Effortlessly
Restore Your Android Phone

Switching Why Restore Your Android Phone?

Setting up a new Android phone can be time-consuming. Downloading apps, configuring settings, and arranging everything to your liking takes effort. Luckily, Google and Samsung offer easy-to-use backup solutions to streamline the process, even without your old device.

This guide provides detailed instructions for restoring your Android phone using both Google and Samsung backup methods, ensuring a smooth transition to your new device.

Google How to Restore from a Backup

Google makes it simple to restore your data when setting up a new phone or after a factory reset. Here's how:

1. Turn on your new Android phone and follow the initial setup prompts, agreeing to the terms and conditions.

2. Connect to a Wi-Fi network.

3. At the 'Copy apps and data' step, select 'Can’t use old device'.

4. Sign in to the same Google account used on your previous phone.

5. Your last available backup will appear. Select the backup and choose the apps and files you want to restore.

6. Tap 'Restore'. Your device will automatically restore saved apps, contacts, and messages from Google's servers. This process may take some time, so keep your device plugged in and connected to Wi-Fi.

Smart Switch How to Restore a Samsung Backup with

Samsung's Smart Switch app is an excellent choice if you're invested in the Samsung ecosystem, as it backs up more file types and app data. It supports various backup methods and can restore from non-Samsung phones and iPhones. If you have your old Samsung phone:

1. On your new Samsung phone, open the Settings app.

2. Navigate to 'Accounts and backup' > 'Bring data from old device'.

3. Tap 'Receive data' and select the source device's operating system (Android or iPhone).

4. If transferring from another Android, choose between wireless and cable transfer (cable is recommended for stability).

5. Select the data you wish to transfer, skipping optional items if desired.

To restore from an iPhone, select 'Get data from iCloud instead' and enter your Apple ID credentials.

Smart Switch also supports backing up to a computer or thumb drive. Download the app on your computer and connect your phone. Alternatively, connect an external storage drive directly via a USB OTG dongle.

Note: Smart Switch backups can only be restored on a Samsung phone.

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Restoring your Android phone is easier than ever with Google and Samsung's backup solutions.

Android Authority

Backing Up How to Back Up Your Data on Your Old Android Phone

Before restoring, you must back up your data. The easiest option is Google One:

1. Go to 'Settings' > 'System' > 'Backup' and enable 'Backup by Google One'.

2. Your phone will automatically back up at regular intervals on Wi-Fi.

3. To create a current backup, tap 'Backup now'.

Pixel device users can find this setting under 'Account details' in the Settings app.

You get 15GB free with your Google account to back up apps, app data, photos, videos, messages, call history, device settings, and Google account data. You can choose which Google apps to back up in the Backup section. Paid Google One plans start at $1.99/month for 100GB.

Many apps, like WhatsApp, have separate backup options to Google Drive.

FAQs Frequently Asked Questions

Can I restore to an earlier date? No, Google only stores your most recent backup.

I lost contacts after restoring. How do I fix it? Go to contacts.google.com, click the gear icon, and use 'Undo changes' (up to 30 days).

Can I restore data from an older Android version to a newer one? You can, but not vice versa (e.g., Android 11 to Android 13).

How long will the restore take? The time depends on the amount of data and apps. Your phone will restore in the background.