How do I backup and restore data on my Galaxy device?
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.
Backing up to a Samsung Account
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
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".
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
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
- 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 out more about backing up your smartphone to a PC or Mac with Smart Switch.
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.
Find out how to back up your Galaxy device using Find My Mobile.
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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