Hey guys,
I want to update to Android 12 on my S21 Ultra. But since I'm not rooted, I can't use my lovely TitaniumBackup from back in the time.
Last time I made a backup, some people said not to use SmartSwitch because it's causing problems on the newer OS and may slow down recovered apps.
I also want to know if SmartSwitch saves all the app data such as settings inside of apps etc.
Are there any better options on backing up app data without root?
Greez,
skrippi
skrippi said:
Hey guys,
I want to update to Android 12 on my S21 Ultra. But since I'm not rooted, I can't use my lovely TitaniumBackup from back in the time.
Last time I made a backup, some people said not to use SmartSwitch because it's causing problems on the newer OS and may slow down recovered apps.
I also want to know if SmartSwitch saves all the app data such as settings inside of apps etc.
Are there any better options on backing up app data without root?
Greez,
skrippi
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There are ways to backup app data for user apps without root but not ways to backup system data. Also, if you're switching from one device to another, backing up system app data would not be useful because restoring system app data from one device to another would probably cause issues. In this case, backing up only your user app data is what you need.
Here are two relatively simple methods.
1) You can connect the device to your PC, then use Windows file explorer to open the device's storage, find the Android/data folder, inside that folder you will find a folder in which each user app stores its data. Make a copy of all the folders that contain app data that you want to keep and dave them on your PC. Then connect the new device and use Windows file explorer to transfer those copied folders to the Android/data folder on the new device then reboot the device. This will transfer all data for each user app, including its internal app settings.
2) You can use the adb backup method, using the proper command to backup only user app data then use adb commands to transfer that data to the new device.
[GUIDE] Full Phone Backup without Unlock or Root
Like a lot of you, I have been putting off unlocking the bootloader on my Nexus because I didn't want to have to go through the hassle of backing up everything manually and restoring individual application data; logging back into apps; saving...
forum.xda-developers.com
You can likely safely use SmartSwitch to backup at least your homepage settings.
Apps it may or may not work when going between different devices or OS versions.
On my new N10+ running on 10 I inadvertently backed up the apps to be copied from my other N10+ running on 9. It worked, including the Goodlock physical navigation buttons migrated as well.
So if you're having issues after using SmartSwitch*, do another factory reset without it.
Otherwise it may work fine even with the apps going from 11 to 12.
I would go from the full tour...
Another Adroid mad scientist experiment
*always backup critical data redundantly to at least two hdds that are physically and electronically isolated from each other and the PC. SmartSwitch can fail miserably. Backup all critical data separately from SmartSwitch backup!!!
@skrippi
SmartSwitch is a tool provided by Samsung to transfer virtually all data you can think of from one Samsung phone to another Samsung phone via Wi-Fi.
Personally don't think it doesn't properly work: Samsung cannot afford such a disgrace.
xXx yYy said:
@skrippi
SmartSwitch is a tool provided by Samsung to transfer virtually all data you can think of from one Samsung phone to another Samsung phone via Wi-Fi.
Personally don't think it doesn't properly work: Samsung cannot afford such a disgrace.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Last time I used SmartSwitch it copied all my apps, but not the settings I made inside those apps which makes this program totally useless for me.
xXx yYy said:
@skrippi
SmartSwitch is a tool provided by Samsung to transfer virtually all data you can think of from one Samsung phone to another Samsung phone via Wi-Fi.
Personally don't think it doesn't properly work: Samsung cannot afford such a disgrace.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Lol, you never used Samsung Kies, it was much worse
skrippi said:
Last time I used SmartSwitch it copied all my apps, but not the settings I made inside those apps which makes this program totally useless for me.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Bare in mind the reason one is doing a factory reset is they lost control of the situation and can't troubleshoot the device effectively. It's meant to be a full nuke of user data.
Most app data isn't critical. Some of that data may be the root cause of the problem requiring the reset.
All critical data should already be backed up. Apps that don't support backup for their critical data shouldn't be used in the first place. Quality apps like PowerAmp, DIGI Clock and Color Note offer full offline backup support. Going through your other apps as you're setting them up refamilarizes you with them and allows you to correct setup mistakes made previously.
The goal of factory reset is to iron out the mistakes you made on previous loads.
This N10+ running on Pie has been factory reset 3 times (2 of those where boot loops). The last load was finally a clean one, after 22 months it remains fast, stable and fulfilling its mission with minimal maintenance. Any occasional problems since the reload were solved without a reset.
Stock Androids can be very stable and secure if you are careful what you load, and do regular maintenance as needed. I use Device Care, SD Maid, Karma Firewall, Package Disabler to do maintenance along with clearing the system cache. I never update the firmware and rarely update apps. I also keep installable copies of all apps and app updates (multiple versions) for repairs and reloading. I can do a full reload from my SD card with no internet access with no critical data loss. Intial setup with a full app load up takes about an hour.
If you put some thought into it a stock Android can be one of the best PCs on the planet. If you do a factory reset, be prepared and think it out beforehand.
Always redundantly backup critical data to at least two hdds that are physically and electronically isolated from each other and the PC. Verify the data is readable and all there. Never encrypt or clone data drives*!!!
Go for the clean load you missed on previous loads... that's the goal of a factory reset.
*If you use SmartSwitch make sure all critical data is backed up independently of SmartSwitch; folder by folder cut/paste.
Related
I notice that if you want to backup an app and it's data, the apps that do this require root.
This has largely never been of concern to me as usually within a week of a new phone I've rooted and installed a custom ROM.
But now I need Good for Enterprise on this phone so rooting is not an option. But this inability to now backup data is beginning to annoy. It seems to me as a lay person that this should be a basic feature especially if you want people to have a good experience when they upgrade their phone.
Does Google have a good reason for having designed the OS in this manner?
Sent from my ONEPLUS A3010 using Tapatalk
milomak said:
I notice that if you want to backup an app and it's data, the apps that do this require root.
This has largely never been of concern to me as usually within a week of a new phone I've rooted and installed a custom ROM.
But now I need Good for Enterprise on this phone so rooting is not an option. But this inability to now backup data is beginning to annoy. It seems to me as a lay person that this should be a basic feature especially if you want people to have a good experience when they upgrade their phone.
Does Google have a good reason for having designed the OS in this manner?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Its mainly for security purposes. If apps were able to read the data of other apps just like that (without acquiring root access from the user) then it'd be quite easy for a malicious app you installed on accident to read the data from that banking app you have installed. And you wouldn't even know until its way too late.
I suppose one could argue that Google could implement it in such a way the backup apps would need to seek permission from the user before reading the data from other apps, but seeing that most users barely pay attention to what it is that they're granting permission to....its probably better to leave it out altogether.
On a final note though, maybe Google would rather have you store your precious & valuable data on their servers instead. As they do offer backup options for your contacts, calendar, passwords, and even certain app's data.
So how does iOS get around this or does the vulnerability you talk about exist?
Sent from my ONEPLUS A3010 using Tapatalk
milomak said:
So how does iOS get around this or does the vulnerability you talk about exist?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I've not used iOS in a while so I really don't know. I sincerely doubt iOS has apps that can backup data though. Seeing that they're only just getting a file manager in iOS 11.
milomak said:
I notice that if you want to backup an app and it's data, the apps that do this require root.
This has largely never been of concern to me as usually within a week of a new phone I've rooted and installed a custom ROM.
But now I need Good for Enterprise on this phone so rooting is not an option. But this inability to now backup data is beginning to annoy. It seems to me as a lay person that this should be a basic feature especially if you want people to have a good experience when they upgrade their phone.
Does Google have a good reason for having designed the OS in this manner?
Sent from my ONEPLUS A3010 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Try the Helium app, it's worked for others but as always, your mileage may vary.
Also, the built-in Google backup feature in system settings should backup apps and data then after updating the device(s), during setup wizard, it should prompt asking if you want to restore apps, data and settings from the Google backup.
But....
If you leave the devices on stock firmware and un-rooted, then during stock updates you should only have to wipe the cache partition. Factory reset shouldn't be necessary if you're only updating stock, wiping only the cache partition during/after flashing/updating should be all that you need to do. This should update your device(s) system and leave all your settings and other data intact.
You can also try using a file manager such as ES File Explorer on android to create backups of the apps you installed (this will not work with system apps), in ES File Explorer, the backed up apps will be in sdcard/backups or storage/emulated/0/backups, or something similar. You can copy those apk backups to PC then look in internal for storage/emulated/0/Android/data folder, this folder contains folders for all of your installed apps that store app data, the names of the individual folders should correspond with the app it stores data for. You can copy these folders to PC.
To restore these apps and their data, copy the backed up apk files to your internal to the folder of your choice, then go to system settings>security>unknown sources and turn it on so you can install your apps from the apk files you backed up instead of from Google or PlayStore. Then using a file manager on android, go to the folder you copied the apk files to and click on them to install them from there, then copy the folders containing your app data to your storage/emulated/0/Android/data folder then reboot, you may have to boot to recovery and wipe the cache partition (do not factory reset, only wipe cache). This method may or may not work depending on the app being restored.
I'm not an iOS user but as far as I know, iOS is strictly dependant on Apple/iTunes, you just about can't do anything with iOS that doesn't involve iTunes, including backups probably.
Sent from my SM-S903VL using Tapatalk
This is the first time I have bought a phone without a known method for rooting. I have always used Titanium Backup to backup and restore apps+data whenever I bought a new phone but unfortunately without root, this won't work. Can some one suggest another method to transfer app data from my Oneplus 3T to Pixel 2? I tried Helium but it shows "Backup Disallowed" for several of my installed apps.
Did you try using the data transfer process that is part of the initial setup on the phone? It walks you through connecting a cable between your old phone and new one and then is supposed to transfer everything.
That said, people have had extremely inconsistent results with this. I've seen people say it transferred everything no problem. Others that it didn't work. For me in transferred a lot of phone settings, but not all, wifi passwords, but not contacts or calender data; and all it did with apps was redownload them from the store and not transfer the actual data and settings at all. I had to redo settings myself, manually copy data that was on the sdcard partition, and for any apps that had a feature to export their settings to a file and then reimport them on the other phone I did that by hand.
The other possible option that I'm aware of is to use the settings on your old phone that allows Google to backup your app data to the cloud and then sync it on the new phone. I did not do that, because I don't want Google to have all my personal information. But perhaps that works. I have the sense that the whole data transfer process works best when you just let Google invade your soul as deeply as possible, because that's what they are really after.
But those less than optimal options aside, I think that transferring app data without root is pretty much impossible, since most of it resides in the /data directory which is not accessible without root.
Yeah, this sucks. Personally this is the first and last time I will buy a device at the moment of release, before root is available.
Edit: Never mind, I see you already tried Helium
Android Debug Bridge is what you're looking for. In short: enable USB debugging, install ADB, connect to computer with USB.
You can backup an app with:
adb backup -f backupfileonyourcomputer.ab packagename
You can get the packagename from the address bar if you check the application page on Play Store in a browser.
Restoring an app:
adb restore backupfileonyourcomputer.ab
You could backup all apps at once, but then can only restore the whole bulk later. (Possible to extract apps, but it's tedious)
If you need more details just search for adb backup.
Cloud save is also working really well, as stated above, but some apps don't support it. I use adb to move those from one device to another. Finally some apps have backup disabled by the developers, well.... no luck if you have some of those.
I'm on stock ROM and is there any option extract app data without root? ADB doesn't work maybe app developer doesn't give permission because of sensitive data. You know, rooting process or to install custom recovery even without root cause wipes the phone data. So they'll not work for me. Is there any option to solve it that I don't know or overlook?
Unfortunately I believe it's not possible...
Hi, why not try a custom ROM ?
Better apps let you save their data. For ones like Poweramp it's a god sent.
If you're doing a hard reload it may be best not to save most app data though as it may have been the cause of the crash.
Use a separate data drive if phone supports a SD card. Always keep critical data at least 2x backed up ie to laptop or a hdd.
Use AkpExport to make copies of all user apps and system updates to use during reloads. That way there's no guesswork and no Playstore is needed. Makes reloads much faster too.
I can reload and be 99% done is about 2 hrs now.
Lol after 2 back to back forced reloads I streamline the process. Doing a reload now is easy. Reloads aren't needed often but they are eventually necessary.
Plan ahead as all it takes is one unstable app or very rarely a virus, trojan etc.
For PC clones I use only the base app load and configure the system/homescreen settings. All data is kept on a data hdd not the OS hhd. Apps like antivirus are never on the clone.
That way my clone copy is always relevant.
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
Click to expand...
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 ?
Click to expand...
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.
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.