Back up and restore data or files on your Galaxy device

Back up and restore screen in Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra

If you accidentally delete a file on your phone or tablet, don't panic. When you back up and restore your content using the storage options on your Galaxy device, you'll be able to download the files again. For example, you can use a cloud service, like Samsung Cloud, or a microSD card to back up pictures, videos, music, documents, and much more.

Note: Available settings may vary by carrier and software version. Samsung Cloud is not available on Verizon phones or tablets and may not be supported in certain countries. If you're moving data to a new device, check out our guide to transferring data with Smart Switch.

Content types that can be backed up using Samsung Cloud

Note: Individual files over 1GB will not be uploaded.

Backing up your data is a little different than syncing. When you back up, you save your device's files to the cloud, so they can be redownloaded later. These files won't automatically appear on your other devices unless you manually restore them. Syncing, on the other hand, automatically adds updated information to a device.

Below are some apps on your phone or tablet that support the back up and restore feature. We've also listed what kinds of data will be backed up from these apps:

  • Call logs: Call and message history

  • Clock: Alarms, world clocks, and timers

  • Apps: Installation files and app settings

  • Calendar: Events and tasks saved on your phone or tablet

  • Messages: Enhanced messages, multimedia messages, and text messages

  • Contacts: Contacts, email addresses, and business cards saved on your phone, tablet, or USIM

  • Home screen: Layout, wallpapers, and Samsung DeX settings (your default wallpapers won't be backed up)

  • Settings: Accessibility settings, ringtones, Samsung Keyboard options, Wi-Fi settings, and Always on Display settings (your default ringtone won't be backed up)

  • Voice Recorder: Saved audio clips recorded using the Voice Recorder app

  • Samsung Daily: Your personalized content preferences and settings
    Note: Samsung Daily is only available on select phones, such as the S8. Newer phones use Samsung Free instead; however, this service cannot be backed up.

Back up your Samsung Cloud data

Make sure you don't lose that precious video of your baby's first steps. Manually back up your data whenever you have new files, so you can relive your special moments.

Manual backup

  1. From Settings, tap your name at the top of the screen.

  2. Tap Samsung Cloud.

  3. Select the data you'd like to back up, such as Messages or Calendar, and then tap Back up at the bottom of the screen.

  4. The backup will begin uploading to the cloud. It may take some time if you have a lot of files.

  5. Feel free to navigate away while the backup is in process. It will continue in the background and a notification will appear when it is complete.

List of data with Back up below them on a Galaxy phone

To learn more about the syncing process, tap More options (the three vertical dots), and then tap More information.

Automatic backup

When you enable the Automatic backup feature in Samsung Cloud, your data is backed up automatically once every 24 hours, as long as your phone or tablet is charging and connected to a Wi-Fi network. The screen also needs to be off for at least an hour. You can also customize what files are automatically backed up.

  1. From Settings, navigate to and tap Accounts and backup.

  2. Tap Manage accounts, and then select your Samsung account.

  3. Tap Sync account, and then tap Auto back up.

    Note: If the Auto back up option does not appear, your carrier does not support this feature.

  4. Tap the switch next to the data you'd like to back up, such as Messages or Calendar. That's it!

Auto back up highlighted on Manage Account screen

Note: Content will not automatically back up if the cloud storage is full.

Restore backup data using Samsung Cloud

Once everything is backed up on Samsung Cloud, restoring your data is simple. You can even transfer it to another device using the Restore feature.

  1. From Settings, tap your name at the top of the screen.

  2. Tap Samsung Cloud, and then tap Restore data.

  3. Select your desired device backup, and then select the content you want to restore.

  4. Next, tap Restore, and then tap Install if prompted.

  5. The backup will begin downloading. It may take some time if you have a lot of files.

  6. Tap Done when it's finished.

List of data to restore on a Galaxy phone

Delete Samsung Cloud backup data

If you no longer want something on Samsung Cloud, you can delete it to save space.

  1. From Settings, tap your name, and then tap Samsung Cloud.

  2. Tap Restore data, and then select the backup you want to delete.

  3. Tap More options (the three vertical dots), and then tap Delete backups.

    Delete backups highlighted on a Galaxy phone

  4. Select and deselect the files to delete based on your preferences. When you're ready, tap Delete, and then tap Delete again.

  5. Tap Done once it's finished.

Back up and restore using Google

Google is another great option to back up and restore your data. Your Google account can be used to sync data between multiple devices, just by logging in to the same account on each device.

  1. Open Settings, and then tap Accounts and backup.

  2. Tap Back up data under Google Drive. If prompted, sign in using your Google account credentials.

  3. Tap Back up now to begin syncing your data.

  4. To restore your data, tap the switch next to Automatic restore under Google account.

    Note: The Automatic restore option may not be available on all models.

Back up data highlighted under Google Drive

Back up data with a microSD card

If you'd rather use a method that doesn't require the internet, you can try using a microSD card. Simply insert one into your phone or tablet and then copy your files to the card with the My Files app, so they'll be safe and sound.

Restoring backed up files is as easy as backing them up! Just copy them to the phone or tablet, or even copy them to another device.

Note: Not all phone or tablet models support microSD cards.

My Files with an SD card on a Galaxy phone

Back up with Smart Switch on PC

Smart Switch on your PC is another great option for backing up your contacts, music, photos, and more. You can use this method if you need to transfer content to a new Galaxy phone, or if you'd like to have an extra backup just in case.

After you've made a backup of your files on your PC or Mac, just connect your new phone using a USB cable. Then, you can move your data to your phone! Or, access your data another time if you need to restore it.

Backup highlighted in the Smart Switch app

Other answers that might help

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