
I've tried the Nandroid back up, but for the life of me I can't get ADB working on my computer. Is there a script to run it through recovery mode or through the terminal emulator?
Thanks
Hi Aim beta is still available in the market (Is it different from hello AIM beta?) and wifi tether for root users is still available at google code. If there was a program that I wanted that was no longer available I would just back it up to SD before wiping. For SMS I use SMS backup. That way SMS streams are available all the time in my gmail (not that I consider my SMS messages all that important)
Settings take me a little while to get back but usually if I am wiping to put on a new ROM my workflow will change a bit so redoing settings from scratch is not a big deal.
Given that contacts calendar and mail are synced with gmail, wiping is less a concern for me than it was with WM. Reloading apps takes a bit of time but it is not a major effort since most things are either on the market or on my SD.
...what everyone else said.
Also, I use fastboot on the computer side (Windows XP) to get Nandroid's backups back on my phone. This only works if you have the engineering bootloader, though (the thing with the three skateboarding androids). First, you'll have to copy "boot.img," "data.img," and "system.img" to whatever folder fastboot's in. Open up your command prompt. The command line you use is this:
cd *whatever directory fastboot's in*
fastboot flash system system.img
fastboot flash userdata data.img
fastboot flash boot boot.img
fastboot reboot
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use nandroid and mybackup pro.
Heres a question for the ages. If i do a nandroid backup on say...JF's 1.5ADP and then update to Haykuros image, after a wipe, would i have a problem if i was to fastboot flash my data.img file? Would it cause problems? I have yet to try it.
Does mybackup pro back up paid apps?
I dont really care about my txt i mean i got alot of txt but nothing to much to be save..I use appmanger to save my .apk apps to sd. and contacts are sync to google so yeah thats all i do.
If you have apps to sd it's as easy as following any apps to sd tutorial. All your apps that are already on your sd card will pop right back into your phone. In case anyone didn't know this. I tried and found out that it worked. So PM me for more details. I can't do much right now. But I can let you know what commands to type in adb shell or terminal emu.
Using the apps to sd, once I set the links up, everything is back, although my protected apps show up as the .apk name as with a gear icon. I have to uninstall then re-install those. But I am looking around for ways to remedy that. I think I found one post, but haven't wiped since I found it.

One Click Backup for Apps/Data/Settings?

So my company is switching to google apps, and apparently google apps requires a factory reset in order to get up and running with my corporate e-mail.
I thought titanium backup would do the trick but I can't seem to find the right options for a full backup. I also looked into astro with around the same results.
I do have a Clockwork ROM backup but if i understand correctly that is A FULL backup, whereas I only need apps.
Ideas?
Main Target said:
So my company is switching to google apps, and apparently google apps requires a factory reset in order to get up and running with my corporate e-mail.
I thought titanium backup would do the trick but I can't seem to find the right options for a full backup. I also looked into astro with around the same results.
I do have a Clockwork ROM backup but if i understand correctly that is A FULL backup, whereas I only need apps.
Ideas?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Although I am not expert and have not done it myself you could possibly just copy the app folder off your internal SD and then replace it. Your setting would still be gone though.
I would imagine that certain data is stored all over the place. I am going to just do an odin's 1 touch restore and redo all my stuff...
again... lol

Shiny new Nexus S backup question

Is there an app like Titanium Backup for a non-rooted SNS? Do I really need to backup if I don't root the phone? I would like to backup before I start the playing (sorry for the newbie question but I am a recent convert from i****e 4).
Thanks in advance, Jeff
You can boot into Clockwork Recovery (with fastboot) and do a nandroid backup, all without flashing anything.
If you have no intentions of rooting odds are you don't need a backup app. When you first set up your phone you can check the box that will backup with google and in the event you get a new phone all your apps will be there. Anything you purchase on the market will automatically backup to your account even if you don't check off the box. Welcome to Android, I'm sure you will enjoy your experience.
icandy75 said:
If you have no intentions of rooting odds are you don't need a backup app. When you first set up your phone you can check the box that will backup with google and in the event you get a new phone all your apps will be there. Anything you purchase on the market will automatically backup to your account even if you don't check off the box. Welcome to Android, I'm sure you will enjoy your experience.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank icandy75 for the quick reply. Is that data (pics, contacts, bookmarks, etc.) and apps if I check the box? Is the backup encrypted or passworded? BTW I am currently using a Samsung Intercept for the last 5 weeks with 2.1 and temporary root so I really like Titanium Backup to wipe data and being able to reverse things. Can the backup to Google do anything like that, I am suspecting not.
P.S. So far the experience has been wonderful even after using iPhones for 3.5 years.
shrivelfig said:
You can boot into Clockwork Recovery (with fastboot) and do a nandroid backup, all without flashing anything.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the quick reply. I assume these are not as robust and flexible as Titanium Backup. Is it inevitable that I will really just want to root to get better apps? Sorry but new to the wonderful world of Android. BTW I am only going to use the SNS via WiFi for now.
Thanks for the info., help and advice,
Jeff
jefftab11 said:
Thank icandy75 for the quick reply. Is that data (pics, contacts, bookmarks, etc.) and apps if I check the box? Is the backup encrypted or passworded? BTW I am currently using a Samsung Intercept for the last 5 weeks with 2.1 and temporary root so I really like Titanium Backup to wipe data and being able to reverse things. Can the backup to Google do anything like that, I am suspecting not.
P.S. So far the experience has been wonderful even after using iPhones for 3.5 years.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Pics are not backed up but you can back those up manually to you computer without root. Contacts are backed up to your Gmail account for easy access. It will also back up your wifi passwords but not your sms. There really is no reason not to root on this phone. It's very easy to do and reversible plus root gives you the ability to use a bunch of apps like TB. If you get into flashing roms I would suggest getting the paid version. It makes it a breeze to switch from one rom to next and gives you a few more options like dropbox sync and the ability to freeze apps.
use mybackup pro for backups if you dont have root.
backs up all sms, mms, android home, system settings, call logs, music playlists, bookmarks, dictionary, call logs, applications (doesnt back up the data/settings inside the app). lol am i missing something?
you can save the backups online or to your sd card
Yeah, My Backup pro is the only other app that I know of that people liked for non-rooted devices.
Clockwork Recovery Backup
I know this thread is about a month old, but...
I have to say, if you want to do any rooting or ROM flashing later the Clockwork Recovery backup is probably the better way to go.
It wasn't said earlier, but if you have adb and fastboot already installed/config'd on Ubuntu (but should be the same commands on Mac OSX - not sure about Win):
Code:
adb reboot-bootloader
fastboot boot <path to recovery file>/recovery-clockwork-herring.img
I already unlocked my bootloader prior to this, so all the data I have has been wiped previously and I reloaded manually.
Vol Down to "backup and restore" and hit power button. First option is Backup. Just hit power button and let it do the backup. This may take a bit of time. The recovery is not perm and will be gone when you reboot.
The backup is stored on your "SD" partition under "clockworkmod/backup/[backup date]"
You should be able to use the same thing to restore at a later time if needed, selecting "restore" instead of the "backup" option.
There is a app on the market called* backup everything*. I've never used it but description says works for non rooted phones.
takkun1946 said:
I know this thread is about a month old, but...
I have to say, if you want to do any rooting or ROM flashing later the Clockwork Recovery backup is probably the better way to go.
It wasn't said earlier, but if you have adb and fastboot already installed/config'd on Ubuntu (but should be the same commands on Mac OSX - not sure about Win):
Code:
adb reboot-bootloader
fastboot boot <path to recovery file>/recovery-clockwork-herring.img
I already unlocked my bootloader prior to this, so all the data I have has been wiped previously and I reloaded manually.
Vol Down to "backup and restore" and hit power button. First option is Backup. Just hit power button and let it do the backup. This may take a bit of time. The recovery is not perm and will be gone when you reboot.
The backup is stored on your "SD" partition under "clockworkmod/backup/[backup date]"
You should be able to use the same thing to restore at a later time if needed, selecting "restore" instead of the "backup" option.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just to clarify commands, specifically for Mac OSX:
(These commands are assuming you've downloaded this file (http://www.mediafire.com/?qoz9f6e8fbx8zs0) and unzipped it to your desktop)
Code:
~/Desktop/adb-fastboot/adb reboot bootloader
Code:
~/Desktop/adb-fastboot/fastboot oem unlock
Code:
~/Desktop/androidsdk/tools/fastboot flash recovery recovery-clockwork-3.0.0.5-crespo.img

[Q] Backup before bootloader unlock?

I am going to unlock my bootloader sometime next week (and root after that ofc).
I already used my phone for several weeks thought, I got it fully configured to my taste.
1. What exactly gets deleted when I unlock my bootloader?
All apps + usersettings + smses etc? Also everything in /sdcard ?
2. What is the best way to backup all data?
I can backup /sdcard alright, but is there a non-root app for backing up all apps + settings?
Helium is a non-root app backup option. You have to pair it with the pc program, but it leaves the backups on the phone. I don't know about what gets wiped, though, I've not unlocked my bootloader.
Quark^2 said:
I am going to unlock my bootloader sometime next week (and root after that ofc).
I already used my phone for several weeks thought, I got it fully configured to my taste.
1. What exactly gets deleted when I unlock my bootloader?
All apps + usersettings + smses etc? Also everything in /sdcard ?
2. What is the best way to backup all data?
I can backup /sdcard alright, but is there a non-root app for backing up all apps + settings?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
In my case everything was erased when unlocked bootloader.
is there a software for makeng complete backup and then restoring automacic? possible to do this folder by folder? name of software that do this? thanks
myabc said:
is there a software for makeng complete backup and then restoring automacic? possible to do this folder by folder? name of software that do this? thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
SnapPea can backup your texts, images, etc. Get the app from store & download the pc programme. You can also backup to the cloud (I think) Good luck!
Sent from my XT1032 using Tapatalk
There is a guide using ADB backup:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-nexus/general/guide-phone-backup-unlock-root-t1420351
Contrary to the guide, I didn't need an encryption password for it to work. I did however have to try it a few times before it would work (it stopped several times--failed), but got a backup eventually. It does reportedly work for the Moto G.
I haven't restored it yet though. I'm in the same boat as you are at the moment and I am preparing to unlock and root once I have all the help and supporting files for the process.
eastdata said:
There is a guide using ADB backup:
http://forum.xda-developers.com/galaxy-nexus/general/guide-phone-backup-unlock-root-t1420351
Contrary to the guide, I didn't need an encryption password for it to work. I did however have to try it a few times before it would work (it stopped several times--failed), but got a backup eventually. It does reportedly work for the Moto G.
I haven't restored it yet though. I'm in the same boat as you are at the moment and I am preparing to unlock and root once I have all the help and supporting files for the process.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
For anyone that is interested, the Helium backup app mentioned in a previous post utilizes this same ADB backup protocol cited in the link above in order to accomplish the backup. Helium just automates the process and slaps on a nicer UI.
Marty said:
For anyone that is interested, the Helium backup app mentioned in a previous post utilizes this same ADB backup protocol cited in the link above in order to accomplish the backup. Helium just automates the process and slaps on a nicer UI.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's good to know, cheers.
Apparently SMS messages aren't backed up with ADB. I've looked around and found this free app MyPhoneExplorer that can handle that part amongst other features. Seems it can backup locally.
eastdata said:
Seems it can backup locally.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes MyPhonexplorer makes a Backup on PC.
lightningdude said:
Helium is a non-root app backup option. You have to pair it with the pc program, but it leaves the backups on the phone.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The Helium Backup is made on the phones storage. But sure you can copy that to your PC and copy it back afterwards.
Both apps are working nice without any problems.
mokkami said:
Yes MyPhonexplorer makes a Backup on PC.
The Helium Backup is made on the phones storage. Butsure you can copy that to your PC and copy it back afterwards.
Both apps are working nice without any problems.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Excellent. Now to the tricky parts...
On a side note, with ADB I was able to write the backup straight to PC, but I think writing to the phones storage would be more reliable, then copying it off.
I did not encouter any problems while just simply copying files to storage.

Restoring Google Authenticator after stock to LineageOS 19.1

Hi,
I've just upgraded from latest OnePlus stock ROM of Android 11 to LineageOS 19.1. I've made backups before formatting everything, a full NANDroid with TWRP, one using the Migrate app, one with Oandbackupx of all apps. Also Google's way, but that doesn't back this app up, which seems to be quiet bad...
After trying to restore from all the mentioned sources, Google Authenticator can't seem to be restored. It always ends up empty. Is there a a specific protection for that data? I've similar issue with Dropbox as an example, it asks me to login after a restore. Whereas other apps preserved their logins...
Would be great to restore it, as I had like 30+ MFA codes added. Any suggestions?
Thank you!
There is only one way to transfer codes to another phone in the case of Google Authenticator.
Perhaps there is an analogy with the Dropbox access application. You'll have to check it out for yourself.
Hi,
Ok, thanks for the info. This is just sad to hear.
Going back to the original system with restoring the NANDroid backup go get this code might not work either?
Thank you.
I can't seem to find a solution. So I'm switching to Authy and in the same time I'll add it to KeePassXC, which can also do it... This can't happen again, I have to reset 2FA on 30+ sites
antivirtel said:
I can't seem to find a solution. So I'm switching to Authy and in the same time I'll add it to KeePassXC, which can also do it... This can't happen again, I have to reset 2FA on 30+ sites
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
whats stopping you from flashing your nandroid backup back to regain access? Isn't the whole beauty of nandroid backups the fact that they're more like system snapshots?
We currently are running into the same problem (although different phone, different situation but same effective result. We already came from a custom rom but forgot to get the transfer QRs from the Auth app.)
Okay so let me update you on my findings. If you have a back-up of Authenticators data (made before the update Google pushed out earlier this month*) you could fish out the database file (called database, without any file extention, stored in the folder database (full path to the file in a TWRP backup would be /data/data/com.google.android.apps.authenticator2/database/database)) and just read out the table accounts using any sqlite3 tool. This table has a column called secrets which contains the keys. There even is a free (linux/cygwin) set of scripts that can generate QRs for you if you do not feel like punching in the keys manually.
Theoretically placing the database file into the database folder of the app (overwriting the empty one) or using something like Titanium Backup should work too if you have not updated the app on your old device/installation yet.
*With the last update Google started encrypting the secrets before writing them to the database and nobody has been able to find the key which they used for that (yet)
screen said:
whats stopping you from flashing your nandroid backup back to regain access? Isn't the whole beauty of nandroid backups the fact that they're more like system snapshots?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm now on Android 12, and since TWRP doesn't support the new encryption, I can't just take a NANDroid backup of the current one and flash the old one in (without losing much of the current one, which I don't want). Unless there's something new around this, that won't be too much of a help.
I can think of restoring the NANDroid backup to an Android emulator, but it doesn't seem to be possible:
https://www.reddit.com/r/Android/comments/k7v4c/_/c2i5l9g
(unless it has changed in the last 11 years).
screen said:
Okay so let me update you on my findings. If you have a back-up of Authenticators data (made before the update Google pushed out earlier this month*) you could fish out the database file (called database, without any file extention, stored in the folder database (full path to the file in a TWRP backup would be /data/data/com.google.android.apps.authenticator2/database/database)) and just read out the table accounts using any sqlite3 tool. This table has a column called secrets which contains the keys. There even is a free (linux/cygwin) set of scripts that can generate QRs for you if you do not feel like punching in the keys manually.
Theoretically placing the database file into the database folder of the app (overwriting the empty one) or using something like Titanium Backup should work too if you have not updated the app on your old device/installation yet.
*With the last update Google started encrypting the secrets before writing them to the database and nobody has been able to find the key which they used for that (yet)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, I already checked that file, it's encrypted in there, I was using the latest versions of the apps when I made the backup, didn't think that won't be enough. The weird thing is that restoring it won't restore the data. So it must use some device related key or it just detects that it's a different device... Annoying, backing it up doesn't actually do any good...
Do you have any other idea? Thank you!
antivirtel said:
I'm now on Android 12, and since TWRP doesn't support the new encryption, I can't just take a NANDroid backup of the current one and flash the old one in (without losing much of the current one, which I don't want). Unless there's something new around this, that won't be too much of a help.
I can think of restoring the NANDroid backup to an Android emulator, but it doesn't seem to be possible:
https://www.reddit.com/r/Android/comments/k7v4c/_/c2i5l9g
(unless it has changed in the last 11 years).
Yeah, I already checked that file, it's encrypted in there, I was using the latest versions of the apps when I made the backup, didn't think that won't be enough. The weird thing is that restoring it won't restore the data. So it must use some device related key or it just detects that it's a different device... Annoying, backing it up doesn't actually do any good...
Do you have any other idea? Thank you!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Well, if Authenticator doesn't pick up on databases from other installations that would sugest that Authenticator has a way to link a database to an Authenticator installation. Meaning, the only way you could possibly have a chance to retrieve the data is to restore your nandroid backup (and use the Authenticator in there to make your transfer QR codes), count your losses as far as your current installation goes and reinstall a 12 rom from scratch. (Or find a way to get the key used to encrypt the secrets, if you have the key you just decrypt them and punch them in manually (or use the earlier scripts for QR code gen))
screen said:
Well, if Authenticator doesn't pick up on databases from other installations that would sugest that Authenticator has a way to link a database to an Authenticator installation. Meaning, the only way you could possibly have a chance to retrieve the data is to restore your nandroid backup (and use the Authenticator in there to make your transfer QR codes), count your losses as far as your current installation goes and reinstall a 12 rom from scratch. (Or find a way to get the key used to encrypt the secrets, if you have the key you just decrypt them and punch them in manually (or use the earlier scripts for QR code gen))
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It's sad that nobody seems to have the keys to decrypt the secrets.
Wish I had a nandroid backup or just an earlier backup of the app's data before they started to encrypt their db.
I'm losing many accounts here.
shokolatha said:
It's sad that nobody seems to have the keys to decrypt the secrets.
Wish I had a nandroid backup or just an earlier backup of the app's data before they started to encrypt their db.
I'm losing many accounts here.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To prevent exactly this from happening (again) I've switched to Authy like @antivirtel suggested earlier. Authy saves your secrets to your authy-account, and a big plus they actually have a desktop program too so I don't have to use my phone per se (I often just leave it home not needing my phone _untill_ I need 2FA somewhere lol). I'm sorry for your losses but at least take this as a learning oppertunity and switch to an 2FA/MFA application that does cloud
Exporting a QR code from google authenticator then taking a screenshot\pic of it and saving that for future phones has served me well so far..
I think if I read correctly, TWRP just released their new version with Android 12 decryption support, so I can go and extract it now from my nandroid backup. https://twrp.me/site/update/2022/10/10/3.7.0-released.html - did someone test this?
BTW, I also saved the 2FA codes to KeePassXC/DX, works brilliantly there too, has nice integration both on desktop and Android.
Hi,
I've finally found a way to save my current ROM and go back to my old backup of stock A11 (restore a NANDroid backup), and try to access G Auth, but it was empty straight away. Tried a restore with Neo Backup, no change. Unfortunately it seems like it's all gone. At least I have the DB file, it has a list of accounts, so I at least know where I had MFA...
Unless someone else has a clue how to restore it, someone?
Given it's finally getting cloud sync feature, Google should release a way to restore it. Google please do!
Thanks!

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