Before you start
- A Google account
- Wi-Fi (recommended)
- Enough Google storage (15 GB free, shared with Gmail and Photos)
What Google backs up
Android backup saves app data, call history, contacts, device settings (like Wi-Fi passwords and wallpaper) and SMS/MMS messages. Google Photos backs up photos and videos. Google Drive stores any files you upload.
WhatsApp chats use their own backup (WhatsApp > Settings > Chats > Chat backup).
Method 1 Run a manual Android backup
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Step 1: Open Backup settings
Go to Settings > Google > Backup (on some phones Settings > System > Backup; on Samsung Settings > Google > All services > Backup).
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Step 2: Turn on backup
Make sure Backup by Google One (or Google backup) is on and the right Google account is shown.
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Step 3: Tap Back up now
Tap Back up now and keep the phone on Wi-Fi until it finishes. The time of the last backup appears on the same screen.
Method 2 Back up photos and videos
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Step 1: Open Google Photos
Open Google Photos and tap your profile picture.
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Step 2: Turn on Backup
Tap Turn on backup (or Photos settings > Backup) and choose a quality: Storage saver uses less space; Original quality keeps full resolution.
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Step 3: Include other folders
Under Backup > Back up device folders, switch on folders such as WhatsApp Images, Screenshots or Downloads.
Method 3 Upload other files to Google Drive
On iPhone, the same steps work in the Drive app. To back up iPhone contacts, calendars and photos to Google, use the Google One or Google Photos apps.
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Step 1: Open Drive
Open the Google Drive app and go to the folder you want (tap + > Folder to create one).
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Step 2: Upload
Tap + > Upload and select documents, PDFs, voice recordings or other files.
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Step 3: Check they arrived
Uploads appear in the folder when complete. You can also open drive.google.com on a computer to confirm.
Troubleshooting
Back up now is greyed out or fails
Connect to Wi-Fi, plug the phone in, and check that your Google storage isn’t full. Updating Google Play services in the Play Store can also help.
Some app data isn’t backed up
App developers decide whether their app data is included. Games and messaging apps often use their own backup (sign in or link to an account).
I can’t find my backup on drive.google.com
Device backups aren’t shown as files. Check them at one.google.com > Storage > Backups, or in the Drive app under Menu > Backups.
Frequently asked questions
How do I restore the backup on a new phone?
During setup of a new Android phone, sign in with the same Google account and choose to restore from your backup. Photos appear automatically in Google Photos.
How long are backups kept?
Device backups are kept while you use the phone. If you don’t use it for 57 days, the backup may expire.
Does the backup include my passwords?
Passwords saved in Google Password Manager sync to your account separately and come back when you sign in.
Summary
Go to Settings > Google > Backup and tap Back up now, turn on Google Photos backup for pictures, and upload other files with Drive > + > Upload. Keep an eye on your Google storage so backups don’t stop.
