One of the recommendations that should always be taken into account regarding the data that is kept on a mobile device is to keep it safe. And the best way to do this is to do a backup your Android so that, in case of loss or breakage of the device you have, it is always possible to recover them without great effort. And Google offers everything you need for it.
In this article I will indicate what has to be done so that, using tools from the Mountain View company, you can achieve this in a simple way and without costing you absolutely nothing - since all the applications or configurations that I will explain do not cost absolutely nothing-. Thus, "two birds with one stone" are killed. By the way, they will be three sections that I will try when making a backup of your Android: data, configuration and multimedia.
How to save your data
The option here is to use the service Drive, which offers storage space in the cloud and, therefore, the files that you store here will not be lost no matter how much your Android breaks. In addition, the costs of the service are not high at all, so increasing the free 15 GB does not involve a great effort (100 "gigs" is two dollars a month).
Unfortunately, there is no automatic way to upload files to Drive to back up your Android, which is not necessarily a bad thing. Thus, you will have to use the large "+" button on the application interface to store the desired files, doing this manually. The case is that the option is there and the operation is really optimal since the service integrates seamlessly with others such as Gmail.
Tip: If you want the system to automatically back up device data (apps, SMS, call history, and settings), enable the backup with Google One From Settings > Google > Backup and tap on Create backup nowThis backup may take up to 24 hours to complete and requires a Google account with available storage space.
Privacy and Encryption: The copies are uploaded to Google and the data is They encrypt in transit and on the serversSome content (such as app data and settings) is end-to-end encrypted using the PIN, pattern or password from your lock screen. Always use a secure lock instead of just swiping or Smart Lock.
Terminal configuration and data
On the phone itself, in the Settings, there is a section to make a backup copy of your Android (in terms of its settings and installed applications). This is built into the operating system, so nothing additional needs to be installed. In addition, the process, once the necessary configuration has been established, it is automated so you won't have to repeat it any more.
Once inside the Settings, look for the section called Backup and reset. Now activate the option called Copy my data and, just below, you can indicate the Gmail account to use. Even if you activate Automatic Restore, you will leave the application settings as you have them on your phone or tablet.
What's included in Google One: App data and settings, SMS (not carrier MMS), call history, some device settings And, if you choose, photos and videos via Google Photos. You can change the copy account in Settings > Google > Backup > Account storage.
System conditions: Automatic backup is created when the device is inactiveYou're connected and it's been hours since your last use. If you don't use a device for an extended period, Google may delete inactive copy (This does not affect photos and videos stored in Google Photos.) You can disable backups at any time from the same menu.
Your photos safe
Here, as it cannot be otherwise, the option is Google Photos. And, the great advantage of this development is that it offers unlimited space as long as it is allowed to work independently in relation to the size of the images. Therefore, keeping your photos and videos safe is something that does not report any cost - and it is also very simple. An excellent way to make a backup of your Android, at least in relation to the multimedia section.
Important update: Currently, the photos and videos you upload to Google Photos consume the quota from your Google account. You can choose between Original quality or a way of storage savings which reduces weight while maintaining good quality. Configure charging only via Wi-Fi if you want to save mobile data.
In addition, you can automate the uploading of files from the terminal to the cloud, which is where everything is saved (including that it is only when it is connected to a WiFi network when this is done). To achieve this you must access the Settings and enter the section Create backup and sync.
Device folders: In Google Photos you can include or exclude local folders (For example, WhatsApp, Screenshots, or Downloads). From Photos > Device Folders, enable the ones you want to upload automatically.
Restoration and transfer to a new device
During initial setup On a new Android device or after a reset, sign in with the same Google account and the assistant will offer you restore from your backupSometimes the process It can take hours to complete the download of apps and data; leave the phone connected to WiFi and the power supply.
Compatibility: If the backup comes from a device with a newer operating system version, it might not be fully restoreable on a device with an older version. Keep both devices. updated to avoid incidents.
Managing copies on the computer: Access Google One from your browser, go to the Backup section, and review what data is included on each device. This is useful for check space and clean up copies of terminals you no longer use.
WhatsApp and Google Drive: In WhatsApp > Settings > Chats > Chat backup, you can link your Google account to save your chats to Drive. Keep in mind that uses up space from your account, and if you include videos, the backup will be greater.
Good practices and system limitations
Use secure lock (PIN, pattern unlock or password). Some parts of the backup are encrypted with your unlock method, and without it, the copy won't be uploaded for security reasons. Avoid relying solely on "Swipe" or unlock options without verification.
Work profiles and managed devices: If your Android device is configured exclusively with a work profile or belongs to the company, it may is not allowed Create personal copies in Google. Check your organization's policy.
Disposal and expiration: If you disable the copy function, you can delete the copies Existing data from the device in Google One. In addition, after prolonged periods of device inactivity, Google deletes the backup associated with the inactive device (photos in Google Photos are retained).
What is supported and what is not: The system prioritizes app data, preferences, and key content. Some temporary files, caches, or excessively large items are removed. are not includedThe apps can be downloaded from the Play Store, and your data will be restored if the developer allows it.
With these Google tools, you can keep your documents in Drive, your settings safe with a device backup, and your entire photo gallery protected in Photos. By enabling screen lock encryption, carefully choosing which folders to upload, and occasionally checking the status in Google One, you can ensure your documents are protected. recovery of your information In case of loss, replacement or damage to the mobile phone, it will be quick and uncomplicated.
