Back up your Google account with Takeout: complete guide, formats and methods

Backups are essential for any smartphone user. As an Android user, you know that Google Drive It stores a lot of the phone's data, but... What happens to Google data? of all your services? Anyone would think that these files won't be deleted unless you delete the account, but it never hurts to have a complete backup. migrate, audit or restore Your information. That's why we're telling you. how to create a backup of your Google account with Google Takeout and all the advanced options you should know about.

All data in a zip file

Throughout the day you generate a huge amount of data that is stored in the various Google apps: a note in Keepa date in Calendaryour activity in Fit or locations in MapsAll that information is stored in the cloud and you can export it in a controlled manner thanks to this official tool.

His name is Google Takeout, a web service that back up your Google accountIt doesn't have a dedicated app, so you'll have to use it from a computer or smartphone browser. The best part is that it's a official tool which syncs with your account once you enter your Gmail email.

Once inside, you'll see all the products that store your information: in addition to Drive, Gmail, or Google PhotosYou'll find Maps, YouTube, your account profile, or even payment methods. The idea behind backing up your phone with Google Takeout is that it also copies your data. Contactwhich also have their own section in the messaging app.

Create a compressed folder of the size you want

Select the services you want backup with Google Takeout and choose the maximum size of each file, the format and the Method of deliveryYou can receive a link by email or save the export to your cloud storage: Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive o BoxBy linking an external service, you will authorize access to a specific folder to store the export; remember that, once it reaches that destination, is no longer under Google's responsibility and becomes governed by the conditions of the chosen provider.

If you accidentally delete this backup, don't worry. In the section of Manage exports/files You can view the latest backups you've made and download them again if needed. You'll also see a history to see how long it's been since you last saved your data.

Steps to create the export with Takeout

1. Select the dataSign in and, in Google Takeout, choose the products. If you don't want to download data for a service, uncheck its box. You'll see a button for some. All data included to select specific types (for example, albums in Photos).
2. Customize your file:
   • Delivery method: link by email or add to Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive or Box (access authorization to the applications folder will be requested).
   • Type of export: unique or scheduled every two months for a year.
   • Type of file: .zip (universal) or .tgz (may require software on Windows).
   • Maximum size: 1, 2, 4, 10 or 50 GB per file; if that limit is exceeded, it is divided into several.
3. Create and download: press Create exportDepending on the volume, it may take anywhere from minutes to several days. You will receive an email with the link when it is ready.

Security and privacy notices

ImportantDownload your data it doesn't eliminate them from Google's servers. To delete your account or activity, you must use the specific deletion tools.

To protect your account, actions that are considered risky They may be delayed or unavailable. When downloading, you may be asked re-enter password and complete 2FA if you have it active.

Data in the process of being deleted (for example, items from My Activity or photos still pending deletion) are not included in the File.

Formats, opening and common problems

• FormatsYou will receive data in portable formats such as vCard for contacts, CSV/JSON for records and HTML For navigation, among other things. Files ICS for calendars and product-specific options.
• Open up exportsIt is recommended to download and view from a computer. The file archive_browser.html Within the export section, it explains formats and opening procedures.
• File divisionIf the chosen limit is exceeded, the export is split into multiple files. .tgz files may require software; avoid names with .tgz. unicode in this type.
• Expiration: the download link expires approximately in seven days and only allows five downloads per file; beyond that limit, create another export.
• If the download failsTry exporting fewer products, choosing a smaller size, or shipping to a external storage different (Drive/Dropbox/OneDrive/Box).

Where they are stored and how to share them

After completion, you will receive an email with the link to your folder or file. If you chose a cloud service, you will be directed to the destination folder Automatically created. You can share with third parties from your device or directly from your cloudbearing in mind the privacy and permits.

Advanced options and customization

The Takeout interface supports parameters To preselect products, destination, and frequency. Example URL: https://takeout.google.com/settings/takeout/custom/google_account,my_activity,fit,youtube?dest=drive&frequency=2_months. To identify values data-id For each product, open the source code from the page and look for the attribute. The possible values ​​of least include drive, dropbox, onedrive o boxDevelopers have resources on the portal of Data Portability of Google.

What is exported and specific characteristics per product

• YouTube: videos in their original format or MP4 (H.264 + AAC). If you can't find any videos, check if your channel is linked to a brand account and switch to it before exporting.
• gmail: the labels of each message are preserved in the header X-Gmail-LabelsExports are not permitted. Periodically.
• Photos and videosThe system can assign a new one timestamp to the file upon download; EXIF ​​metadata retains the original. Comments and other metadata are delivered in JSON apart.
• Google Groups: only the Owners They can download messages and subscriptions from the groups.
• Recent changesModifications made between the request and the creation of the file (such as permissions in Drive or resolved comments) may not appear.

Takeout versus enterprise backups

Takeout is ideal for portability y archivebut it does not replace a solution of continuous backup of Google Workspace. There are limitations such as the window of recuperación limited, lack of restoration immediate granular and partial protection against ransomwareUnder the model of shared responsibilityGoogle protects the infrastructure, and you protect the configuration, access, and recovery of your data. Specialized providers (for example, SaaS solutions like HYCU and other market alternatives) offer automation of copies, restoration point in time, recovery between users, support for shared drives and controls of to maximise security and your enjoyment. and compliance (MFA, encryption, ISO 27001, GDPR).

Best practices when exporting

• Protect the fileStore it in a secure place; consider encryption from storage.
• Avoid public equipmentIf you use them, save them in your personal cloud and log out.
• Drive and account deletionIf you are going to delete your account, move export to another space before.
• Export program: activates the option every two months to maintain a periodic copy.

Google Takeout lets you get a complete, portable copy of your data with fine-grained control over products, formats, and destinations, along with security warnings and advanced options for demanding users; using it regularly, and supplementing it with a professional backup solution when needed, gives you the optimal balance between portability y recuperación.