How do I backup and restore data on my Galaxy device?

Last Update date : Aug 09. 2021

Creating a backup of your smartphone data keeps you safe, just in case the worst happens. Making backups and restoring your data from a backup is made easy with a Samsung account, Google account or with the Smart Switch app. You can even set your smartphone to create backups automatically, ensuring that your data is secure around the clock.

If you are creating a backup so that you can move your data to a new device, the Smart Switch app makes the process of switching phones quick and painless. Find out more about using Smart Switch.

Alternatively, if you have smashed your screen are would like to find out how to back up your data, find out how to access your data if you have smashed the screen on your device.

Please note: The steps for backing up and restoring your device will depend on the operating system that you are using. Find out how to check what version of Android your device is using.

Please note: The steps below describe for devices running Android Pie and above. For previous versions of Android, follow the steps below:

  • Nougat and Oreo: Settings > Clouds and accounts > Backup and restore > Back up data > Select the data > BACK UP
  • Marshmallow, Lollipop and KitKat: Apps > Settings > Cloud > Backup > Select the data > Back up now
  1. Go to "Settings", then tap "Accounts and backup".

    2.  

     

  2. Tap "Backup and restore".

    3.  

     

  3. Under the Samsung Account heading, tap "Back up data".

    4. If you are not signed in to your Samsung Account on your device, you will be promoted to enter your username and password, then tap "Sign in".

     

     

  4. Select the apps that you would like to back up, then tap "Back up".

    5.  

     

  5. Your data will be backed up. The time it takes will depend on how much data is being saved. Tap "Done" when finished.

Restoring data from a Samsung Account backup

Please note: The steps below describe for devices running Android Pie and above. For previous versions of Android, follow the steps below:

  • Nougat and Oreo: Settings > Clouds and accounts > Backup and restore > Restore data > Select the backup, then the data to restore > RESTORE
  • Marshmallow, Lollipop and KitKat: Apps > Settings > Cloud > Restore > OK > Select the backup > OK > Restore now
  1. Go to "Settings", then tap "Accounts and backup".

    2.  

  2. Tap "Backup and restore".

    3.  

  3. Tap "Restore data".

    4.  

  4. If you have multiple Samsung devices backed up to the same account, each of your backups will be displayed. Select the backup that you wish to restore, then

    5.  

  5. Select the apps that you wish to restore.

    6.  

  6. Tap "Restore".

    7.  

  7. If prompted, tap "Install" to restore your Apps screen and Home screen.

Please note: The steps below describe for devices running Android Pie and above. For previous versions of Android, follow the steps below:

  • Nougat and Oreo: Settings > Cloud and accounts > Backup and restore
  • Marshmallow, Lollipop and KitKat: Apps > Settings > Backup and reset 
  1. Go to "Settings", then tap "Accounts and backup".

    2.  

     

  2. Tap "Backup and restore".

    3.  

     

  3. Under the Google Account heading, there are several options.

    4. • Tap "Back up my data", then tap the switch to activate automatic backups.

    • Tap "Backup account" to choose or change which Google account your backups are saved to.

    • Tap "Google Account" to manage your accounts and backups.

    • Tap the switch next to "Automatic restore" to restore app settings and data when an app is reinstalled.

     

Backing up with Smart Switch

 

Smart Switch is a quick and easy way to create backups of your smartphone data for safekeeping. Smart Switch can create backups from both Android and iOS devices and can restore your data to a Samsung smartphone, making setting up your new phone a breeze.

Find My Mobile allows you to remotely back up your device. In order to back up your device using Find My Mobile:

  • Your device must be connected to a Wi-Fi or mobile network.
  • Your device must be signed in to your Samsung Account.
  • Find My Mobile must be enabled in the settings on your device.

For more information about Find My Mobile please click here.

If you're experiencing unusual behaviour on Samsung mobiles, tablets or wearables, you can send us an error report or ask us a question in the Samsung Members app.

This allows us to take a closer look at what is happening. The data is anonymised and only held for the duration of the investigation. Find out more about sending an error report through the Samsung Members app.

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