Resetting gets rid of viruses and can be useful if you forget passwords on your phone, but you will inevitably need to recover your data later. It is much easier to recover your data if you back up your files before performing the reset, however it is still possible to do so even without a backup. You need to learn how to back up your data before a reset and how to recover your data with or without backup. To recover your data without backup, you need to root your Android, a process recommended only for advanced users. Note that rooting a phone is not without risk and may void your warranty, so always proceed with caution.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Enable backup on your device
Step 1. Go to Settings
It's the cogwheel icon on your home screen or in the app drawer.
Step 2. Tap the magnifying glass icon
You will usually find it in the upper right corner of the settings menu. It will allow you to search for menu items in the settings.
Step 3. Type Backup in the search bar
This will display the location of the save menu in the settings menu. The location of the backup menu varies from one Android device to another.
Step 4. Tap Backup
The backup options for your Android will appear on the screen.
Step 5. Enable the Backup to Google Drive option
This enables automatic backups to Google Drive. If the switch is already blue, it means that the save option is already activated.
If the backup option is enabled, the call history, contacts and device settings will be automatically backed up
Step 6. Tap Application Data
This will be the first option under active backups.
Step 7. Enable or disable automatic restore
This option will depend on your preferences. Enable it if you want your apps to save their settings and data.
Step 8. Press the back button
The back button is located in the upper left corner of the screen and allows you to return to the previous screen.
Step 9. Choose Photos & Videos
This menu allows you to configure the backup settings for your photos and videos.
Backing up photos and videos is only done over Wi-Fi, unless you enable the Use cellular data option next to Photos and Videos. This option consumes a lot of cellular data, which is why it is recommended not to activate it
Step 10. Activate the Backup and synchronization option
This will enable the backup of your photos and videos.
Step 11. Tap Back up device folders
This option can be found in Backing up and syncing photos and videos.
Step 12. Activate the backup of the listed folders
This will enable automatic saving of image folders for different applications. Common options include Instagram, Facebook Messenger, or Reddit.
Step 13. Double tap the back button
You will be redirected to the main save screen.
Step 14. Choose Back Up Now
Make sure you are still connected to Wifi.
- This will save your data to your main Google account. If you prefer, you can select another account by pressing Account under Save now then choosing one of the accounts available on your phone.
- If you're using an older version of Android, you might have a slightly different menu, but the process remains the same.
Method 2 of 3: Restore data from a backup
Step 1. Turn on your device
A reset will restore your phone to its default settings, which means you will need to configure it the way you did.
Step 2. Select your language
Use the drop-down menu under the Welcome header to select your language.
Step 3. Tap Get Started on the Welcome screen
This option is directly below the language option.
Step 4. Choose Copy Data
This option is located on the Copy apps and data page and allows you to restore your data.
Step 5. Tap the name of a WiFi network
Then type the password to connect to this network.
Step 6. Choose Backup from the cloud
This is the second option under Extract your data from.
Step 7. Enter your Google account information
Make sure this is the same account that was used on your device before resetting.
Step 8. Tap I Agree
You will not be able to continue setup if you do not agree to Google's terms of service.
Step 9. Select the most recent backup
You will find it in the list under Choose a backup.
Step 10. Choose Restore
This will restore all data from the backup.
Alternatively, you can tap the boxes to select the data you want to restore, such as apps, call history, or device settings
Step 11. Continue with the configuration process
Follow the onscreen instructions to continue setting up your phone. Your data will be restored in the background.
Method 3 of 3: Recover data without backup with MobiSaver
Step 1. Install EaseUS MobiSaver on a Windows computer
The program can be downloaded from this address. Click on the button To download then click on the installation file when the download is complete. Follow the onscreen instructions to install MobiSaver.
- It is recommended that you install the free trial version before purchasing the software, as not all data is recoverable. The free trial will allow you to preview the files that you can recover, but you will need to use the paid version to recover them. The sooner you react after resetting your phone, the more chance you have of getting your lost data back.
- There are several other recovery programs of varying quality. MobiSaver has received good feedback and is relatively easy to use. It is always recommended to exercise caution when it comes to installing and using recovery software. The general process is the same regardless of the program chosen.
Step 2. Open MobiSaver on your computer
Click on the white cross icon on a blue background. You can find it on your desktop or by clicking on the Windows start button and then typing MobiSaver.
Step 3. Root your phone
Rooting will allow MobiSaver to access the entire Android system. There are several apps you can use to root your phone, like Framaroot and Universal Androot, which can be downloaded from the internet.
-
Warning: Rooting can void your warranty and permanently damage your phone if you do it incorrectly. These steps are for advanced users only and you do so at your own risk.
Step 4. Enable USB debugging on your Android
For that, you will first need to tap the magnifying glass icon in the Settings app and search for Build Number. Once you find Build Number in Settings, tap it 7 times to enable Developer Options. Then use the magnifying glass icon to locate options for developers in settings and enable the option USB debugging under Developer options.
Step 5. Connect your Android to your PC with a USB cable
This will allow your computer to communicate with your Android.
Step 6. Click Start in MobiSaver
Your phone name will be displayed and the Start button will turn blue once your phone has been recognized.
- Let the program search for your files. The length of the process will depend on your hardware configuration and the amount of data to be recovered.
- It is recommended that you charge your phone before starting the process.
Step 7. Select file types
Among the options available, you will have contacts, messages, photos, videos, audio files and documents.
Step 8. Click on the boxes
You'll find them next to each file type. Click on it to select the file types you want to recover.
Step 9. Choose Restore
This option is at the bottom of the window.
Step 10. Select the location to save your files
It is recommended that you save them to your computer first in case there are any issues with the transfer.
The transfer process may take a while if you have a lot of files on your Android
Step 11. Transfer the files to your Android if you want
You can do this either by moving the data manually from your PC to your connected Android with a USB cable, or by uploading it to Google Drive.
