Best way to backup - Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra Questions & Answers

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.

Related

backup before unlocking bootloader

Is there a way to back up everything before a wipe that restores well? The ones i've tried miss system settings and all app settings have to be reset. Titanium Backup was awesome but requires root., but something like that is what I'm after
tomplatz said:
Is there a way to back up everything before a wipe that restores well? The ones i've tried miss system settings and all app settings have to be reset. Titanium Backup was awesome but requires root., but something like that is what I'm after
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This is a biggest issue Google hasn't provided a solution for. You can't backup an android phone unless you root... [emoji1418]
Sent from my SM-N986U using Tapatalk
Any decent apps anyone has found? I know TB level backup not possible
System settings and all app settings backup is hard. Usually, Samsung Kies, mobile data manager software, etc just help us back up data like contacts, text messages, photos, videos, music, apps, etc. Of course, there is no need to root Samsung phone before using them.
tomplatz said:
Is there a way to back up everything before a wipe that restores well? The ones i've tried miss system settings and all app settings have to be reset. Titanium Backup was awesome but requires root., but something like that is what I'm after
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Keep in mind once you unlock bootloader then KNOX will be permantly disabled and apps like samsung pay, samsung pass, encryption and some more will no longer work after this and even if you re-lock bootloader the KNOX will still be unavailable since it's so called safety thing in chip has ben cut so it becomes permanently hardware disabled.
So think before doing it, if you plan to use samsung pay and pass and such later on then avoid unlocking the bootloader.
Also warranty will be voided too.
Skickat från min SM-N986B via Tapatalk
tomplatz said:
Is there a way to back up everything before a wipe that restores well? The ones i've tried miss system settings and all app settings have to be reset. Titanium Backup was awesome but requires root., but something like that is what I'm after
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The best you can do is use the SD card as your data drive. All mission critical data goes on it.
Therefore no PC or internet connection is needed for a full restore. No wasted time transferring data from the PC or cloud.
All critical data, photos, vids, music, documents, settings backups for apks that let you, contacts and copies of all loaded apks and updates.
I use ApkExport to make copies of all my apks and system updates so after a reload I don't need Playstore and know exactly what to load, fast.
Get at least a .5 tb card so all the data used by the phone can easily fit plus 100 gb headroom.
I pretty much hit the ground running and a reload is 99% complete in about 5 hours with no loss of critical data.
Not copying settings for some apps and especially system settings is a better plan as any bad settings don't get carbon copied. Manual set up also keeps you in aware of what does what. Plus you will find and learn new tricks like this.
I reload about every 6 months to take full advantage of the new optimizations I incorporated since the last reload. Invariably you play with trash apps trying to find the good ones and the poorly written ones can leave a mess behind. It's simply impossible to weed out all the trash and subtle misconfigurations that happen over time.
A reload takes out the trash.
Each reload should get you a couple steps closer to device perfection.
Once you have a fast, stable platform be very cautious of any firmware or OS updates as it only takes one to wreck everything. Many times an "upgrade" turns into an ugly downgrade.
Many app updates are useless or wreck the the app as well.
No reason to fix something that ain't broke... once optimized leave it be.
Find something else to play with.
Just install Samsung Smart switch on your phone. And back up to the SD CARD.
You'll still need to setup individual apps but you will keep system settings.
pcriz said:
Just install Samsung Smart switch on your phone. And back up to the SD CARD.
You'll still need to setup individual apps but you will keep system settings.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you.
I forgot about this app.
Last time I used it transfering from a S4 to the 10+ it was a terror. However it should do much better on the same model/OS.
16 gb took 10 minutes to backup to a fast card plus you can see and edit its saved files.
The icon layout will be lost if it saves the theme/icon pack I will wuv it to death...
It should save some time... if not I'll reset again:laugh:
The legendary Tom Platz. Now that's a blast from my past lol
Limeybastard said:
The legendary Tom Platz. Now that's a blast from my past lol
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I have big legs too. Seemed to fit.
tomplatz said:
I have big legs too. Seemed to fit.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'll take your word for it. No need for pics. ?

Struggling to find how to do a Full Backup including all Application Data to do a Recovery of deleted (accidental) files

Hi XDA members,
So I am a wiz at Apple software..... but
I have been provided with a Customers phone ( Google Pixel 3a) they have accidentally emptied the Trash Can instead of selecting the Restore option...All there photos have been deleted permanently.
I understand that the phone will need to be put into 'root' mode, but have read that rooting will wipe the phone which I do not want to happen.
My customer has got applications to do with taking regular Medication setup, and many more application that they do not want deleted with the data wiped.
Your urgent help on this matter would be kindly appreciated.....
Paul
P.s. I have installed ADB & Fastboot along with Bluestacks application but am stumped from here on in.
They are probably lost unless Google cloud gives you restore options.
Always redundantly back up critical data to at least 2 hdds that are physically and electronically isolated from each other and the PC.
It’s not my phone but a Customers well more of a friend but Customer still regardless..
I work tirelessly on Apple devices, but trying to do a big favour on this occasion with an Android.
The advanced software I use daily does not support Android devices.
In regards to Backup..I do back up everything of mine to a NAS drive…just my friends doesn’t/didn’t and their Google account doesn’t seem to show any photos of the deleted items from Trash at least..and they apparently hold precious moments that cannot be captured anymore.
My friend was trying to create a folder to put the images in, but instead deleted them then when they went to restore from the trash they ended up deleting them… no idea how they made this error with all the extra warnings that appear during the process, but that’s what they did and I’m not one to argue with a customer.
Could really do with someone being able to get my friend/customer out of this horrid situation
many thanks
Paul
At this point if the pictures are that important I would power down the phone and give it to a data recovery specialist. Any more mistakes may make recovery impossible if it is now.
Do not use online apps that claim to be able to do this!
If the jpegs that haven't been overwritten already can be recovered, it will be only the image. All file structure, exif data, time stamps, etc are lost in a sea of juxtaposed data. Only file types and file size can be searched for in the recovered data. This alone is a daunting task. The images have no time structure at all. Only memory can separate and index them back to order.
It's a rude shock... to the neat, organized data that once existed.
The magnitude of this is enormous. Even a flash card with a 120 images is a true pain to reconstruct and of limited value without the exif data. I need a stiff drink just thinking about it... always redundantly backup critical data. Never encrypt data drives.
Maybe your friend did back them up on Google at one point. Worth a shot, on a different phone/PC. Remember every second the victim phone is on is a second it can be overwriting data! Even after Backup Transport is disabled I've seen Google servers retain that data in spite of the warning to the contrary. If deleted on Google it's self... that's a question for Google.
I loathe cloud services and don't use them now.

Backup app data on non rooted devices?

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.

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
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.

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).
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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!
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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!
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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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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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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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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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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

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