The backup, also known as backup, are essential for protecting the information we store on our smartphones. The amount of personal, professional, and multimedia data we manage daily on our mobile devices means that accidental loss, theft, physical damage, or restoration can be a serious problem, difficult to resolve if we don't take precautions. Therefore, always have an updated copy It is not just a recommendation: it is a necessity.
Today, thanks to the integration of cloud services, advanced applications, and the options that manufacturers include as standard, making backups is simple, accessible, and customizable. Whether you want to change your phone, make a hard Reset, free up space or simply feel safe in the event of any unforeseen event, here you will find a Comprehensive guide on how to make a full backup on Android, including all available options, technical explanations, and recommendations to ensure you don't lose a single piece of data. You'll also discover specific options based on your needs, file types, or storage preferences: cloud, PC, Mac, third-party services, manufacturers, WhatsApp, contacts, and more.
Why is it important to back up your Android?
The diversity of data we store on an Android phone is enormous: Photos, videos, documents, apps, settings, contacts, messages And much more. Unexpected events happen: a system failure, loss, theft, or accidental damage can happen at any time. Plus, whenever we change devices, perform a factory reset, or experience limited storage, a backup ensures peace of mind.
By deciding to make a backup, we not only protect ourselves against eventualities, but we also gain in comfort and efficiency when migrating our information between devices or restoring configurations. A well-done backup can save us hours of reconfiguration and, above all, avoid the irreparable loss of important files.
Where and how are backups stored on Android?
Android backups can be stored in several locations depending on the method used:
- On the cloud: Mainly through Google Drive, Google One, Google Photos, and other services like Dropbox, OneDrive, MEGA, or Box. These services offer online storage, encryption, and access from multiple devices.
- On physical media: You can save your files to a computer (Windows, Mac, or Chromebook), USB flash drives, external hard drives, and even SD cards if your device supports it.
- In the manufacturer's cloud: Brands like Samsung, Xiaomi, Huawei, Sony, and others have their own systems that host backups on their servers associated with your account.
- In specialized applicationsSolutions like AirDroid, Titanium Backup (for root), SMS Backup & Restore, Super Backup & Restore and similar allow you to save specific and customizable data.
In the case of Google, the Your backup data is encrypted and synchronized with your Google Account, and for some data categories, encryption is also associated with your screen unlock PIN, pattern, or password. This provides an additional layer of security.
Step by Step: How to Make a Full Backup on Android
The most universal, simple, and secure method is to use Android's native Google backup feature. Below, you'll discover all the available options and detailed steps you can follow on most devices:
- Open the Settings app from your Android mobile.
- Look for the option Google o Accounts and backup. It may vary depending on the manufacturer: in some cases the section appears directly as System o Backup.
- Access the section Backup. Activate the option Back up to Google Drive o Google One.
- You can manually select the data to include (apps, call history, contacts, settings, SMS, etc.).
- press "Create a backup now".
- Let the process complete and make sure you're connected to Wi-Fi and have your device charged or plugged into a power outlet.
Once the backup is complete, your data is safely stored in Google Drive or Google One. When you set up a new phone, simply enter the same Google account, and the system will display the backups available for restoration. Select the most recent one and the automatic restoration will begin, including apps and settings.
Back up photos and videos: Google Photos and alternatives
Multimedia backups are the most relevant for most users. Google Photos is the most recommended app and usually comes pre-installed. It allows you to make automatic backups, as well as organize, search and share content from any device.
- Open Google Photos and sign in with your Google account.
- Sign in Settings > Backup & Sync and activate the function.
- Choose the storage mode: original quality (consumes Drive space) or quality savings (barely perceptible and unlimited compression).
- Select the folders on your device you want to include in the backup (for example, WhatsApp photos, Telegram, screenshots, etc.). Do this from the "Device Folders" menu.
Every time you take a photo, record a video, or receive an image in your synced folders, Google Photos will automatically upload it to the cloud. If you change your phone or perform a system reset, you'll just need to log back into the app with your account to get your gallery back.
Alternatives to Google Photos: Dropbox, OneDrive, MEGA, and Box, among others, offer cloud storage with Android apps and automatic uploads. MEGA is particularly notable for its 50 GB freeYou can choose the service you prefer and activate automatic backups from the corresponding app.
Backup documents and files
Not only photos or videos are important: PDF files, Word, Excel, APKs, books, PDFs and other documents They also require backup. You can back up your files in several ways:
- Google DriveCreate folders, select "Upload," and locate the files in your internal storage to sync them to the cloud. This also works for WhatsApp files or other apps. The free version offers 15 GB managed with Google One.
- Other cloud services: Dropbox, OneDrive, MEGA, Box or specific solutions like Autosync allow automatic folder synchronization or manual upload.
- Physical copy on computer: Connect your phone to your PC/Mac/Chromebook via USB, select “Transfer Files” and manually copy the folders (Downloads, Documents, WhatsApp Documents, etc.).
This option allows you to restore or copy all files back to your new smartphone in case of a restore or upgrade.
Contact Backup: How to Secure and Restore Them Easily
Losing your contact list This is one of the main fears when restoring or losing a phone. Android offers several ways to back up contacts:
- Google Contacts: Set your account to automatically sync your contacts to the cloud; this way, they'll be available in your account on any device. You can manually export a .vcf file from the Contacts app and import it wherever you need.
- Physical copy: Export the .vcf file and save it to your computer or SD card for later import.
When you first set up your restored or new Android, contacts are automatically restored if you sign in with the same Google account. You can also manage, add, or edit contacts from the Google Contacts website.
Backup SMS, calls and application data
SMS, call logs and some app settings They can be included in Google backups, but if you need more control or backup of specific data, there are specialized apps:
- SMS Backup & RestoreSave SMS and MMS messages, as well as call history, to your Google Drive, Dropbox, or internal storage. You can schedule automatic backups and restore messages whenever you need.
- Super Backup & Restore: Allows you to back up SMS, contacts, call logs, apps, calendars, and bookmarks. This is useful if you're looking for a centralized solution for multiple types of data.
These apps are especially useful if you change devices or want to keep separate copies of your messages and calls.
Backup WhatsApp chats and other messaging apps
WhatsApp and most messaging apps offer automatic cloud backup systems:
- WhatsApp: Go to Settings > Chats > Backup. Choose the frequency and Google account where the backup will be saved. You can include videos if you want, although they will take up more space and take longer to sync. To restore your history on a new device, log in with the same number and Google account, and WhatsApp will ask you if you want to restore the backup.
- Telegram: Store your chats natively in the cloud, so when you log in from any device, you'll have immediate access to your entire chat history.
- Other apps: Check the settings section of each app for available backup options.
Backup to your computer (Windows, Mac, and Chromebook)
If you prefer not to upload your data to the cloud or want a physical copy, you can back up your data to your PC, Mac, or Chromebook:
- Connect your smartphone to your computer using a USB cable.
- Pull down the notification bar on your phone and select the “Transfer files” option.
- From your computer's file explorer, access your phone's internal (or SD) memory and manually copy the folders of interest: DCIM / Camera (camera photos and videos), Pictures/Screenshot (screenshots), WhatsApp/WhatsApp Images y WhatsApp video (WhatsApp photos and videos), Download, Documents, etc.
- Paste the folders and files to the desired location on your computer or an external drive.
On Mac, install Android File Transfer to manage files, and on Chromebook you can use the Files app that opens automatically when you connect your phone.
Wireless backup options and advanced applications
There are apps that allow you to make wireless backups or manage the content on your device wirelessly. AirDroid It is one of the most popular and versatile:
It lets you transfer photos, music, videos, documents, and apps from your phone to your PC via Wi-Fi, as well as manage notifications, send messages, and access your phone's screen and camera from your computer. All you need to do is install the app on your Android, create a free account, access the AirDroid website in your browser, and log in.
Other options, like Nova Launcher, offer similar features (including backing up messages, music, and data printing), both via Wi-Fi and USB. These apps are ideal for those who want greater control over their backed-up data and prefer detailed management from their computer.
Backup with the manufacturer's backup services
Some manufacturers include their own backup services:
- Samsung Cloud: Allows you to store photos, contacts, messages, settings, apps, and more in the manufacturer's own cloud, all managed through your Samsung account.
- Xiaomi Cloud, Huawei Cloud, Sony Xperia Backup, Oppo Cloud: Each manufacturer tailors the experience to offer fast restore, easy recovery, and migration between branded devices.
These solutions are usually found in Settings > Accounts > Cloud & accounts > BackupThe advantage is easy and complete recovery if you stay loyal to the brand.
Advanced options: backup with root permissions
If you have root (superuser) permissions, you can use advanced applications like Titanium Backup to make detailed backups of apps and their data, system settings, and transfer them to new ROMs or devices. This solution requires more technical knowledge, but it's especially useful if you frequently change ROMs or customize your phone.
- Grants superuser permissions to the app.
- Select the apps and data you want to back up.
- Save the copy to your SD card, cloud, or PC for later restoration.
Only recommended for advanced and risk-aware users, as it can cause incompatibilities or problems if not managed properly.
Delete, manage, and restore backups on Android
You can review, delete, or restore backups since:
- Google Drive: Side menu > Backups. You can view all backups associated with your account and delete them if you wish.
- Google Photos, OneDrive, Dropbox: Allows you to delete specific images and videos or the entire contents of a folder/file type.
- Samsung Cloud and other manufacturer clouds: From your personal account cloud settings.
Please note that after deleting a backup from the server, you will not be able to recover it unless you keep a local physical copy on your computer or external storage.
Key tips and safety recommendations
- Make regular backups to ensure all your important information is up to date. Automatic backup is recommended so you don't forget.
- Check available space to your Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, or whatever service you use. The backup may fail if there isn't enough space.
- Keep your device charged or connected to power during automatic or manual copies.
- Protect your data with a PIN, pattern, or secure password to prevent unauthorized access to your backups.
- Keep extra copies on physical devices if the information is especially sensitive or critical.
- Read the privacy conditions of each service to learn how your data is managed and encrypted.
Establishing a backup routine will save you headaches, prevent the loss of valuable information, and make it easier to replace devices or perform accidental restores. Remember that, although the cloud is convenient and secure, you can always opt for physical methods if you prefer direct control over your data. Take advantage of the tools provided by Android and manufacturers and choose the paths and services that best suit your needs. If you ever have doubts about any step or configuration, consult the manufacturer's official guides or seek professional help.
