Back up and restore data or files on your Galaxy device

If you've accidentally deleted a file on your Samsung Galaxy device, there's no need to worry. Your device offers several backup and restore options, enabling you to recover your files with ease. Whether you’re using Samsung Cloud, a microSD card, Google's backup services, or a direct connection to a PC or Mac, you have various methods at your disposal. This guide will take you through each option, explaining how to back up and restore your content effectively.

Hand holding a Galaxy phone with the Backup screen while infront of a Galaxy book

Back up and restore data or files on your Galaxy device

Backup options

The following methods will help you back up your device’s data.

Google Drive: A versatile option that syncs your data across devices logged into the same Google account. To access this, navigate to and open Settings, then tap Accounts and backup, and then tap Back up data under Google Drive.
Samsung Cloud: Provides an integrated cloud backup solution, allowing you to back up various data types, including call logs, messages, and settings. Note that some limitations may apply, such as a 1GB file size limit and unavailability on certain carriers or in specific countries.
Manual backup: To access this option, navigate to and open Settings, then tap your Samsung account name at the top of the screen, and then tap Samsung Cloud. Choose the data you wish to back up by tapping the switch(es), and then tap Back up data.
Automatic backup: Enable this feature to have your device back up data automatically once every 24 hours when connected to Wi-Fi and charging.
MicroSD card: If you do not want to use an internet connection, then backing up to a microSD card is ideal. Use the My Files app to transfer data to the card.
Smart Switch: Use this Samsung app to back up and transfer content between Galaxy phones, a PC, or a Mac.
PC or Mac: Manually transfer files using a USB connection. For Mac users, the Android File Transfer app is required for transferring non-media files.

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Restore your backups

Restoring your data will depend on the method chosen in the above section. However, each method provides simple steps for retrieving your backed-up content. For Samsung Cloud and Google Drive backups, navigate to the respective section in your device's Settings menu, and select the backup you wish to restore. For microSD card, PC, or Mac backups, connect the storage medium to your device and manually transfer the files. Restore data option selected on a Samsung Galaxy phone

Restore data option selected on a Samsung Galaxy phone

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Manage your backups

It's essential to regularly manage your backups, which includes deleting old or unnecessary backups to free up space. Both Samsung Cloud and Google Drive offer options to delete backups directly from the Settings menu of your device. Delete backups option from the Samsung Cloud

Delete backups option from the Samsung Cloud

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