How to back up your Android phone

A phone can be lost, stolen or broken in a second. A backup means you lose the phone, not your memories. Use two methods if you can.

Method 1: Google backup

1. Open Settings and look for Google or System, then Backup (it may be called Backup by Google One).
2. Switch on Backup and choose the account.
3. Tap Back up now to start one.

This usually covers app data, call history, settings, SMS and device settings. It does not always include everything inside every app. Check what is listed.

Method 2: photos and videos

Photos are not always included in the phone backup. In your photo app, look for Backup or Sync and switch it on. Choose Wi-Fi only if you want to save mobile data. Check that new photos show as backed up before you rely on it.

Method 3: copy to a computer

1. Connect the phone to the computer with a USB cable.
2. On the phone, pull down the notification and choose File transfer (or similar) for USB use.
3. Open the phone on the computer and copy folders such as DCIM (camera), Pictures, Documents and Download.

This is the most reliable way to keep a full copy of photos and files, and it does not depend on any account or storage plan.

Method 4: Samsung and other makers

Some brands have their own tools, such as a cloud or a transfer app. Look for the brand’s name in Settings and a Backup and restore option. These can cover things Google does not, such as home screen layout.

Do not forget these

• WhatsApp chats use their own backup: see how to back up your WhatsApp chats.
• Contacts should be synced to your account.
• Authenticator apps and banking apps may need to be set up again on a new phone. Check how to move them before you reset or sell the old one.

Check your backup

Once a month, look at the date of the last backup. If it is old, run it again. Do a test: look at your photos on a computer or another device.

Before you reset or switch

Always confirm the backup before a factory reset. Moving to a new phone? See how to switch phones without losing anything. If a backup will not fit, free up space first.