Creating a backup

If you lose your device or it gets damaged, you naturally don't want to lose your saved files. Creating a backup allows you to save important data such as photos, contacts, apps, settings, and WhatsApp messages. This way, you can restore them later on a new or reset Android phone. Here's how to back up your files on an Android phone.

Back up apps, contacts, and settings

1. Open the Settings app on your Android phone.
2. Tap "Google".
3. Tap "Backup". Depending on your device, you may also find this option under "Backup and restore".
4. Enable backup or tap "Back up now" to create a backup immediately.

Back up photos and videos

1. Open the Google Photos app.
2. Tap your profile picture or initial in the top-right corner.
3. Tap "Google Photos settings" or "Photos settings".
4. Tap "Backup".
5. Enable backup to automatically back up your photos and videos.
6. If necessary, check whether you also want to back up your device folders.

Back up WhatsApp messages

1. Open WhatsApp.
2. Tap the three dots in the top-right corner.
3. Tap "Settings".
4. Tap "Chats".
5. Tap "Chat backup".
6. Tap "Back up" to create a new backup.

Restore a backup on your device

Would you like to restore your data after a factory reset or on a new Android phone? Turn on your phone and follow the setup instructions on the screen. Sign in with the same Google account you used to create the backup. If you've enabled two-step verification, you'll also need to enter the correct verification code.

Once you've signed in, you can select which backup you'd like to restore. The steps may vary slightly depending on your smartphone and Android version. Depending on the amount of data and your internet connection, the restoration process may take some time.