When replacing an old Android smartphone with a new one without first transferring save folders, game progress, completed levels and accumulated achievements may be irretrievably lost due to differences in file structure and system access rights.
In this article we will analyze in detail all available methods: from standard synchronization via data-i="31">to advanced copying of folders using Google Play Games to advanced folder copying using rootrights. You will learn which data can be transferred manually, and which are strictly tied to the device ID or developer server. Understanding these nuances will save you time and nerves when switching to a new Androidgadget.
Synchronization through cloud services and accounts
The easiest and most reliable way to save progress is to use the built-in cloud functions. Most modern games automatically prompt you to sign in to your account when you first start them. Cloud saves are stored on the developer’s or platform’s servers, which makes them independent of physical media.
To implement this method, you need to make sure that the old device is linked. This is usually done through the “Login” or “Synchronization” button in the settings of the game itself. After this, the data is uploaded to Google Play Games, Game Center or the developer’s own account (for example, Supercell ID or miHoYo account).
On a new smartphone, just install the game and log in to the same account. The system will automatically offer to download saved progress if it detects a more recent version of the data in the cloud. This method works flawlessly for most online projects and popular offline hits.
- 🎮 Check the login status
Settings → Accountsinside the game before changing the device. - ☁️ Make sure the synchronization in the application Google Play Games active in the system settings.
- 🔑 Write down the login and password for third-party developer accounts, if used.
- 📶 To download progress on a new device, you will need a stable Internet connection.
⚠️ Attention: Some games are linked to a specific device ID or Google account without the ability to transfer to another profile. Carefully read the terms of the user agreement for a specific project.
If the game offers to create a “guest” account, be sure to link it to your email or social network before deleting the application, otherwise progress will be lost forever.
Manual copying of files through the file manager
For offline games that do not support cloud synchronization, the only option is to manually copy the data files. In modern versions Android (starting from version 11), access to system folders is limited, but basic paths are still available for management.
The bulk of game data is stored in the directory /Android/data/ or /Android/obb/. Inside these folders there are subdirectories with the names of game packages (for example, com.example.game). It is these folders that contain save files, texture caches and configuration files.
To transfer data, copy the corresponding folder to your old phone, transfer it via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct or copy it to your computer, and then place it in a similar path on your new device. It is important to respect the directory structure, otherwise the game will not see the files.
| Data type | Location | Description of contents |
|---|---|---|
| Cache (OBB) | /Android/obb/ |
Heavy assets: textures, models, music |
| Data | /Android/data/ |
Settings, saving progress, logs |
| Internal memory | /Internal Storage/ |
Folders with the game name in the root memory |
| System settings | /data/data/ |
Databases (root access required) |
After copying the files, be sure to restart the device. This is necessary so that the system indexes new files and assigns them the correct access rights for the application.
Using specialized backup applications
If manually searching for folders seems too difficult to you, specialized utilities come to the rescue. Applications like Swift Backup or Neo Backup allow you to create complete backup copies of installed apps along with their data.
These tools can pack APK file applications and a folder with data into one archive. This archive can then be transferred to another phone and restored with one click. However, for full operation of such apps, extended access rights are often required.
Without rootrights, the functionality of such applications is limited: they can only save the game installation file itself, but not progress. For a complete backup of data, you must provide the utility with superuser rights or use the mode Shizuku to work via USB debugging.
⚠️ Attention: Restoring data from a backup may not work if the versions of Android on the old and new devices are critically different (for example, switching from Android 9 to Android 14).
What is Shizuku?
Shizuku is a service that allows ordinary applications to execute system commands with elevated privileges without the need to obtain root access. This is a modern and safe analogue of full access to the system.
Data transfer with root access and Titanium Backup
For users with an unlocked bootloader and received root access the transfer process becomes as flexible as possible. The legendary application Titanium Backup (or its modern analogues) allows you to freeze, delete and transfer any system data.
With root access you can copy the contents of a protected system folder /data/data/. This is where the most important files are stored: SQLite databases, preference files shared_prefs and cached logins.
The procedure is as follows: create a backup of the game in Titanium Backup, copy the backup file to a new device, install a clean version of the game there (but do not run it), and then restore the data through the app menu. The game will "think" that it was never deleted.
- 🔓 root access give full control over the file system, but will void the warranty.
- 💾 Titanium Backup backups take up less space than full copies of folders.
- ⚙️ Restoring requires that on a new the device also had superuser rights.
Having root access is the most powerful tool for transferring data, but it is fraught with security risks and complexity of setup for beginners.
Features of transfer depending on the version of Android
Starting with Android 10 and especially in Android 11/12/13, Google has implemented a "Scoped Storage" policy. This means that apps can no longer freely read any files in shared memory without user permission.
If you are trying to copy a folder from /Android/data/ on an Android 11+ device, the standard file manager may not show the contents or prevent copying. In this case, you have to use special file managers with support for new APIs or connect the phone to a PC.
On a PC, access to these folders via the MTP protocol may also be limited. The solution is to use the command line adb or provide special permissions through the "Data Access" menu in the system settings.
⚠️ Attention: Settings interfaces and file paths may change with each firmware update. Always check the current folder structure in the documentation for your OS version.
☑️ Preparing for manual transfer
Solving problems and common errors during migration
Even if all instructions are followed, users may encounter the fact that the game starts as new. This often happens due to mismatched application signatures. If you installed the game from a third-party source, and the data was taken from the version from Google Play, the system will block access to the files.
Another common problem is a version conflict. Old saves may not be compatible with the new version of the game due to changes in the database structure. In such cases, developers often provide a migration mechanism upon first launch, but it does not always work.
If all else fails, try clearing the cache of the new game before restoring the files. Sometimes residual configuration files prevent the transferred data from being read correctly.
Is it possible to transfer saves without root access to Android 13?
Yes, this is possible, but only for those games that store data in public folders or support cloud synchronization. For system folders, you will need special utilities like Shizuku or connecting to a PC via ADB.
What to do if the game requires logging into your old Google account?
You need to add the old Google account to the settings of the new phone. After logging in, games often automatically pull up the progress associated with this email.
Is it safe to use Titanium Backup on a new phone?
Use is safe for data, but requires caution. Improper restoration of system applications can lead to unstable operation of the OS. Make backups of custom games only.
Why does the game crash after copying the OBB folder?
Most likely, the files were damaged during transfer or the game version does not match. Try downloading OBB again through the game itself or check the checksum of the files.