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[Q] Recovering data after root?

I'm about to root my new NS and every guide I see reminds me that the internal storage ("SD card") will be wiped - I'm cool with that. But since I'm unrooted I can't use Titanium yet to back up my apps.
So my question is - once I root, what's the best way to get everything back without manually doing everything all over again?

fchipm said:
I'm about to root my new NS and every guide I see reminds me that the internal storage ("SD card") will be wiped - I'm cool with that. But since I'm unrooted I can't use Titanium yet to back up my apps.
So my question is - once I root, what's the best way to get everything back without manually doing everything all over again?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I see a lot of people say appbrain lets them easily reinstall all their apps after a wipe. Apps, but not app data.
Not sure how that works, i haven't tried it myself. edit: little google search revealed this on how to do it:
Without root, there's no way you're going to save your data that's on the internal storage space.

distortedloop said:
I see a lot of people say appbrain lets them easily reinstall all their apps after a wipe. Apps, but not app data.
Not sure how that works, i haven't tried it myself. edit: little google search revealed this on how to do it:
Without root, there's no way you're going to save your data that's on the internal storage space.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah I just read some more about it - apparently it's just not at all possible yet, or ever.
Oh well better get to rooting before I have TOO much to lose.

fchipm said:
Yeah I just read some more about it - apparently it's just not at all possible yet, or ever.
Oh well better get to rooting before I have TOO much to lose.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah, that's why I'm an early rooter on all my phones.
App developer's should be encouraged (or allowed by Google) to put their app data into someplace that the user can back up.
I wonder if the reason app data is put in a root-only read place of the device by default is part of the sand-boxing security.

Best backup before root
The only thing I really had to hunt for was to backup Angry Birds. Thankfully there's an app called Angry Cheaters that is both free and gives you save files for Angry Birds.
I just went through this process yesterday. Google actually saves most/all of your apps and will reinstall when you reenter you gmail address. It also restored my wifi passwords (in addition to obvious things like email/contacts). Just be careful if you have to wipe multiple times while exploring root that you let this process do its thing, it forgot a few apps that way. Thankfully appbrain had moved all of my previous apps to another list.
The only other thing I couldn't back up was some auto mileage data, so I just wrote that into notepad and called it a day.
Is there anything else you are specifically trying to get? I was really only focused on Angry Birds.

Hmmm here is a question/thought
If unlocking your bootloader whipes everything clean, would it be a possibility to run data harvesting apps on the device to get w.e data you lost back?
both on the "sd" and /data/data

I use an app called "rsync backup" ... it can generate a DSS key to install on your server of choice, and tell it to back up /mnt/sdcard/ ... the only thing it won't access on the USB Storage area is a folder called ".android_secure" ... but everything else copies just fine.
I routinely sync my phone with this app to my workstation at the office, and a system at home.

haha.. this is why i unlocked the bootloader/rooted my s right away, i didnt have any data to back up. makes it painless

simms22 said:
haha.. this is why i unlocked the bootloader/rooted my s right away, i didnt have any data to back up. makes it painless
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Kinda wish i did this, but oh well.
Still curious if my idea is even possible..anyone have any input?

Samsung Smart Switch

I have made a security backup of my Galaxy S20 5g via Samsung Smart Switch ...
The problem now is just that I can not get it restored ... I usw same cable and USB input verdict when I made the backup. But when I set it to recover it writes "Preparing to start etc ...."
The next thing that comes is that the recovery has been canceled ....
I do not use the computer in the meantime ...
What's going wrong ...? ???

SmartSwitch like former Samsung backup app Kies can fail you miserably.
ALWAYS backup critical data folder by folder separately.
It maybe a driver issue, check Windows Event Viewer for error messages. If upgrading to a new OS version or different device SmartSwitch may or may not work.
If the SmartSwitch data is corrupted though... you are boned.

Hi guys, about to setup a new S21U from a S20+. Wanna avoid any corrupt files being transferred to the S21 and draining battery life at all costs. Did you guys use smart switch?
Guess I should only transfer stuff from Samsung Cloud? (Notes, contact, etc)
What did you guys do?

SmartSwitch will likely puke on you especially if going between different devices and OS versions. It may work.
Never use SmartSwitch as the sole method for backup of critical data. It can fail you miserably.
For contacts I back them up as a file.
After getting boned by Snotes I use Color Notes now which also allows for a backup file.
Any app that allows backup files like Digi Clock, Poweramp, Package Disabler, I use their backup.
I backup all my apps with Apk Export, it makes installable copies, no user data of course. It means I don't need Playwhore to load.
I have a SD card which I use as a data drive including everything I need for a reload. I then backup the SD card redundantly 2X on hdds that are physically and electronically isolated from each other and the PC.
You can use a OTG flashstick but make sure to back it up and all the content is there and readable.
Always be ready for a reload, Androids very rarely crash and burn but it can happen. After a buggy launcher caused 2 back to back boot loops I streamlined my backup/reload methods

blackhawk said:
SmartSwitch will likely puke on you especially if going between different devices and OS versions. It may work.
Never use SmartSwitch as the sole method for backup of critical data. It can fail you miserably.
For contacts I back them up as a file.
After getting boned by Snotes I use Color Notes now which also allows for a backup file.
Any app that allows backup files like Digi Clock, Poweramp, Package Disabler, I use their backup.
I backup all my apps with Apk Export, it makes installable copies, no user data of course. It means I don't need Playwhore to load.
I have a SD card which I use as a data drive including everything I need for a reload. I then backup the SD card redundantly 2X on hdds that are physically and electronically isolated from each other and the PC.
You can use a OTG flashstick but make sure to back it up and all the content is there and readable.
Always be ready for a reload, Androids very rarely crash and burn but it can happen. After a buggy launcher caused 2 back to back boot loops I streamlined my backup/reload methods
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
thanks for this tip dude

musicvikingpro said:
thanks for this tip dude
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Click to collapse
I've gotten screwed by the older Samsung backup app, Kies.
I saw SmartSwitch do OK on my new Note 10+ running on Android 10 when I was trying to use to transfer just the homepage settings from my other N10+ which is running on 9. I inadvertently included apps as well, a no-no. It worked perfectly in this case. No anomalies.
If you're not familiar with the phone it may be hard to judge if SmartSwitch screwed up the load. You have no frame of reference*.
The new phone probably has some bugs anyway plus it's not optimized. For peace of mind a clean load without SmartSwitch may be worth the extra trouble.
*I'm very familiar with the N10+'s so any lagging or glitches be very obvious to me. Surprisingly the settings and optimization are almost identical for the two N10+'s, it was a snap.

Can you use Smart Switch to make a complete backup and restore of apps data and setting like Twrp ?

Markeee said:
Can you use Smart Switch to make a complete and restore lapps data and setting like Twrp ?
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Click to collapse
No. Some homepage settings are saved. Shortcuts are lost. Likely theme and icon packs as well. If an app allows an exportable backup copy to be made, use it.
I pick quality apps that allows this like Poweramp. Without that backup Poweramp be worthless. As long as the music database is intact, it scans it and automatically recreates the playlist links, equalizer settings, everything.
ColorNotes is another one I use because of it's backup. Digi Clock as well as Package Disabler too.

blackhawk said:
No. Some homepage settings are saved. Shortcuts are lost. Likely theme and icon packs as well. If an app allows an exportable backup copy to be made, use it.
I pick quality apps that allows this like Poweramp. Without that backup Poweramp be worthless. As long as the music database is intact, it scans it and automatically recreates the playlist links, equalizer settings, everything.
ColorNotes is another one I use because of it's backup. Digi Clock as well as Package Disabler too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Is there any app that will allow you to make a complete backup and restore apps data and setting like Twrp for the Fold 3 ?
I'm on a U1 unlocked Factory Fold3 running U1 firmware i want to try out flash some newly released carrier U firmware while I wait for the unlocked version which always gets released last then i want to be able to do a full restore if **** don't work out

Markeee said:
Is there any app that will allow you to make a complete backup and restore apps data and setting like Twrp for the Fold 3 ?
I'm on a U1 unlocked Factory Fold3 running U1 firmware i want to try out flash some newly released carrier U firmware while I wait for the unlocked version which always gets released last then i want to be able to do a full restore if **** don't work out
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Not that I'm aware of. I wish I could clone my Android OS drive like I do all my PCs.
Since stock Android 9 is so stable, once optimized I really don't do anything to upset the apple cart. My current load will be 2 yo in June.
Takes me a couple hours to fully recreate it. Probably about 4-6 total. I use the SD card as a data drive. Set up my new N10+ using SmartSwitch and the SD card from this N10+. Even though it's running on Q things went fast and smooth... I accidentally loaded many of the apps with the SmartSwitch copy. Got away with it. Normally I wouldn't do this when migrating between different OS versions.
You can use a OTG flashstick as your data drive temporarily to setup your load. Just make sure the data is als backed up to at least 2 hdds... as things can happen with flash memory. Flashsticks are dirty backups, fine if they work but be ready if they fail.
Android 9 and above are fairly secure. If the OS is fulfilling its mission I let it be. Nothing tangible to be gained expect lost time and even lost usability/functionality. When run this way the Android OS is almost impossible to crash and very long lived with minimal maintenance. If you choose to experiment with the firmware unforeseen things will happen eventually, Murphy's law. I despise OTA updates the most.

Best way to backup

I usually use Google backup and Samsung backup and when switching to a new phone I backup and restore / smartswitch which works ok. A few days ago my phone did a hard reset I think because the incorrect pin was entered accidentally multiple times whilst the phone was in my bag (hard reset setting in this situation compulsory due to my security settings for my work email). Although most important things could be restored, things like my app settings, Email settings, Gboard, Nova etc all had old backups saved and so I have to spend a lot of time setting up each one again.
Is there a better way to have EVERYTHING backed up automatically so I can restore the phone to the exact way I left it if I lose my phone or have to hard reset without needing to spend so much time next time? I remember iPhone iOS was better years ago. Are there any other softwares available that do full back ups scheduled every week or daily?
Thanks

Not really unless you're rooted. A cloned copy be nice...
2 back to back boot loops and factory resets made me streamline my reloading process and the way I organize critical data and backups.
I use the SD card as a data drive then back it up redundantly to at least 2 hdds that are physically and electronically isolated from each other and the PC.
Only the apps, DCIM and download folder go on internal memory. The DCIM folder is backup to a folder on the data manually that doesn't have the name DCIM in it's folders names.
I use apps like Digi clock, Poweramp and ColorNote (for bookmarks) that allow backup import/export and store those on the data drive. I use ApkExport to make installable copies of all my apps for fast reloads without Playstore. I store notes for the theme and icon pack as well for quick lookout on the Galaxy store. I can do a full reload from the SD card. Takes about 4 hours total to reload.
Never rely on SmartSwitch to store critical files as it can fail miserably. It may cause other problems when switching devices and force another factory reset. I use it to save the homepage settings on the same device. It can also potentially import the initial cause for the reload.
Never encrypt data drives as you are the most likely one to be locked out. I never use screen lock for the same reason, double tap on/off.
If managed right stock Android's can be very stable. Current load on this N10+ will be 2 yo in June. Still fast and stable with minimal maintenance. This is one reason I rarely upgrade the firmware once I have a stable, optimized load. Android 9 and above are reasonably secure unless you do something stupid.

Thanks for the advice Blackhawk. It sounds a bit complicated for me! I was hoping for a paid simple option that would do most things I need.

Kash said:
Thanks for the advice Blackhawk. It sounds a bit complicated for me! I was hoping for a paid simple option that would do most things I need.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It takes some thought. After doing 2 back to back reloads the mistakes I made in backup organization where painfully clear to me. Reloads can be very frustrating and even damaging if you're not completely prepared. There's a lot that can go wrong that will at the best cost you time... better to send that time in backup preparation. Remember to make a copy of your current contacts.
Passwords need to be preserved one way or another, redundantly and available enough to access. Delete the Google and Samsung accounts before factory reset and do the hard reset from settings rather than the boot menu. Least FRP raises its ugly head... a lock out would be a pain.
The problem with all the easy ways like SmartSwitch is they can potentially cause the loss of some or all of your critical data. It shouldn't be your primary backup! A complete and organized data drive makes everything easier, it allows you to make best use of that resource. Haphazard organization is just beating yourself repeatedly... so preparing for a reload serves more than one purpose.
The Android OS can be extremely stable to the point where you may think it could never fail.
A crash is just one drop, one near lightning strike, rootkit, or bootloop away. It will eventually happen.
One other consideration with data drives is vetting. Keep the download folder on the internal memory not the data drive. Vet files before moving to the data drive. Malware that is downloaded must be detected before it is copy to the data drive and backups! Suspicious files can be scanned with online Virustotal, scanning with the free version of Malwarebytes may occasionally pick off a trojan preloader... that one missed. Any unknown files should be deleted without opening.
Open files, images before moving them to the data drive. Watch for changes in the folder or system and that what you opened is what it's suppose to be. It's best to time stagger backup hdds rather than do all at once, just in case something makes it in. That's one reason you isolate the hdds from each other and the PC.

Question New to Sammy Z flip3, question

Hey guys & gals I just received my brand new Galaxy Z flip 3, (still haven't opened sealed box yet, lol).
I was hoping someone could answer a Q concering Samsung Switch? I am coming from a Sammy note 10+, and my Q is, "does the Samsung switch app truly transfer all my content to my new phone, meaning absolutely everything?
I've used the app in the past and ran into issues where it only partially copied text messages, contacts, and files saved to my internal storage.
I guess my Q is a 2 parter, lol, if not Samsung switch is there a better, safer, more complete app that will do this? If it means using a PC program thats fine too. Any help would be greatly appreciated, and thank you all in advance!

I hoped you backed up all your critical data...
Use Contacts to make a export/import file copy of your contacts. Any app like Poweramp that allows for backup files do so. Docs, pictures, etc copy/paste from your backup source.
SmartSwitch isn't that smart; it may or may not work. Best to load the new Fold from scratch.
If you get a bad build using SmartSwitch you'll need to do a factory reset.
The odds of it not screwing up aren't that good. Something simple like contacts it can likely do ok. Apps, homepage settings probably won't end well going from the N10+ to a Fold.
Never trust SmartSwitch to backup critical data as it can fail you miserably.

Thanks for the reply very much appreciated. What process/app do you use? I was thinking of just using one of the full backup/transfer apps for pc, and just do it that way since it seems to truly back up everything, any thought recommendation?
I noticed you did mention loading the Galaxy ZF 3 from scratch, so do you recommend that versus's a total back up & transfer, bc I was thinking a lot of my setting home screens, etc. arent always going to play nice, and will just cause slowed performance, crashes, etc. any thoughts?
Thank you again for the reply I really do appreciate it, I just want to do things the right/less pain in the ass way.

I have 2 N10+'s. The oldest, running on Pie, was hand loaded and that load will be 2 yo in June, still fast and stable.
The newest is running on Android 10. I used SmartSwitch but screwed up making the SmartSwitch copy. I had intended to only copy homepage settings but inadvertently included apps. It seemed to work but it has a lag now that I need to troubleshoot. It may well be from using SmartSwitch and force me to do a factory reset I'll play with it more as it may be something simple. It's the backup for this phone, no rush.
Unfortunately with stock Samsung's SmartSwitch is their one trick pony. Unless rooted there are no cloning options. One of the major shortcomings of stock Androids. All my PC OS loads are cloned. The good news is the Android OS load can be extremely long lived with minimal maintenance if you don't update the firmware.
A clean load is important as poorly written apps can change hidden user settings and sometimes a factory reset is needed to clear them. You are what you install... I use ApkExport to save installable copies of all my apps which are known good. No Playstore needed, it makes a reload faster and more precise, no surprises.
Everything I need to do a full reload is on the SD card which in turn is backed up redundantly to hdds.
You can use a OTA flashstick to do this but also make at least 2 hdd copies of it that are physically and electronically isolated from each other and the PC. Verify data size, number of folders and that the copies are readable.
Never use encryption on backup data drives.
Never clone music or other databases that can be damaged by compression... those silly null marks matter. This is another possible way SmartSwitch may damage critical data, compression.

Very interesting, and a lot of great information I did not know, so thank you for educating me on your diffrent techniques, Sammy switch, and everything else, my phone will thank you!

Samsung Kies, SmartSwitch's predecessor was worse
ColorNote is another favorite; it allows direct hyperlinks to the browser. I use it for bookmarks and more. It allows for daily cloud, SD card backup.
This is ApkExport, it's on Playstore too.
It works with Android 9 and 10 but not sure about 11 and up. A near perfect freeware apk.

Smart Switch has changed a lot in 3 years. I wouldn't write it off before giving it a try, especially in combination with Google's own backup and restore or other solutions. The important thing is to read the options before clicking next. Exclude system apps and you eliminate the risk of corrupted settings. You are not obligated to enable every single option, but even if Smart Switch only works to copy text messages and bookmarks, Samsung is going to have much better access to those items than any third-party app.
The copy does not remove the data from the original phone, so the only harm in trying is time. You can always do a factory reset and try another way if it doesn't work out. Compared to exporting all of your apps and manually inputting the settings back into every one from the start, it seems worth even an hour to see if you can save two.
I copied from a Note 20 Ultra, so the configuration was a little closer. Obviously, a Note 10 is not going to be a near match in terms of the stock setup. Using the two methods together left me with going through system settings and a handful of apps that I had to manually set up again (mostly logins and things that really shouldn't transfer).

I have used smart switch to set up my z flip from my OnePlus 7t pro McLaren 5G and I used it to transfer my original phones contents to my warranty replacement z flip 3 and I have had no issues

luigi90210 said:
I have used smart switch to set up my z flip from my OnePlus 7t pro McLaren 5G and I used it to transfer my original phones contents to my warranty replacement z flip 3 and I have had no issues
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sometimes it works, but you better be prepared if it doesn't. It's not suitable for critical data backup. Neither was Kies

twistedumbrella said:
Smart Switch has changed a lot in 3 years. I wouldn't write it off before giving it a try, especially in combination with Google's own backup and restore or other solutions. The important thing is to read the options before clicking next. Exclude system apps and you eliminate the risk of corrupted settings. You are not obligated to enable every single option, but even if Smart Switch only works to copy text messages and bookmarks, Samsung is going to have much better access to those items than any third-party app.
The copy does not remove the data from the original phone, so the only harm in trying is time. You can always do a factory reset and try another way if it doesn't work out. Compared to exporting all of your apps and manually inputting the settings back into every one from the start, it seems worth even an hour to see if you can save two.
I copied from a Note 20 Ultra, so the configuration was a little closer. Obviously, a Note 10 is not going to be a near match in terms of the stock setup. Using the two methods together left me with going through system settings and a handful of apps that I had to manually set up again (mostly logins and things that really shouldn't transfer).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You had said, "using the two methods together left mewith going....", which two methods are you referring to? Thanks!

paranoid365 said:
You had said, "using the two methods together left mewith going....", which two methods are you referring to? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The way that I read it it's Smart Switch and Google backup combo

paranoid365 said:
You had said, "using the two methods together left mewith going....", which two methods are you referring to? Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Just like @beanbean50 said. I did the two that prompt during setup. I let Smart Switch do stuff like messages and browser (excluding desktop and system), but had Google do my apps. Photos and files I copied manually. I use Smart Launcher 6, so that has its own backup and restore.

blackhawk said:
Sometimes it works, but you better be prepared if it doesn't. It's not suitable for critical data backup. Neither was Kies
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Click to collapse
At no point did anyone say it's critical data that needed to be transferred
OP stated themselves it's basic things that OP wants that many other backup systems take care of(literally 3 of them exist on Samsung phones out of the box) unless you're a dingus and turn all that off
Google backup and Samsung backup both backup contacts, photos, videos, texts, apps, ect and having both of these systems on an older Samsung would mean that even if smart switch missed something like a few text messages, google or Samsung backup would fill in what's missing and to have both of these systems not functional would mean you disabled that on purpose
If your data is that critical and important you are already either practicing good backup practices or your company makes you auto back up to their servers. You wouldn't be using Samsung smart switch and while I understand to some people pictures of "your grandma"(not you specifically) are important and valuable, it's by no means the definition of critical data

luigi90210 said:
At no point did anyone say it's critical data that needed to be transferred
OP stated themselves it's basic things that OP wants that many other backup systems take care of(literally 3 of them exist on Samsung phones out of the box) unless you're a dingus and turn all that off
Google backup and Samsung backup both backup contacts, photos, videos, texts, apps, ect and having both of these systems on an older Samsung would mean that even if smart switch missed something like a few text messages, google or Samsung backup would fill in what's missing and to have both of these systems not functional would mean you disabled that on purpose
If your data is that critical and important you are already either practicing good backup practices or your company makes you auto back up to their servers. You wouldn't be using Samsung smart switch and while I understand to some people pictures of "your grandma"(not you specifically) are important and valuable, it's by no means the definition of critical data
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Click to collapse
That fact that SmartSwitch can corrupt a otherwise clean load is also always a risk. Do it right the first time... you know the definition of insanity, right?

blackhawk said:
That fact that SmartSwitch can corrupt a otherwise clean load is also always a risk. Do it right the first time... you know the definition of insanity, right?
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Click to collapse
Never had that happen to me or any of the thousands of customers I have processed line upgrades for, have you considered you did something wrong or maybe your data was corrupted from the other device or maybe you tried doing everything wirelessly instead of hardwired, all of these things are factors that can cause what you're describing and then some, just the act of disconnecting the phone while data is transferring can risk data corruption
Also if you're not a dingus and you didn't turn off all the other backup systems on your Samsung, you're supposed to use Google restore to restore accounts, texts and apps and you use smart switch to move photos, videos, and other personal files over
Guaranteed to never corrupt your install but considering how many people I have just used smart switch to move their accounts and data over from one phone to another and it's never given me an issue personally or professionally, I think smart switch is gonna be fine for OP and 99% of people out there in the world

luigi90210 said:
Never had that happen to me or any of the thousands of customers I have processed line upgrades for, have you considered you did something wrong or maybe your data was corrupted from the other device or maybe you tried doing everything wirelessly instead of hardwired, all of these things are factors that can cause what you're describing and then some, just the act of disconnecting the phone while data is transferring can risk data corruption
Also if you're not a dingus and you didn't turn off all the other backup systems on your Samsung, you're supposed to use Google restore to restore accounts, texts and apps and you use smart switch to move photos, videos, and other personal files over
Guaranteed to never corrupt your install but considering how many people I have just used smart switch to move their accounts and data over from one phone to another and it's never given me an issue personally or professionally, I think smart switch is gonna be fine for OP and 99% of people out there in the world
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Click to collapse
You're entitled to your opinion. Let's see the white papers to back up that bold statement. I'm all ears.
An easy option for the lazy. It guarantees nothing...
It's not a cloned copy so there's a lot that can go wrong as it tries to merge the data.
Samsung and Google backups?
When they fail, then what? Both Samsung and Google have had hacks and lost client accounts forever. Hell Samsung can't even secure their own critical data
Meanwhile they waste power and resources, constantly in the background

How do I downgrade my Samsung Galaxy S22 to an S9?

Hi,
I had a Samsung Galaxy S9, which I upgraded to an S22 about a month ago (don't ask how I went that long without upgrading ... it was the pandemic, there was so much inertia about so many things ).
I am returning the S22. The S22's weak vibrate is a dealbreaker for me. Instead of immediately upgrading again to an existing flagship phone, I am going back to the S9 and waiting the one month for the Pixel 7.
How do I downgrade to the S9? Do I just run Smart Switch with the roles reversed? Do I wipe the S9 first? Can I preserve the data and settings I have in my apps on the S9, which are probably more representative of my preferences than the ones on the S22? What happens if there are apps on the S22 that won't run on the S9? Is there a way to find out in a batch action, rather than having to check each of my 100+ apps by themselves?
I'm on T-Mobile, fwiw.
Thanks!

Hand load it. Otherwise you'll likely have trouble maybe even end up having to reload again.
SmartSwitch isn't that smart...

blackhawk said:
Hand load it. Otherwise you'll likely have trouble maybe even end up having to reload again.
SmartSwitch isn't that smart...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What do you mean by hand load it?

jelpern said:
What do you mean by hand load it?
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Click to collapse
App by app, file by file, setting by setting from scratch.
Otherwise you don't know what's being done. If it screws up hidden user files you'll be doing a factory reset, again.
Go for a clean load...

blackhawk said:
App by app, file by file, setting by setting from scratch.
Otherwise you don't know what's being done. If it screws up hidden user files you'll be doing a factory reset, again.
Go for a clean load...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I hear you, and yet for this purpose, I don't think I have the time or cause to go through this process. I hand-loaded when I upgraded to the S22, and I'll probably do it again when I go from the S9 to the Pixel 7, but it's a lot of work, especially for a phone I'm only going to be using for about a month (I also have to return this by tomorrow to get the full refund from T-Mobile. I was hoping to get more guidance from this forum. Sigh.).

jelpern said:
I hear you, and yet for this purpose, I don't think I have the time or cause to go through this process. I hand-loaded when I upgraded to the S22, and I'll probably do it again when I go from the S9 to the Pixel 7, but it's a lot of work, especially for a phone I'm only going to be using for about a month (I also have to return this by tomorrow to get the full refund from T-Mobile. I was hoping to get more guidance from this forum. Sigh.).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can try but you are what you load. That's a huge jump in firmware versions and device hardware.
You don't have anything to lose by trying but make sure your critical data is redundantly backed up and that backup is not SmartSwitch!!!

blackhawk said:
You can try but you are what you load. That's a huge jump in firmware versions and device hardware.
You don't have anything to lose by trying but make sure your critical data is redundantly backed up and that backup is not SmartSwitch!!!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Good points all, but I think that was a bigger deal before storing data in the cloud became standard, or perhaps for people who haven't structured their services to all be backed up to the cloud or SaaS apps (aka a product layer on top of storage in the cloud).
Can you think of any critical data exists today that isn't backed up in its respective app or to a cloud storage service (if somehow an important file ends up on my phone, e.g. through a direct download from the web, I immediately upload it to my Google Drive)?

jelpern said:
Good points all, but I think that was a bigger deal before storing data in the cloud became standard, or perhaps for people who haven't structured their services to all be backed up to the cloud or SaaS apps (aka a product layer on top of storage in the cloud).
Can you think of any critical data exists today that isn't backed up in its respective app or to a cloud storage service (if somehow an important file ends up on my phone, e.g. through a direct download from the web, I immediately upload it to my Google Drive)?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And if you lose access to the account? It's rare but accounts do get hacked and recovery isn't always possible. Try transferring 400+gb of cloud data. I use multiple unencrypted hdds and flashsticks but primary backup is hdd. No cloud at all except for Gmail for isolation and security.
Cloud is a waste of bandwidth, battery and my time. I can do a full reload/restore with no internet connection.
All my PCs are dual drive including my phones; OS drive/data drive. I literally have around 1.7tb of data not including the duplicates.
I might consider cloud as a secondary backup system but not primary.