Database Users

[Guide] Back up your data before moving to a new rom

Back up your data before moving to a new rom​
This guide is for rooted phones, and all work on my galaxy s2 but should work with most phones.
So you have decided to go for a new rom, but are worried about loosing all your apps, game saves, data, contacts, sms etc.. Well here is my little guide to restoring most of it. (Why only most, well moving to a new rom means that some apps and data are not compatible). We are going to break it down into apps to use and then the process.
Install App Extractor after you have flashed your new rom
Just a note all software that uses access the root of your phone can come with problems, although i have not experienced them my self it can still happen.
Apps
1. Rom Manager
Must have app for any root user. Make backups, flash ROMs, and own your device.
ROM Manager is THE MUST HAVE APP for any Android root user. (Over 3 million downloads and counting!)
(You can back up your rom through recover boot)
2. Titanium Backup root
Titanium Backup is the most powerful backup tool on Android, and then some.
You can backup, restore, freeze (with Pro) your apps + data + Market links. This includes all protected apps & system apps, plus external data on your SD card. You can do 0-click batch & scheduled backups. Backups will operate without closing any apps (with Pro). You can move any app (or app data) to/from the SD card. You can browse any app's data and even query the Market to see detailed information about the app.
3. App Extractor
AppExtractor is a tool which will allow you to restore individual applications, data, SMS, and MMS messages from your ROM Manager backups.
AppExtractor is compatible with ClockworkMod Recovery 5 backups as well as backups created by previous versions of ClockworkMod Recovery.
The process
1. Ok the process. First you will need to backup your whole rom, so go into Rom Manager and click on backup current rom, once it have backed up your rom you phone will reboot. ( Backing up your rom means you can revert back to it if you are not happy with your new rom)
a. You can also do a full rom backup straight from recovery mode (safer), to do this boot into recovery mode (hold - power,home and volume up). Then use the volume buttons to scroll to backup and restore (press power button to select), then click backup, it should start a full back up of your rom for you (2-3 mins to back up), once it has finished click reboot system now. Done - Thanks to MistahBungle for prompting this edit
2. once you have done that go into Titanium Backup and click menu and go into Batch. Then click on Run for Backup all user apps (dont back up system data we will soft that out later), then click run batch operation.
3. You can now flash your new rom, i am not going to tell you how to that.
4. Once your new rom is up and running then it is time to receive all that data, apps, setting, contacts etc.
5. First go to the android market and download Titanium backup and App recovery again
6. now open Titanium Backup and go back into Batch scroll down to restore and click run on restore missing apps with data. ( not all the apps will download as some won't be compatible). There you go most of your apps are now restored with their original data
7. Now go to App Extractor and open that, you will see the choice to restore things like, apps, sms and mms, contacts, wifi etc. Just click which ever you want to restore and then select the correct back up (the one you made with rom manager). You can only restore 5 items a day, and yet again not all you setting and data can be restored because of the different rom types.
8. Enjoy your new rom
If anyone thinks i have missed anything ir has more they would like to add then let me know.
Backing up EFS folder
Ok so backing up your efs folder, i am not expert in this area but everyone should know that this file is very important and rooting and flashing roms could cause it to become corrupt. So the fix trying to keep it as simple as possible like the rest of the guide, you need to download Ktook by Hellcatdroid here is a little somthing from Google Play - Tool for a few functions after rooting. Kernel dump/flash, EFS backup/restore...
/!\ Requires Root /!\
/!\ Works on the >Galaxy S2< and >Galaxy Note< *ONLY* /!\
(i) the "lock pattern bug" is currently being investigated and worked on!
kTool is a small tool originally bundled with Hellcat's Root-Kernel for the Galaxy S2.
It offers a few functions usefull after rooting the device:
- Dump current kernel to /sdcard/zImage
- Flash kernel from /sdcard/zImage
- Backup the phone's EFS (sensitive storage are holding the IMEI and other vital data) as a raw .IMG dump and a .tar archive
- Restoring EFS from the raw .IMG or the .tar backup
- Format EFS (create fresh filesystem for cases where you want to restore seperate files or a .tar backup, but the filesystem is stuck/locked in read-only due to corruption)
- Reboot (normal, directely to recovery or directely to downlaod mode)
If you encounter any problems or issues, or if you have any questions or suggestions, visit the release thread on XDA
Some people don't like this app and some like myself love it, as it says above it will only work on Galaxy S2< and >Galaxy Note, but if you check out the thread it might work for other devices.
Other apps
Backdrop Root - BackDrop Root allows you to backup and restore your applications, data, SMS / MMS messages, Wifi settings, Bluetooth pairings, and more to and from from Dropbox.
Backdrop Root provides a simple and intuitive interface for managing your backups.
The free version of BackDrop Root will let you backup and restore 5 applications / data backups at a time.
Thanks - albsat
Nandroid Browser - Nandroid Browser has a really simple purpose: Extract and use single files from your nandroid backups.
* Browse your nandroid backups
* Save files anywhere
* Send files
* Open Files
Rom Toolbox - ROM Toolbox is the MUST HAVE app for any rooted user. Easily email single apps and files from your nandroid backups or send them to your dropbox or wherever...
ROM Toolbox combines all the great root apps all tied up into one monster app with a beautiful and user-friendly interface. It also adds many more unseen features!
This app requires root permission. For fast and friendly support please email us at [email protected]. We will be glad to help answer your questions and troubleshoot with you.
Some of the extra features in the pro version:
☆ Backup/restore data
☆ Batch operations enabled
☆ Remove ads
☆ Preview boot animations
☆ Customize your status bar by installing battery, 4g/3g/1x, wifi, gps, signal icons.
☆ Advanced app freezer
☆ Remove ads
☆ Unlock Root Browser features
☆ Much More....

1. Rom Manager
Must have app for any root user. Make backups, flash ROMs, and own your device.
ROM Manager is THE MUST HAVE APP for any Android root user. (Over 3 million downloads and counting!)
An app that is known to give problems on CWM rooted SGS2 .
jje

I have used rom manager for many things and never had any problems with it, maybe I am lucky but not heard anything about anyone have problems with it
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s.d.oconnor said:
I have used rom manager for many things and never had any problems with it, maybe I am lucky but not heard anything about anyone have problems with it
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Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Search the forum then is all i can say multiple help posts where rom manger has been the root of problems .
jje

JJEgan said:
Search the forum then is all i can say multiple help posts where rom manger has been the root of problems .
jje
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Surely any software that exploites the root of your phone could have problems, although i will make a chasnge to the post adding that you can back up your rom from boot and that all software that uses root access can come with problems.

Everything was going great until I got to the last step, restoring sms(the only thing I cared about) with app extractor. It turned the sreen black and then it went on again, but it didn't do anything else, the sms still were not restored =(

if you ask me titanium back up does the job for it all, and if you want to make sure you get all of your apps back, just backup the apps listed in the data folder in the root of your phone.
And when your on CWM recovery might be better of using CWM manager.

JJEgan said:
An app that is known to give problems on CWM rooted SGS2 .
jje
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
^^
+ lots this. Rom Manager *will* cause you problems if you continue to use it/have it installed with CWM. It will either break CW or cause you bootloops.
Use one or the other.
You may get away with it for a while, but when you least expect it (maybe that time you don't do a Nandroid of your last good config when you should have), it will bite you on the arse.
Edit to add - OP, I like the idea of what you're doing. Great to see a n00b having a bash But if you've rooted your phone with CFRoot or are running a kernel with CW, you're much better off using it to do your Nandroid backup than potentially causing problems with Rom Manager, which is popular because it's *easy* (apparently, I never found anything difficult about using CW). If anyone doesn't like/is too lazy to boot directly into recovery to do backups, use the CWM app. Same diff as Rom Manager without all the dramas. Other than this, good job

Great idea. I love these kind of posts no matter what others say. Knowledge sharing makes people, a better one.
My tips, but here you don't save data and use CWM and Backdrop Root aps only:
1) Do a Nandroid back from CWM.
2) Export Contacts as a VCF file. There is a new program recently Backdrop Root that backup sms, contacts, mms, bluetooth, etc in Dropbox. Try it. There is also a nice program called SuperBackup which does a similar thing.
3) Save your Apps through a File Manager as apk and save in external sd, computer or Dropbox.
4) Forget data... Many people use Titanium but I need to buy it.
5) Install new Rom, restore sms+contacts, install apps from beginning.
Apps extractor in conjunction with Nandroidback would had been the best solution, but unfortunately I didn't get a lot of success with this app.

MistahBungle said:
^^
+ lots this. Rom Manager *will* cause you problems if you continue to use it/have it installed with CWM. It will either break CW or cause you bootloops.
Use one or the other.
You may get away with it for a while, but when you least expect it (maybe that time you don't do a Nandroid of your last good config when you should have), it will bite you on the arse.
Edit to add - OP, I like the idea of what you're doing. Great to see a n00b having a bash But if you've rooted your phone with CFRoot or are running a kernel with CW, you're much better off using it to do your Nandroid backup than potentially causing problems with Rom Manager, which is popular because it's *easy* (apparently, I never found anything difficult about using CW). If anyone doesn't like/is too lazy to boot directly into recovery to do backups, use the CWM app. Same diff as Rom Manager without all the dramas. Other than this, good job
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks i have made some changes based on your recomedation

You are restricted to 5 bits of data a day on app recovery, it could also be a compatible issue.
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Step 7 says "App recovery", do you mean "App extractor"? Sorry just want to confirm.
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Yes I do,
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Wiki: Android ROM Update
Wiki: Android ROM Update
How to restore your apps, data and settings after Android ROM Update using Titanium Backup (TB).
forum.xda-developers.com/wiki/Android_ROM_Update
Cheers
Tom

Sorry but can I ask why that has been put their
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Thanks for this guide, it's great.
Kaiser Z

Happy to help
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s.d.oconnor said:
Sorry but can I ask why that has been put their
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
s.d.oconnor said:
Could you made this a sticky as you dont have anything like it yet - http://forum.xda-developers.com/showthread.php?t=1502526
Guide on how to back up and restore your data before moving to a new rom
thanks
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You said that you don't have anything like your guide on how to back up and restore. The wiki is just that so I shared it.
Cheers
Tom
Sent from my HTC HD2 using Tapatalk

Thanks for the guide. Does it work on ics? I've heard titanium backup have some issues with it
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Angel.CT said:
Thanks for the guide. Does it work on ics? I've heard titanium backup have some issues with it
Enviado desde mi GT-I9100 usando Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It should work with ICS, it's only a matter of time before the apps catch up with it and they should run a smooth as they do on GB

What do you do before changing roms to ease the migration

Well here's what I do...
Go through my individual apps and if there's a "backup" setting I create those (including SMS backup).
Run titanium backup of all apps.
Take screen shots of my home screens (to remember icon/ widget placement).
Any other ideas to help ease the migration?

You can get a custom launcher and save all your settings and placements...I use nova launcher
Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk 2

Only feel calm knowing that is a game, Like a puzzle...
Sent from my Nexus S using xda app-developers app

I use Titanium, and... that would be it.

Titanium back up.
That's all as well
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using xda app-developers app

Imppy said:
You can get a custom launcher and save all your settings and placements...I use nova launcher
Sent from my Nexus S using Tapatalk 2
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I use nova as well. Still has the stock feel with all the customizations and the backup and restore feature is very nice, especially if you're a flashaholic.
Sent from my Nexus S 4G using xda app-developers app

Titanium to backup all my apps
SMS backup & restore for my sms
Nova launcher to backup home setup+ widgets

titanium backup for apps
mybackup pro (you'll need to crack it if you want to do restores between CM and MIUI) - because it does MMS unlikes SMS restore & backup.
and a recovery backup ..

I use My Backup Pro to backup app+data, homescreen with shortcuts/widgets, settings, call logs, SMS, contacts (Though I prefer to sync with google contacts),

Can't believe nobody listed nandroid 1st. My apps are backed up by schedule, don't need to do that. 1st I back up SMS, then use a wipe-all script in recovery to speed things up. After flashing on reboot, I have a TB .apk on the SD ready so I can pop that on quick without hitting the play store. I created a label of all the apps I want to restore so I don't waste time choosing apps one by one, and then BAM...! One button restore. Restore SMS, reboot, profit!

Since I change ROMs often as I change shirts , all I do is nandroid if it's a real good ROM; other than that I start from scratch and install apps as I need them.

if i press advanced restore and restore /data. its same as TPB ? he restore on data or apk + data ? thanks

Ok, wait woah. I feel stupid. Now, I've been flashing roms since back when Oxygen GB was all the rage, but I never realized I could use Titanium Backup&Restore, to backup and restore all of my apps! Derp. So how do I go about restoring them?

I use this method from the AOKP FAQ:
5. Best way to restore apps with Titanium Back up?
Open TiBu.
Menu/ Preferences/ App processing mode/ AUTO Direct
Create backup (Menu/ Batch/ backup/ Click the gray Run button: Backup all user apps) Do not backup or restore system data
Choose Pause active apps/ Run the batch operation
Back/ Menu/ More/ Create "update.zip."
Under "Titanium backup will be install as: "choose “System application”
Move update.zip to root of the sdcard
Flash the ROM, GApps and BEFORE rebooting,mount /system
Choose install zip, and select the zip you created
Reboot
Skip the initial device setup screen Tap top-left, top-right, bottom-right, and bottom-left corners in that order
Launch TiBu and do Menu/ Batch/ Restore all user apps plus data
Reboot
Settings/ Accounts and Sync/ Add your Google account
More info: Titanium Backup WikI
Using this method I usually just restore essential apps and other apps only when I'm sure I'm going to be staying on the new ROM for awhile.
Sent from my Crespo using xda premium

google backup and restore is fair enough lol

Titanium Backup and SMS Backup + .
And just for save backup all my new photos/videos/wallpapers to PC. That should be enough.

Came across Go Backup and it can backup everything like SMS , MMS , contacts, call logs, stock launcher settings and Apps with data as well.
Importantly, you can restore all at once without clicking on install button for every app
Sent from my Nexus S using xda app

I still do not understand why people backup and restore SMS. Do you people not delete them ever either?

karnoff said:
I still do not understand why people backup and restore SMS. Do you people not delete them ever either?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nor really. Since the phone as memory enough to save all SMS. Beside that sometimes for me already helped to find some SMS with the date that someone told me something and with that I just search for it and turn my point right.

Nun3s said:
Nor really. Since the phone as memory enough to save all SMS. Beside that sometimes for me already helped to find some SMS with the date that someone told me something and with that I just search for it and turn my point right.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
+1

Data Backup on DHD

Hi,
I'm going to venture into the world of Custom ROMs for the first time, and before starting I wanted to take a data backup, mainly Contacts, Messages, Photos, Copilot Maps, HTC Location Data, etc
Is there an app that can achieve this for me?
Note: I have an unrooted phone & need an app that'll work in unrooted mode.
The reason for the above is that to Root my phone via AAHK, AAHK needs to downgrade my build first (and that means full wipe).

Contacts are backed up online on Google. for SMS, use SMS BAckup & Restore. I started writing small tutorial on my site, not finished yet, but I covered rooting and backing up: http://projects.lanik.org/AndroidProjectROMs.htm
cheers,
D.

You can use My Backup Pro, they have a free (time trial) version. In your case you will only use it for one day I'm guessing.
You need to install it again after you root your phone in order to restore your files.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rerware.android.MyBackup
After you get root, the best app to go to is TitaniumBackup. They also have a free version.
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.keramidas.TitaniumBackup&hl=en
As for your contacts and SMS, dalanik (post above) got you covered

Go backup.. its free
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"Titanium Backup" & "sms Backup and restore"
I think contacts are only saved @"google contacts" if u set it.
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Fearxpc said:
"Titanium Backup" & "sms Backup and restore"
I think contacts are only saved @"google contacts" if u set it.
Sent from my Desire HD using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That's true. You don't need any app to back up ur contacts. All u need to do is setup a gmail account, and then your contacts will sync automatically with ur account!
As for Titanium Backup, you can only use it if you are rooted. In the OP case TB doesn't work. He needs to use an app that doesn't require root. My Backup Pro will do (they have a free time trial edition)
Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2

To backup SMS & MMS I recommend message sync.

Agreed... As above, I only use gmail to backup my contacts and calendar... As for other data, I use MyBackup Pro... Never tried titanium backup though because mybackup pro works for me just fine.

I've just gone through this process myself today. I purchased the My Backup Pro app and backed up my Apps and my Data to my SD card.
If you choose to use this App, do the following after downloading it:
Backup your data and your Apps to your SD card.
After flashing a new ROM, don't panic!
Log into your google account, go to the marketplace and download My Backup Pro again and open the App.
Press on restore and then restore your Data and your Apps.
The App also allows you to move Apps to AS card to free up internal phone storage space.
Sent from my HTC Desire HD using xda app-developers app

q:) said:
I've just gone through this process myself today. I purchased the My Backup Pro app and backed up my Apps and my Data to my SD card.
If you choose to use this App, do the following after downloading it:
Backup your data and your Apps to your SD card.
After flashing a new ROM, don't panic!
Log into your google account, go to the marketplace and download My Backup Pro again and open the App.
Press on restore and then restore your Data and your Apps.
The App also allows you to move Apps to AS card to free up internal phone storage space.
Sent from my HTC Incredible S using xda app-developers app
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Congratz
Kedgez said:
Agreed... As above, I only use gmail to backup my contacts and calendar... As for other data, I use MyBackup Pro... Never tried titanium backup though because mybackup pro works for me just fine.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
If you have rooted your device, you can continue using My Backup Pro; especially if you have purchased the paid version.
However, if you only have the Time Trial version, you can download Titanium Backup (Free Version). I have been using TB (though Paid version) for a long time. I'm happy with it.

Need to back up my whole data into External Sd...???

Sent from my GT-S6802 using xda app-developers app

If you don't want have problem with lost data, this is a good idea!
Try use Titanium Backup, or Nandroid Backup, Nandroid Manager of any backup software you like.
You'll ony give value for your data when you lose any information.

The best way to back up literally EVERYTHING is a NandroidBackup. Install a custom Recovery like CWM (Clock Work Mod) if you dont already have one. Through CWM, you can backup your phone AS IS, and upon restore, it will restore everything from Contacts, to text messages, to apps, to the Data of those apps, to phone call history ,,,, basically everything

Titanium Backup is the safest and the most reliable app

I usually use titanium to backup my installed application before flashing a new rom... N I hv to backup manually data of the big game.. Like one from gameloft..
Since I use color notes to keep everything n it has backup feature..
And I use google contact permanently to backup my contact n synced between my phone, tablet, and netbook..
For sms just go to playstore.. There is many backup program for it.. But I dont care this one being ridden.. So I dont back up it..
It suck to have generated 10 post just to tell how happy n thankfull iam for using a rom they make.
Sent from my LT26w using xda premium

PangGEDE said:
I usually use titanium to backup my installed application before flashing a new rom... N I hv to backup manually data of the big game.. Like one from gameloft..
Since I use color notes to keep everything n it has backup feature..
And I use google contact permanently to backup my contact n synced between my phone, tablet, and netbook..
For sms just go to playstore.. There is many backup program for it.. But I dont care this one being ridden.. So I dont back up it..
It suck to have generated 10 post just to tell how happy n thankfull iam for using a rom they make.
Sent from my LT26w using xda premium
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can back up SMS and Contacts with Tibu as well.....
Sent from my SCH-I605 using XDA Premium HD app

Backing up "whole data" sounds to me like wants to clone his entire drive.

Easiest way to restore apps and associated data

Hi folks
A galaxy s4 user here. I have a rooted device and play around with many Roms but am finding my way of installing a new ROM and then restoring my data to be long winded and tedious and am looking for a better way.
Currently I run nightly backups using titanium backup and online nandroid backup.
I am finding though when I restore apps and data using nandroid backup then it all cases its only restoring the app and not the data.
If I use titanium backup I can restore both app and data but the process of restoring my missing items using the batch feature is still messy.
What I want to do is install a new ROM from scratch, connect to google and then use google to restore the apps (as it can only do that anyway) this way I know I am running latest version of app and then use some other restore utility to identify all the users app I have installed and identify the respective data to be resorted.
Is there an app out there that intelligently talks with play store and is able to restore just the data?
Appreciate any help on this. MODs if there is a better forum to put this in my apologises but feel free to move it.
Thanks [emoji5]
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