Android backup apps - Titanium vs Helium? - General Questions and Answers

So, these two seem to be the two most well known backup apps, and I just wanted people's opinions on them. Especially since I will likely purchase the pro/full version of the one I decide to go with.
Is any particular one better if you don't have root?
What about if you do have root?
Any difference in the amount of content they can back up?
Is there anything any of them still can't backup if you have root? I am particularly interested in app settings/data (not the apks themselves, but the actual data the apps write). I assume backing up contacts, sms, and photos/videos are a given and I wouldn't even need to ask this.
Does any particular one have better features in term of storing your backup on the cloud/google drive?
What about if you need to restore the backup to a different phone?
Any other suggestions or comments about these two? Or even other backup apps?

Cyber Akuma said:
So, these two seem to be the two most well known backup apps, and I just wanted people's opinions on them. Especially since I will likely purchase the pro/full version of the one I decide to go with.
I've never used Helium, soon can't really say much about it, other than the fact that it doesn't require root. My experience is with Titanium (TBu) only.
> Is any particular one better if you don't have root?
Helium is the only choice of the two in this case.
> Any difference in the amount of content they can back up?
Cannot speak to that, for the reason mentioned above.
> I am particularly interested in app settings/data (not the apks themselves, but the actual data the apps write).
TBu does this.
> I assume backing up contacts, sms, and photos/videos are a given and I wouldn't even need to ask this.
I would presume so.
> Does any particular one have better features in term of storing your backup on the cloud/google drive?
TBu will do this no problem.
> What about if you need to restore the backup to a different phone?
When app data is to be restored, it depends on how similar the two phones are, in terms of the ROM / firmware (fw) running on them. If the same fw is run on both, then your chances are pretty good that you could restore a backup from the other phone. But the scenario changes when the two phones are running different Roms. The same thing applies when you try to restore a backup to a device after moving to a different ROM on that device, especially if the newer fw is not just an updated version of the fw of the backed up device.
> Any other suggestions or comments about these two? Or even other backup apps?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
ES file manager is also capable of creating a back up of an app (no data).
Sent from my LG-H810 using Tapatalk

Related

What are the benefit of titanium backup

Hello to all, i am new android user and i have a good time with my device. I have one very very silly question.
What are the benefit of titanium backup?
Im very confuse to use it. It only has backup and restore function.
Some of my question in regarding to TB are....
1. Do this also backup whole gameloft games means apk info + sd data?
2. Why all write, must app for root phone?
3. Major advantages?
Please tell me ur experience
Sent from my GT-I9003 using XDA App
One major advantage is to have your files backed up as if you wanted to change from rom to another without bricking or losing everything on your phone
It's an easier way of restoring apps and/or data if you change ROMs or the like. I've not had as much success with it as I would like. Since ROMs are often very different, restoring does not always play well with others. Give it a whirl, you may like what you find.
If i backup any gameloft game then it just make small backup file where game is very large in size. So how to backup gameloft gzmes?
Sent from my GT-I9003
it also has the capability of freezing or uninstalling bloatware apps. not to mention that it backs up contacts, and text messages. it allows you to backup your entire system settings and apps and all the info for all the apps.
It is a verryyy useful app. especially if you are switching roms like the guy above said ^^
manrock111 said:
If i backup any gameloft game then it just make small backup file where game is very large in size. So how to backup gameloft gzmes?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
and as far as I know it backs up any and all apps. So I imagine it will backup "Gameloft Games" apps as well. It doesnt pick and choose which apps to backup and which ones not to backup(although you should do that manually) it automatically will backup all apps and data if you tell it to.
if you use MiUi rooms it`s prefer use MiUi backup it`s much better titanium back up <free mode> is abit complaining not marking back up and...
As far as I know it only backs up the apk and your settings/save data. For the bigger files which you download after such as a gameloft game you will probably have to redownload the file.

[Q] Android: Backups of various different things.

I have recently purchased a Samsung Galaxy S2. I have the phone set up the way i like it but i wish to try different OS versions which will require rooting and wiping my phone so a few questions regarding backups:
1) Currently i have my gmail contacts and facebook contacts "linked" together. I believe this is only stored locally on my phone. Is there a way i can save all this contact info so when i log back in to my profile in the future it will all be seamlessly placed as it was.
2) Currently i have a whole batch of homescreens with icons and widgets and my applications screen with every app in a "folder" can i back these up exactly as they are?
3) Within various different applications there are different options or save games and various things like that, are these easily accessible and able to be backed up
4) Finally can i just do an "image" of my phone and if i wipe it and mess about then simply restore that image back to exactly how it was?
Cheers for any help
boxrick,
Can't answer specifically for the Galaxy S2 as I don't have it, and because Android is "pimped" in various ways by different device makers some of the homescreens/layouts are custom implemented, and best backed up by the methods appropriate for--or offered by--that device.
Having said that, if you are using Google market, a lot of stuff (like the apps obviously) is automatically saved with them. Or the apps themselves can be backed up with any good file manager, like Astro, to an SD card or via USB.
I can't answer you about the Gmail & Facebook contacts being "linked together", but from experience most items are stored in the Google Contacts data-fields and stored remotely in your Google account (and therefore restored from there straightaway)
I have multiple Android devices, and to tell you the truth I pretty much just copy everything "en-masse" to a hard drive. If you're rooted, it's fairly easy to pull down almost everything this way. You're just dealing with files and folders, just like on your regular computer (which is why I'm pretty much done with anything "black-box" like formerly iphone/ipad, btw )
If you're looking for a "set-it-and-forget-it" type app, I don't currently use any, but on my travels I've seen a few "names" tossed around with good reviews. You can research
MyBackup Pro
Sprite Backup
Those two are pretty well known full-blown-backup type apps. They're paid apps, but cheap.
I've heard of The Missing Sync which takes a different approach by syncing all your data to a Windows or Mac desktop for backup and also for re-distribution to other devices. Sort of like a "data-centralizer" type approach, which might be up your alley. I think the app runs about $40 though.
Finally, I do use the free LifeSaver 2 app for important SMS messages and call logs-- picked it up over at F-droid.org. It's for pretty specific data types, but it's this stuff that usually is the hardest to save (since I don't actually know where it is when I backup the entire root directory + subs & files).
Hope the above gives you some ideas. My general advice would be to research, read the boards, with special attention to the threads dedicated to the Galaxy S2, because the other users have gone before you
And btw, if you find something really cool (including if one of the apps above turn out to help you), make sure you come back and post your findings. I'm always on the lookout for a "gem" app that makes my life easier.
Good luck!
Apps: Titanium.
Data: MyBackup.
MyBackup does a much better job at saving your contacts than Google does. MyBackup restores them exactly as they were, Google often loses custom fields and messes up your contact names. Just look at the mess when you sync a contact called "Al's Pizza (open 'till midnight)" back from Google. It also gets the timestamps on SMSs right, which most competitors don't.
You could forget about Tit and backup your apps with MyB too, but then you miss out on all the different batch jobs that come with Tit.
There's one thing that all backup apps choke on: widgets. I always have to set 'em up again after a wipe/restore job.
Can't titanium backup both apps & data?
Titanium can backup user data, sort of.
Restoring user data with Tit is not as straightforward as with MyB. They should add a user data screen so you don't have to hunt for your data in a long list of apps.
One final question, if I was to change from Android Phone A to Android Phone B. Will these "apps" and backups be able to restored to a totally different phone?
rogier666 said:
There's one thing that all backup apps choke on: widgets. I always have to set 'em up again after a wipe/restore job.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
rogier, what widget app do you use? I use Elixir, and in it there's an option to export widget data. Search for the "edit widgets" button, click it and you'll be taken to a pane where all the widgets are replaceable. Below it, you'll see a "More" button--that's where the import/export widgets button is. After you export widgets settings (you have to type in a name for it), Elixir then saves that exact config. After flashing a ROM and restoring via Ti, you can then choose to add back your widgets via the "Import" button. Remember though: if you want to bring back a 5x5 widget, you have to choose "5x5" widget after long pressing on a blank space, otherwise the widget won't restore properly. With this, you can have as many widgets you want and not worry about the tedious process of reconstructing them after a restore.
do you have to use the paid for version of titanium?
boxrick said:
One final question, if I was to change from Android Phone A to Android Phone B. Will these "apps" and backups be able to restored to a totally different phone?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yes, you can with Google . Go to Settings --> Privacy --> Back up my data.
When you buy your new phone, select restore my data. At first you won't see any difference, but after a few hours your apps will be restored
Borat38 said:
rogier, what widget app do you use? I use Elixir...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Right now I've got Widgetsoid, DroidStats, Smooth Calendar, PlayerPro, DroidWall, Make Your Own Clock, and seNotes on my home screens.
Some widget apps have a backup option, some only come in one flavor (like DroidWall) so they don't really need a backup option. But others (like most notes widgets) don't have any backup option at all.
This is really annoying for the sticky notes widgets, because it's often impossible to remember what info you'd have to put back in them (which is why you wrote it in a note to begin with).
So I'd really like a one click option to back up and restore all my widgets.
thetinybus said:
do you have to use the paid for version of titanium?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, you don't. The free version backs up everything too. It just takes more clicks to restore your stuff.
The free version of MyBackup only restores to the same phone that it backed up, so if you want to use MyBackup to transfer your data to a new phone you'll need the paid version.
I have purchased MybackupPro. The problem is I am fairly confident it will not back up my linked contacts. Therefore I need to root my phone and use TI backup...
Id like to post here http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1125414&page=12 and find out about after unrooting, flashing back to the default kernel ( for warranty purposes ). Need 10 posts
Now it seems I am getting restrictions on the amount of times I am posting. This also doesn't help me much!

[Q] Switch to Skyrocket from GS2?

Now that people have had the device for a few days, I was hoping their to headstart could help potential switchers and as the SR doesn't have it's own forum yet so I'm asking here.
Newbie alert!!!!
I am wondering how easy it will be to move from the Gs2 to the skyrocket? Basically any recommended ways of moving my apps, texts, pictures, etc to the SdCARD and back from the SdCard to the new phone? Contacts are synced with Google Contacts so no problems there, my main concern is with paid apps, I'd rather not pay for them again.
Can I back up apps via TiBU and restore them on the Skyrocket? Or can I just reinstall them on the new phone?
End of Newbie question!!!!
Paid apps are in your google account as well, you will be able to reinstall all your paid apps through the market (without repaying) by just signing in to your same google account.
The only thing you need to backup is your pictures/music.
Here's what I did to migrate to my Skyrocket from my Captivate:
*Duh Alert* Have your original phone rooted and Titanium Pro installed.
Original Phone
1. Backup APK & Data with Titanium.
2. Locate where backup directory is on your phone. Mine was \sdcard\TitaniumBackup
3. Mount original phone and copy backup directory to your computer.
New Hotness
1. Root that bad boy. Search the site, its here.
2. Install Titanium Pro from market.
3. Back up 1 app, pick something silly. That will create the backup directory.
4. Mount the new hotness and copy your saved directory from your computer to the Skyrocket.
5. Restore apps. I did one at a time cuz I didn't want everything installed on the new phone.
95% of the apps and data restored properly.
Simplistic, yes....but it works. Go forth and multiply.
If you want the smoothest experience on your Skyrocket, do NOT use a backup tool to bring over apps, just reinstall them from the Market.
Copying apps and app date with a tool like Titanium does and WILL cause some issues.
crawlgsx said:
If you want the smoothest experience on your Skyrocket, do NOT use a backup tool to bring over apps, just reinstall them from the Market.
Copying apps and app date with a tool like Titanium does and WILL cause some issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
To partially agree with you I tried using MyBackUp Pro and almost everything failed. That's what I deserve for buying that one first back in the day. BUT....Titanium worked great. All of my paid apps were as good as gold.
Plus, if you want your saved data, wouldn't you have to use a backup tool?
gheck911 said:
To partially agree with you I tried using MyBackUp Pro and almost everything failed. That's what I deserve for buying that one first back in the day. BUT....Titanium worked great. All of my paid apps were as good as gold.
Plus, if you want your saved data, wouldn't you have to use a backup tool?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If your just trying to backup like game saves then sometimes. A lot of times that data can be backed up by just mounting your sdcard to your computer and copying the files. Some games do save the data in funny locations so you do need (easier) to use something like Titanium, but you are always better off starting from as scratch as possible to avoid issues later.
Moving an app to save you from entering your login info for example, is just a bad idea. Most apps have no real data to backup, simple 2 second settings etc....
crawlgsx said:
If you want the smoothest experience on your Skyrocket, do NOT use a backup tool to bring over apps, just reinstall them from the Market.
Copying apps and app date with a tool like Titanium does and WILL cause some issues.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
i have found that most issues with TiBu are do to you trying to restore System Information......i used tibu to restore my apps on the Skyrockert. i just picked APPS only with out system data.
worked fine i have not seen a hickup on any device or install after a flash of new Rom.
the2rrell said:
i have found that most issues with TiBu are do to you trying to restore System Information......i used tibu to restore my apps on the Skyrockert. i just picked APPS only with out system data.
worked fine i have not seen a hickup on any device or install after a flash of new Rom.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1
TiBu works great, usually, for restoring NON-System apps and their data.
Avoid restoring system apps/data.
Also, if you do happen to run into a problem with a particular restored app, all you need to do is uninstall/reinstall it and then use TiBu to restore the "data only" for that app.
This has always worked for me.
y?
Its basically the same phone, screen tiny bit bigger and it edges r round, and the. 3 faster CPU is not noticeable, and if u don't live in the handful of citys that have lte network what's the point by the time LTE gets fully activated skyrocket will be old phone something way better out, now if u didn't have the gs2 already if say hell ya but since u do wasted money IMO

Backing up my skyrocket?

Is there a software samsung might provide for the skyrocket? I'm looking for a decent backup utility because im moving from one phone to another. Any advice?
the search feature is your best friend. for migrating from one device to another, if they're the same phone model, a nandroid backup through cwm is easiest. if different phones, the general and widely accepted program to use is titanium backup
icenight89 said:
the search feature is your best friend. for migrating from one device to another, if they're the same phone model, a nandroid backup through cwm is easiest. if different phones, the general and widely accepted program to use is titanium backup
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I used the search tool, I should have phrased it more like "I am looking for a proprietary backup tool for samsung products"
no such thing, ur out of luck chuck
titanium backup
If you're wanting to backup apps the best thing to do is search the Market for apps2sd. That app will move your apps to the external SD card but WILL NOT move data. After backing up simply put the SD card in the new phone, go to settings: applications: and select "unknown sources". Ignore the warning and install the apps. If you're wanting to transfer data from one phone to another you're somewhat out of luck. Contacts and calendars are backed up with Google as well as apps (which can be seen via logging on to your gmail account) but personal data is not.
Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I727 using Tapatalk

[Q] Can i use helium to backup app data from one phone and restore on another phone?

Hi all
i know similar threads are always present but i havent gotten any definitive answer from them. i'm thinking of moving from nexus to One E8 because of the better camera, speaker, newer processor and little better battery. i have a lot of apps on my nexus and was wondering whether i can use helium app to backup the data from my phone to the new phone or it has a different folder structure or something. i dont want to lose all the progress i've made in different games and all my notes in different apps i've kept. will be obliged if anyone can help.
kunaltyagii said:
Hi all
i know similar threads are always present but i havent gotten any definitive answer from them. i'm thinking of moving from nexus to One E8 because of the better camera, speaker, newer processor and little better battery. i have a lot of apps on my nexus and was wondering whether i can use helium app to backup the data from my phone to the new phone or it has a different folder structure or something. i dont want to lose all the progress i've made in different games and all my notes in different apps i've kept. will be obliged if anyone can help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Theoretically, yes, it should work across any device.
If you have root access then Titanium Backup is better, just make sure not to restore system apps.
kunaltyagii said:
Hi all
i know similar threads are always present but i havent gotten any definitive answer from them. i'm thinking of moving from nexus to One E8 because of the better camera, speaker, newer processor and little better battery. i have a lot of apps on my nexus and was wondering whether i can use helium app to backup the data from my phone to the new phone or it has a different folder structure or something. i dont want to lose all the progress i've made in different games and all my notes in different apps i've kept. will be obliged if anyone can help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
isnt this the defining feature of Helium pro?
I would recommend you downloading games from play store and restoring their data after that, because neither TB nor Helium backup obb

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