Transferring game saves from Android to Android: a complete guide

Moving to a new smartphone is always an exciting moment for a gamer. Hours spent on passing Genshin Impact, Honor of Kings or Stardew Valleycan disappear in an instant if you do not take care of saving in advance. Fortunately, in 2026, transferring game progress between Android devices has become easier than ever - but only if you know the nuances.

This article covers all the current methods for migrating saves: from built-in cloud services to manually copying files via ADB. We will look at which games support synchronization via Google Play Games, how to bypass the limitations of offline projects like Minecraft, and why some saves cannot be transferred in principle (spoiler: this is due to anti-cheat systems). We will pay special attention to hidden folders with saves, which 78% of users do not find the first time.

1. Checking the save type: cloud vs local

Before you rush to copy files, determine where exactly your game progress is stored. The entire algorithm of actions depends on this.

Cloud saves (the simplest case) use games integrated with services:

• 🎮 Google Play Games - automatically synchronizes progress for supported projects (for example, Clash of Clans, Call of Duty: Mobile).
• 🌐 Developers' own clouds — MiHoYo Cloud for Genshin Impact, Supercell ID for games from Supercell.
• 💾 Cross-platform accounts — Facebook, Apple ID or Twitter in games like Candy Crush Saga.

Local saves are stored directly on the device in folders:

• 📁 /Android/data/[game_pack]/files/ —most offline games (for example, Terraria, Dead Cells).
• 📁 /Android/obb/ —additional game files (graphics, levels).
• 🔍 /data/data/[game_pack]/ —system data (requires rootaccess).

How can you tell what type your game is? progress is stored in the cloud. If there are no such options, the saves are local, and you will have to transfer them manually. Settings → Accounts inside the game: if there are “Log in with Google” or “Synchronize” buttons, then the progress is stored in the cloud. If there are no such options, the saves are local and will have to be transferred manually.

⚠️ Attention: Games with anti-cheat (for example PUBG Mobile, Free Fire) can block the device if manipulation of saves is suspected. Transfer files only through official methods!

2. Method 1: Automatic synchronization through Google Play Games

This is the most reliable and fastest method for games that support the service Google Play. GamesThe algorithm works even without root access and does not require technical skills.

Step-by-step guide:

1. Open the application Google Play Games on your old device.
2. Go to the section Profile → Settings → Managing the game and devices.
3. Make sure that the "Automatic synchronization" option is enabled.
4. Launch the game and wait for the "Progress Synced" notification to appear.
5. Install the game on a new device, sign in to the same Google account and wait for the saves to load.

Check the Wi-Fi connection on both devices|

Update the Google Play Games application to the latest version|

Make sure that there is enough space on the new device to load saves|

Run the game on the old device for final synchronization-->

List of popular games with Google Play support Games (data for 2026):

Game	Synchronization type	Additional requirements
Clash Royale	Automatic	Binding to Supercell ID
Asphalt 9: Legends	Manual (button in settings)	Google Account
Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery	Automatic	Minimum version Android 8.0
Angry Birds 2	Automatic	—
Dragon Ball Legends	Manual (via the "Data" menu)	Bandai Namco account

If the game does not appear in the list of synced games in Google Play, check:

• 🔄 Update the game to the latest version (the developers may have added support later).
• 📱 Make sure that the same Google account is used on both devices.
• 🌍 Check your account region - some games block synchronization for certain countries.

3. Method 2: Manual transfer of local saves (without root)

For games without cloud synchronization, you will have to copy the files manually. This method works for 80% of offline projects, but requires care.

Step 1: Find the folder with saves

Connect the old device to the PC via USB (in file transfer mode) and check the folders:

• 📁 /Android/data/[game_package_name]/files/ — saves are most often located here (example: com.mojang.minecraftpe for Minecraft).
• 📁 /Android/obb/ — additional files (for example, downloadable levels in Need for Speed: No Limits).
• 🔍 If there is no folder, use the file manager on your phone (for example, Solid Explorer) with the "Show hidden" option enabled files."

Step 2: Copy the files to the new device

Transfer the found folders to the new device to the same directories. Important:

• 🔄 Do not change the names of the files and folders.
• 📌 If the game is already installed on the new device, first delete it, then copy the files and install again.
• ⚠️ Some games (for example, The Room) encrypt saves - transferring them may not work.

How find out the name of the game package?

Open the game page on Google Play through a browser. In the address bar after id= the package will be indicated (for example, com.supercell.clashofclans for Clash of Clans).

Step 3: Check the integrity of the data

After copying:

1. Launch the game on a new device.
2. If progress is not loaded, check whether the game versions are the same on both devices.
3. For games with cloud backups (for example, Terraria) you may need to manually select a local save in the boot menu.

⚠️ Attention: Games from Nintendo (for example, Mario Kart Tour) and some MMORPGs (like Black Desert Mobile) link saves to device. Their transfer is officially prohibited and may lead to account ban.

4. Method 3: Using third-party applications (Helium, Swift Backup)

If manual transfer seems difficult, you can use specialized utilities. They automate the process, but require additional permissions.

Top 3 applications for transferring saves:

Application	Root required?	Supported games	Cost
Helium	No (but requires installation on a PC)	Local saves, OBB files	Free
Swift Backup	Yes (or ADB)	All types data, including system ones	Paid version ~300₽
Titanium Backup	Yes	Full application backup + data	Paid version ~500₽

Instructions for Helium (without root):

1. Install Helium on both devices and PC (official website).
2. Connect the old device to the PC, run Helium Desktop and following the on-screen instructions.
3. In the mobile application, select the game and create a backup.
4. Transfer the backup to a new device (via the cloud or directly via USB).
5. Restore the data via Helium on a new phone.

Pros and cons of the method:

• ✅ Automation of the process (no need to search for files manually).
• ✅ Support for backups to the cloud (Google Drive, Dropbox).
• ❌ Helium does not work on Android 11+ without ADB.
• ❌ Swift Backup and Titanium Backup require root or an unlocked bootloader.

adb backup -f backup.ab -apk -obb -shared com.example.game

Replace com.example.game with your game package. The file backup.ab can be restored to a new device via adb restore backup.ab-->

5. Transferring saves for games with anti-cheat (PUBG, Free Fire, COD Mobile)

Games with anti-cheat systems (BattlEye, Easy Anti-Cheat, Tencent Anti-Cheat) block any manipulation of saves. An attempt to transfer files manually can lead to:

• 🚫 Account ban (up to permanent).
• 🔒 Device blocking (in PUBG Mobile this is called a “blacklisted device”).
• ⚠️ Loss of progress (the game will reset all achievements if modified files are detected).

The only safe way:

1. Link your account to a social network (Facebook, Twitter, VK) in the game settings.
2. On a new device, install the game and log in through the same social network.
3. Confirm the data transfer (in some games you will need to enter a code from SMS).

List of games with strict anti-cheat systems (transfer only through official methods!):

• 🎮 PUBG Mobile / Battlegrounds Mobile India — linking to Facebook or Twitter.
• 🎮 Call of Duty: Mobile — account Activision or Facebook.
• 🎮 Free Fire — linking to Google, Facebook or VK.
• 🎮 Garena RoV (Arena of Valor) — account Garena.

⚠️ Attention: Some Chinese games (for example Honor of Kings) require binding to a local telephone number. To transfer, you may need a VPN with the China region + SMS confirmation.

6. Solving problems: why the saves were not transferred

Even if you follow the instructions exactly, the transfer may not go according to plan. Let's look at typical errors and their solutions.

Problem 1: The game does not see the save after copying

• 🔹 Cause: Mismatch between the game versions on the old and new device.
• 🔹 Solution: Update the game to the latest version on both devices or roll back to the same one.

Problem 2: Save files are not in standard folders

• 🔹 Reason: The game uses a non-standard location (for example, The Binding of Isaac stores saves in /data/data/...).
• 🔹 Solution: Use Root Explorer or ADB to access system folders:

  adb pull /data/data/com.nicalis.bindingofisaac/

Problem 3: Saves were transferred, but the game gives an error

• 🔹 Cause: Damaged files when copying or incompatibility with the new version of Android.
• 🔹 Solution: Check the file checksums (for example, via Hash Droid) or download clean saves from the forums (for example, GameFAQs).

Problem 4: Google Play Games does not synchronize progress

• 🔹 Reason 1: Disabled synchronization in Google account settings.
• 🔹 Solution: Go to Settings → Accounts → Google → Synchronization and turn on "Games".
• 🔹 Reason 2: Game removed from Google Play (for example, Flappy Bird).
• 🔹 Solution: Install the game APK from a reliable source (for example, APKMirror) and try synchronizing again.

7. Alternative methods: cloud services and emulators

If standard methods do not work, you can go. workarounds. These methods are suitable for advanced users.

Method 1: Transfer via Android emulator (BlueStacks, LDPlayer)

1. Install the emulator on your PC and log in to the same Google account as on your phone.
2. Copy the saves from your phone to the emulator folder (usually C:\ProgramData\BlueStacks\Engine\UserData\).
3. Run the game in the emulator - it will pick up local files.
4. Synchronize progress via the game cloud (if supported).
5. Install the game on a new device and download saves from the cloud.

Method 2: Backup via Titanium Backup (requires root)

• 🔹 Create a complete backup of the game and its data in Titanium Backup.
• 🔹 Transfer the backup file to a new device.
• 🔹 Restore the data via Titanium Backup (important: Android versions must match!).

Method 3: Using cloud storage (for games with support)

Some games allow you to export saves manually:

• 📁 Stardew Valley — copying the file savegame1 to /Android/data/com.chucklefish.stardewvalley/files/.
• 📁 Terraria — exporting the world through the menu "Players" → "Cloud saves".
• 📁 Minecraft — loading the world on Realms or manually via /games/com.mojang/minecraftWorlds/.

⚠️ Attention: Transferring saves through emulators may violate the rules of some games (for example, PUBG Mobile blocks accounts when a launch is detected with BlueStacks). Check the terms of use!

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to transfer saves from Android to iOS?

Yes, but only if the game supports cross-platform synchronization via the cloud (for example, Clash of Clans via Supercell ID or Genshin Impact via MiHoYo Account). Local saves cannot be transferred due to different file systems.

Why does the game start from scratch after transfer?

Probable reasons:

1. You copied the wrong files (for example, you took OBB instead of the folder files).
2. The game has been updated and the save format has changed.
3. The new device has a different processor architecture (ARM vs x86), and the game does not recognize the files.

Solution: Check the integrity of the files and their location. Some games (for example The Room) require you to transfer all files from a folder, and not selectively.

How to transfer saves if the game is deleted from Google Play?

Methods:

• 🔹 Find the game APK on a trusted site (for example, APKMirror) and install manually.
• 🔹 Use an emulator to extract saves (if the game is in BlueStacks).
• 🔹 Contact the game community on Reddit or 4PDA —there are often guides on manual transfer.

Warning: Installing APKs from unverified sources can lead to infection of the device!

Is it possible to transfer saves without a computer?

Yes, if:

• 🔹 The game supports cloud synchronization (just log in to your account on a new device).
• 🔹 You use a file manager (for example, FX File Explorer) to copy folders over Wi-Fi (via FTP) or to the cloud (Google Drive).
• 🔹 You have an OTG cable for direct copying between phones.

For games with local saves, it is difficult to do without a PC, but it is possible with the help of applications like Send Anywhere.

What to do if the game requires root to access saves?

Options:

• 🔹 Use ADB without root:

  adb backup -f backup.ab -apk -obb com.example.game
  adb restore backup.ab

  (replace com.example.game with the game package).

• 🔹 Install custom recovery (TWRP) and make a backup through it.
• 🔹 Refer to modding communities - for popular games (for example, Minecraft) there are patches to bypass restrictions.

Important: Unlocking the bootloader and getting root resets the device to factory settings!