Android smartphones have become an integral part of our daily lives. It’s the smartphone that we turn to, for all our needs – be it social media, emails, shopping, entertainment, or anything else. As we move towards an increasingly digital world, our dependence on our smartphones continues to grow. However, with the increasing dependence comes the risk of losing all our valuable data in case of any mishap, such as a software crash or a hardware issue.
Backing up data regularly is the best way to ensure that your data remains safe. By creating backups of your data, you can easily restore your files and settings in case something goes wrong. While there are several methods to backup data on Android, the most effective and reliable method is to do it in Recovery Mode.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
- Android smartphone or tablet
- USB cable
- Computer or laptop
- ADB and Fastboot drivers installed (Download here: https://developer.android.com/studio/releases/platform-tools)
What Requires Your Focus?
- Make sure your device is charged at least 50% before proceeding with the backup.
- Disconnect your device from your computer before entering Recovery Mode, and only connect it when instructed to do so.
- Make sure that the device is properly recognized by your computer before proceeding with the backup.
Different Methods to Backup Data in Recovery Mode on Android
Method 1: Backup Using TWRP Recovery (Custom Recovery)
TWRP (Team Win Recovery Project) is a custom recovery tool that allows you to create full backups of your Android system and install custom ROMs. TWRP Recovery is one of the most popular custom recoveries available for Android devices. Follow these steps to backup data using TWRP:
Step 1: Download and install TWRP Recovery for your specific device model. You can check https://twrp.me/Devices/ to get the TWRP recovery for your device.
Step 2: Download and install ADB and Fastboot drivers on your computer.
Step 3: Connect your Android device to your computer with a USB cable.
Step 4: Open the folder where you installed the ADB and Fastboot drivers on your computer. Right-click on an empty space inside the folder while holding down the Shift key, and select "Open PowerShell window here".
Step 5: Reboot your Android device into Recovery Mode by pressing and holding the Power button and Volume Down button simultaneously for a few seconds.
Step 6: Once in Recovery Mode, select "Backup" and choose the partitions that you want to backup.
Step 7: Swipe to confirm the backup process.
Step 8: Once the backup is complete, reboot your device by selecting "Reboot System" from the Recovery menu.
Pros:
- TWRP Recovery is easy to use and provides multiple options for backing up data.
- The backup process is quick and reliable.
Cons:
- You need to have a rooted device to install TWRP Recovery.
- If you are not familiar with installing custom recovery tools, it may cause damage to your device.
Method 2: Backup Using Stock Recovery (OEM Recovery)
Stock Recovery, also known as OEM Recovery, is the default recovery tool that comes pre-installed on most Android devices. Follow these steps to backup your data using Stock Recovery:
Step 1: Press and hold the Power button and Volume Up button simultaneously to boot into Recovery mode.
Step 2: Once in Recovery mode, select the "Backup and Restore" option.
Step 3: Choose "Backup" to start the backup process.
Step 4: Once the backup is complete, reboot your device by selecting "Reboot System Now" from the Recovery menu.
Pros:
- Most Android devices come with Stock Recovery pre-installed, so you don’t need to install any additional software.
- The backup process is simple and straightforward.
Cons:
- Stock Recovery has limited options compared to custom recovery tools like TWRP.
- The backup process may take longer to complete.
Method 3: Backup Using ADB Command Prompt
ADB (Android Debug Bridge) is a command-line tool that allows you to interact with your Android device from your computer. Follow these steps to backup data using ADB:
Step 1: Connect your Android device to your computer with a USB cable.
Step 2: Enable USB debugging on your Android device by navigating to Settings > Developer Options > USB Debugging.
Step 3: Open the ADB command prompt on your computer. To do this, open the folder where you have installed ADB and Fastboot drivers and right-click on an empty space inside the folder while holding down the Shift key. Select "Open command window here".
Step 4: Type the following command in the command prompt: adb backup -all
Step 5: Press Enter and follow the instructions on your device to confirm the backup process.
Step 6: Once the backup is complete, reboot your device.
Pros:
- ADB is a powerful tool that offers a range of features for interacting with your Android device.
- Using ADB to backup your data is quick and easy.
Cons:
- The backup process may take longer compared to custom recovery tools like TWRP.
- If you are not familiar with using command prompt, it may be confusing to use ADB.
Why Can’t I Backup Data in Recovery Mode on Android?
There could be several reasons why you are unable to backup data in Recovery mode on Android. Some of the most common reasons include:
1. Your device is not recognized by your computer
A faulty USB cable or driver issues could prevent your computer from recognizing your Android device. To fix this issue, try using a different USB cable and ensure that the ADB and Fastboot drivers are installed correctly on your computer.
2. You are not in Recovery mode
Make sure that you have properly entered Recovery mode. The button combination may vary depending on the device model.
3. You don’t have enough storage space
If you don’t have enough space on your device or external storage device to make a backup, you will not be able to complete the backup process. Make sure you have enough storage space available before proceeding with the backup process.
Implications and Recommendations
Backing up data in Recovery mode should be a routine practice for all Android users. Regularly backing up your data ensures that you don’t lose important information in case of any issues with your device. You can choose any of the above methods to backup your data, depending on your preference and device model.
5 FAQs about Backup Data in Recovery Mode on Android
Q1. Can I backup only specific data with these methods?
A1. Yes, you can choose the partitions or data that you want to backup using TWRP or Stock Recovery. Alternatively, you can create a custom backup using the ADB command prompt.
Q2. Can I restore data from a backup created using one method to another device?
A2. No, backups created using one method may not be compatible with other devices or recovery tools. It’s recommended to create a specific backup for each device.
Q3. Can I backup my data without a computer?
A3. Yes, you can backup your data on Android devices using third-party backup apps available on the Google Play store. However, the backup created using Recovery mode is more reliable and comprehensive.
Q4. How often should I backup my data?
A4. It’s recommended to backup your data at least once a week, or even more frequently if you use your device heavily.
Q5. Will backing up my data delete any data on my device?
A5. No, backups are created separately from your device’s internal storage and will not delete any data.
In Conclusion
Backing up your data regularly is essential to ensure that you don’t lose any important information. Recovery mode on Android devices is the best way to create comprehensive backups of your data, which can be used to restore your device in case of any issues. Following the above methods and recommendations will help you backup your data quickly and easily.