How to backup Android 5: all ways to save data

Important: on Android 5.0/5.1 there is no universal solution —for example, reserving applications through Google Drive works only on some devices with services Google Play. Therefore, the article provides alternatives for each case, including offline methods for phones without the Internet.

Why the standard backup on Android 5 does not work as it should

Q Android 5.x Lollipop formally there is a backup function - it is hidden in Settings → Personal data → Backup and reset. But in practice, it saves only:

• 📱 List of installed applications (without their data and settings)
• 🔑 Wi-Fi passwords (only if synchronization with Google Account)
• ⚙️ Some system settings (language, date/time, wallpaper)

At the same time on devices without Google services (for example, on Chinese firmware) even this minimum is not availableIn addition, you can restore data. only when you turn on the phone for the first time after resetting - Later versions of Android allow restoring backups anytime, but not Lollipop.

Other restrictions:

• 🚫 No SMS/MMS backup - they will have to be saved separately.
• 🚫 No photo backup — Google Photos has not yet been built into the system.
• 🚫 No cloud saving of calls —call history is lost when reset.

⚠️ Attention: On some devices (for example, Xiaomi or Meizu with custom firmware), the backup menu may be missing altogether. In this case, use the methods from the sections about ADB or third-party utilities.

Method 1: Backup via Google Account (for contacts, applications and Wi-Fi)

This is the simplest method, but it only works if:

1. Services are installed on the phone Google Play.
2. You have active Google Account (preferably one that is already linked to the device).
3. There is access to the Internet (at least at the backup setup stage).

Step 1. Enable contact synchronization

Go in Settings → Accounts → Google, select your account and check the box Contact. If the option is missing, update the application Google Contacts via Play Market.

Step 2. Activate backup

Open Settings → Personal data → Backup and reset and:

1. Turn on the switch Backup my data.
2. Indicate your Google Account in the field Account for backup.
3. Click Create a backup now (if the option is available).

Step 3. Check the saved data

To make sure that the backup has been created, go to your computer at drive.google.com → Settings (gear) → Manage backups. There should be an entry with the name of your device and the date.

⚠️ Attention: If you use two-factor authentication Google, before resetting your phone, check that you have backups codes. After restoring the system, you may need to re-enter the password, and an SMS with the code will be sent to the old number (if the SIM card has changed).

List of installed applications (without data)

Wi-Fi network passwords

Some system settings (language, wallpaper)

Contacts (if synchronization is enabled)

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Method 2: Saving SMS, calls and contacts through third-party utilities

To backup SMS, call history and contacts (if they are not synchronized with Google) you will need specialized applications. We recommend:

• 📲 SMS Backup & Restore - saves SMS/MMS in XML or CSV, supports cloud storage (Google Drive, Dropbox).
• 📞 Call Logs Backup & Restore —backs up call history with time stamps.
• 👥 Super Backup & Restore —universal tool for contacts, SMS and applications (requires root for a full backup).

Instructions for SMS Backup & Restore:

1. Install the application from Play Store.
2. Launch it and click SETUP A BACKUP.
3. Select what to save: SMS, MMS or both types.
4. Specify the location saving: Local file (to a memory card) or Cloud.
5. Click BACKUP and wait for completion.

File The backup will have an extension .xml and weigh from several kilobytes to megabytes (depending on the number of messages). To restore the data, just re-open the application and select RESTORE.

For call history will help. data-i="151">MTS use Call Logs Backup & Restore in a similar way. Please note: some operators (for example, MTS or Beeline) can block access to call logs at the firmware level. In this case, only root access.

Method 3: Full system backup via ADB (without root)

If you need to save all device data, including settings applications and system files, but no root access —use ADB (Android Debug Bridge). This method works on any Android 5.x, but requires a computer with Windows/Linux/macOS.

What you will need:

• 🖥️ A computer with installed drivers for your phone.
• 🔌 USB cable (preferably original).
• 🛠️ Utilities ADB i Fastboot (you can download from the official Android website).

Step 1. Connect the phone to the PC and enable USB debugging

On the phone:

1. Go to Settings → About phone.
2. Tap 7 times on Build numberto activate Mode Developer.
3. Go back to Settings → For Developers and enable USB Debugging.

Step 2. Run the backup command

Open a command line (or terminal) on your computer and enter:

adb backup -apk -obb -shared -all -f C:\backup.ab

Where:

• -apk —saves APK files of applications.
• -obb — includes additional application data (cache, media).
• -shared — backs up the contents of the SD card.
• -all — captures all applications (without system ones).
• -f C:\backup.ab — path to the backup file (can be changed).

On your phone will ask for confirmation - enter your password (if you have one) and click Create a backup copy.

Step 3. Data recovery

To return data, use the command:

adb restore C:\backup.ab

⚠️ Attention: File .ab no encrypted by default. If the backup contains sensitive data (passwords, messages), store it in an encrypted archive or on a protected medium.

Method 4: Backup via TWRP (requires root or unlocked bootloader)

If you have custom recovery installed on your device TWRP, you can do full system imageincluding:

• 📱 Boot (boot partition).
• 🗄️ System (Android firmware).
• 📂 Data (all user data).
• 🔄 Cache i Dalvik Cache.

Advantages of the method:

• ✅ Saves everything, including application settings and system files.
• ✅ Works even if the phone does not turn on (if TWRP is installed).
• ✅ You can restore a backup to another device with this same model.

Disadvantages:

• ❌ Requires unlocked bootloader unlocked bootloader TWRP.
• ❌ Takes up a lot of space (from 2 to 10 GB depending on model).
• ❌ When restoring to another version of Android, errors may occur.

Instructions:

1. Turn off the phone and hold down the combination of buttons to enter TWRP (usually Power + Volume Up).
2. In the main menu select Backup.
3. Tick the sections: Boot, System, Data.
4. Swipe the bar Swipe to Back Up.
5. When finished, copy the backup file (folder TWRP on the memory card) to the computer.

To restore the system, repeat the steps, but select Restore and specify the desired file.

Standard Google Account

Application side (SMS Backup, Super Backup)

ADB via computer

TWRP or other custom recovery

I don’t make backups

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Method 5: Manually copying important files (photos, videos, documents)

If you need to save only media files, documents or downloads, you can copy manually. This is the most reliable method, since it does not depend on Android versions or the presence of root.

Where your data is stored:

How to copy files:

1. Connect your phone to the computer via USB.
2. Select mode File transfer (MTP) in the notification shade.
3. Open the phone folder on your PC and find the necessary directories (see table above).
4. Copy them to your hard drive or external storage device.

For convenience, you can use Total Commander or ES Explorer directly on your phone - they allow you to archive folders in .zip and send them to the cloud.

Method 6: Backup applications with data (requires root)

If you have root-accessyou can save applications along with their data is suitable for this. (for example, progress in games, messenger settings). The utility Titanium Backup (paid) or free Swift Backup.

Instructions for Titanium Backup:

1. Install the application from Play Store.
2. Grant root access when prompted.
3. Click on the tab Backups.
4. Select applications you want to save (or click Batch action → Backup all user applications).
5. Specify the storage location (preferably to a memory card or to the cloud).

What is saved:

• 📦 APK files (application installation packages).
• 🗃️ Application data (game saves, cache, settings).
• 🔗 Links to the Market (for quick recovery).

Recovery:

After resetting the phone, install Titanium Backup again, provide root and select Restore from the created copy.

⚠️ Attention: Do not restore system application to another version of Android - this may cause conflicts and loading loops. Also avoid restoring messenger data (for example, WhatsApp or Viber) to a new version of the application - this often leads to errors.

Checklist before resetting your phone to Android 5

If you plan to reset your phone to factory settings or flash a new version of Android, follow these steps to avoid losing data:

Save contacts (via Google or VCF file)

Backup SMS/MMS (via SMS Backup & Restore)

Copy photos and videos to PC/cloud

Make a backup of applications (via ADB or Titanium Backup)

Write down Wi-Fi passwords (if not synchronized with Google)

Make sure there is enough space on the memory card for backup

Check that you have backup codes for your Google Account (if 2FA is used)

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After the reset, first restore contacts and SMS, then applications, and lastly - media files. This will help avoid conflicts during synchronization.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about backup on Android 5

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