Backing Up Android Data Before a Factory Reset

Step by step

1. 1 min

   Enable Google One cloud backup

   Open the Settings app and navigate to System > Backup. Ensure the 'Backup by Google One' toggle is set to On and select 'Back up now' to capture contacts, device settings, app data, and SMS messages.

   Note: Verify your Google Drive storage quota has sufficient space before initiating the backup.
2. 2 min

   Back up photos and videos

   Launch the Google Photos app. Tap your profile icon, select Photos settings, and enable Backup. Confirm that all folders selected for backup have uploaded by checking for the cloud icon on your album thumbnails.

   Note: The upload duration depends entirely on your connection speed and total file size.
3. 1 min

   Sync app-specific data

   Check critical applications like WhatsApp or Signal independently, as they often require separate cloud backups within their own internal settings menus. Ensure you have initiated a manual backup within the 'Chats' settings of these applications.

4. 2 min

   Transfer files to a computer

   Connect your Android device to a computer via a high-speed USB-C cable. Select 'File Transfer' on the device's USB notification prompt, then navigate to your phone's internal storage from the computer's file explorer to copy essential documents or local files to your machine.

   Note: Use 'Android File Transfer' on macOS if the device is not automatically recognized.
5. 30 sec

   Remove connected accounts

   Navigate to Settings > Passwords & accounts. Tap on your Google account and select 'Remove account' to ensure Factory Reset Protection (FRP) does not trigger a lock-out after the reset is complete.

   Note: FRP will require the original credentials after a reset if this step is skipped.