yashsingh1/xdaforums huggingface dataset:
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] biRonic:
OK, I tried it, but the only thing I got was a 1KB ab file with nothing in it but about 20-30 characters.

I did some looking, and I found a place on the Android where I think the actual data of this app is stored (along with all of the other apps....so I don't think it's some kind of 'special' thing that's different about this particular app), but this process did not save that data at all.

Any ideas of what might be wrong here, or what I might try to get it to work?
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Mama70:
Adb backup doesn't also work with my Asus Infinity. Mostly it doesn't write anything, sometimes it starts creating the file but it never finishes it. So far the biggest file has been around 5Gb.

But earlier I have made working backups with my TF700. Last I could found had date 24.10. File's size was about 27Gb. I could also open file file using dd&openssl&tar. With these smaller non-working files dd&Openssl returns errors so they are not valid files.

I've tried with adb drivers 1.0.29&1.0.31. The reason must be updates from Asus. I can't remember was the working backup done with Android 4.0 or 4.1.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] cmstlist:
I think it's fair to say that it's a vestigial feature. Some vendors left it in the code but didn't actually put any effort into making sure it'd work.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] donpippo:
Can you post the full commands you use?

Thanks
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] wagnerfontes2:
Thanks copkay and ktulu029. The password problem also happened to me (a little worse than described by ktulu029, since I did not have any file at all). Inserting a password at both steps as suggested seems to have solved the problem.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] altimax98:
Please add to the OP that the device can ONLY be in MTP mode to restore. My wifes RAZR has been restoring but nothing actually restoring all day, and I couldnt figure out why. There was no error thrown, but a common message in Logcat "discarding shared data".

I switched it to MTP from Mass Storage and it appears to be working finally.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] xzyk:
ok, i just tried this on a brand new (out of the box) N4 bought through play store. I did the offered OTA update to JOP40D first. It seems to have worked but my backup file is only 10MB !!, is that about the right size for a new device ? it seems on the small side..
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Mama70:
Something like this:

dd if=mybackup.ab bs=24 skip=1 | openssl zlib -d > mybackup.tar

Works only if backup is not encrypted.

More information:

http://xdaforums.com/showthread.php?p=33345234

You can also open another dos-prompt and run 'adb logcat' to see if there's any errors when taking a backup.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] thevoiceless:
Made the backup just fine, took a little while because I inlcluded the internal storage. All ~80 (non-system) apps and ~6GB of used space resulted in a 2.8GB backup.

Now it appears to be stuck restoring RealCalc. It has been displaying "uk.co.nickfines.RealCalcPlus" for quite a while now, longer than any other application. Is it safe to interrupt the restore operation (unplug the phone or end the process at the command line)?
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] akhil7j:
I hope we can backup other phones like Galaxy SII with this method.

I have a question. May be its stupid to ask but, I have 2 Galaxy SII phones. Both are of same region. One is rooted and with custom ROM and the other is still with Stock (my wife's). I had a nandroid backup of stock OS of my rooted phone but my laptop HDD crashed and I lost everything. Can I take ADB Backup of my Wife's phone and flash it in mine? Will that effect anything? Sorry if the question is too stupid. :D
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] AAhrens:
Hi All,

I am looking for a way to back up my unrooted Nexus S with Build JZO54K on 4.1.2. Will this work? I'd like to backup all of my save games, such as angry birds, as I'm getting a Nexus 4 in about a week.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] thevoiceless:
If I had to guess, I would assume that you should not back up one phone model and restore to a different one. I don't know for sure, though.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] AAhrens:
I'm hoping to only load on some of the games, just want to restore the saves. Or my other idea is to backup, root, and then load the apps onto the rooted phone to backup the games with Angry Birds Backup etc.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] thevoiceless:
If all you're concerned with is game data, that should all be saved on the internal memory. Just copy all of the contents of /sdcard to your computer, then paste it on the other device.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] AAhrens:
So can I just copy everything over with ADB, then copy everything back once I've rooted my phone (Nexus S)? Or can I just use USB to copy everything over?

Hoping to then still be able to use software like angrybackup to backup angry birds, and reload it onto my Nexus 4, after I root it.

Just trying to get a clear answer, before I accidentally erase my data!
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] bioyuki:
I've successfully backed up my GNex using this format, but now it's failing with my N4. I'm running all the proper commands:

blah-mbp:platform-tools blah$ ./adb devices

* daemon not running. starting it now on port 5037 *

* daemon started successfully *

List of devices attached

00440ae5a156aXXX	device

blah-mbp:platform-tools blah$ ./adb backup -apk -shared -all -f /Users/blah/Desktop/Old Phones/Nexus 4/011013backup.ab

Now unlock your device and confirm the backup operation.

The phone starts the backup but when it's done, there is no .ab file outputted to that directory or anywhere else on my laptop. What am I doing wrong?
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] cmstlist:
Could the spaces in the file path be causing issues?
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] paulvern:
Does someone know how to backup with this procedure a tv stick firmware? I've rooted it, but the problem is that I can't confirm the backup operation when the stick is attached to the pc USB because there isn't any video output.

Any idea?

BTW my stick is a ITV 2502 and I've rooted it using the rooting procedure for a CX-01 stick. It worked flawlessy. It was much more difficult forcing windows 7 x64 to recognize the plugged device
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] les02jen17:
How about a full nandroid backup that can be done via adb/app that does not require root? Is there such a thing? :confused:
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] nexusnoobie:
Backed up file not showing up in the specified path

my nexus shows as "backup complete" .. But i cannot find the backup file on my PC .. Any ideas ?
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] someone755:
Helloez

I have a problem with this:

Whatever type of backup I choose, I always get this message:

Now unlock your device and confirm the backup operation.

And it stops.

Nothing new on the phone and nothing new on the PC (I do get an .ab file, but it doesn't have a size!)

I have all drivers installed, and yes, I know how adb works.

Though I'm not working with a GNex, but a Xperia S, the procedure should be the same, no?
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] ishall_07:
please help, i already done my backup of my nexus 4. When i tried to restore, type "adb restore" and confirm it, my device just reboot itself and the back to the home screen without restoring anything. Can anyone please help what's happening here? Thanks
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] zoodles:
I tried backing up my Asus TF201 with this method, but the backup contained only my applications and not any of my actual data files. So restoring the backup was no more useful than just reinstalling apps from Google's Play store. In addition, the restore operation hangs with no message. Disappointed because I have lost data thanks to this flaky backup tool.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] someone755:
and you're not the only one!

Though the backup's default is to backup /data and no apks...

Did you change the defaults? :eek:

Also, I'm begining to wonder if this only worked on the GNex while on ICS...
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] wagnerfontes2:
Also a problem with the TF201

In my case the restore starts, shows a few apps being restored and hangs.:(

Good thing i did not invest all in this new idea. I also made a traditional app backup. Did not recover everything, but a good part is back now...

If anyone knows a way out, please post!

Thanks.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] RavinduSha:
Error

I tried this

it says ./backup.ab not found

any solutions?
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] mokash34:
do not put the ".ab" after the word backup.

in that line you are telling your computer where to save the backup... when you put the ".ab", your computer looks for the file named "backup.ab"... instead of the folder "backup" on your C drive.

hope this helps
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] someone755:
I don't get a folder named backup...

I get a file backup.ab...

Hmph, it looks like TiB is back in business for me :P
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] wow!:
game save data

does it back up the save game data without backing up the internal storage(virtual sd card) so that i wont have start all over again with my progress in the games after I root. because you can't back up the internal storage(virtual sd card) on the nexus 7 when it has android 4.2.1.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] someone755:
Dude, your savegames and s**t are in the /data partition!

So, if this tool backups /data, what do you think!?
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] sk812:
problems with HTC One X

Does anyone know more about the problems with HTC One X and how to solve them?

I'm trying to restore a 7.8GB backup which I did under Android 4.04. Back then, I didn't set an encryption password, nor desktop backup password. So I tried adb restore with and without setting a desktop backup password but both doesn't work. The process starts, after unlocking my HTC one X, I'm asked for the passwords, I enter the password and then "nothing" (I let it run over night without touching anything without success).

So questions:

1) Doesn't this process work at all with the HTC One X?

2) Any chance to restore this particular backup? (Firmware has been updated to Android 4.1 in between)

3) Any chance to extract some data from this backup? I am in particular looking for data out of the notes app.

Cheers,

SK
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] someone755:
As you can obviously see from the last two pages of this thread, this thing is REALLY buggy...

If you read page 45 or 46, you'd learn that you NEED a backup plan for backup-ing...

Also, I doubt it'll work, since data from ICS could bug with JB a LOT...
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Juhler:
I can verify that this works now! In my previously attempt, I had problems with it not coming further than the first backup part. The solution to this was use the original cable I was using an aftermarket docking station, and even copying from my SDcard folder was trouble.

But after switching to the original cable, everything worked fine! A few apps was not installed, but most things was back, even game data from angry birds etc.

I can advise to login to your google account it will make things easier (I did not!!), and use an app like My BackUp to backup your SMS/MMS/Call list and whatever, and remember to copy your sdcard folder. :D

Many thanks to copkay for making this guide!
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] MSK1:
Does anyone know why carbon backup is taking 3gbs of space in my built in memory?

I have a microsd card... but have been backing up to my PC so this shouldn't have taken space on my main memory
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] cmavr8:
Has anyone tried backing up, erasing all data, flashing another ROM (Cyanogenmod :D ) and then restoring?

(of course system apps should be excluded from the backup/restore)

I'm really curious if it would work...
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] bodh:
One way to find out, but i'd think it would work. BTW, for others as well, i've seen where you must use a password to get the adb backup working properly..
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Juhler:
FYI This also works when updating from 4.1.2 yakjuxw to 4.2.2 yakju. I discarded the system apps and SD card, and it worked like a charm. :D
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] carlo67:
hi

I flashed the ParanoidAndroid 2.55cm (4.1.2):

I have Apex launcher and Titanium Backup ? root pro.I made a tb backup in cm9 . I restored all of apps and data and it went well on ParanoidAndroid 2.55cm (4.1.2):. but

I would like to know how to restore all the widgets on ParanoidAndroid 2.55cm with Apex launcher home screens ?
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] ztkx:
in my nexus 4, the process of restore was always no response when try to restore gnu octave, i can't skip it.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Megadoug13:
okay so i have an htc one x at&t with the 3.18.5 update. currently no root. seems impossible, is there maybe a way that we can make a back up and then edit it to add root privileges?
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] someone755:
You can root without unlocking the bootloader or S-OFF-ing... Get root and TiB Pro, it has been said a thousand times; do not rely on this.

Why would you even need a backup if you don't plan on flashing things?

Anyways, just forget this exists, it'll only cause you trouble...
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Trekeyus:
the best use for this is syncing up levles on apps like world of goo etc so you dont lose progress between devices. just do a adb backup -f worldofgoo.bak com.twodboy.worldofgoofull on your device you mades a lot of pregess on and a adb restore worldofgoo.bak on the other and presto both are synced up.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] CrotaNexus:
Fantastic!!!! Many Thanks!!!!
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] ibjelot:
Unable to open

Trouble...

I have created a adb backup. But when i try to restore i get a error.

adb: unable to open file C:\Android\backup\backupj.ab

The command i use:

C:\Android>adb restore C:\Android\backup\backupj.ab

Usb debugging is on, adb recognises my phone. What am i doing wrong??

--edit--

Fixed by putting the backup back on the phone and restore it through Titaniumbackup

still got no clue on what i did wrong.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] ADmember:
Hi. new here. thx for the detailed guide. im not sure what wrong, but when i reach the page where we need to put password for the backup, i cant press the "backup my data" option. Been trying for many time, with and without password. still the same. what do u guys think the problem is?

*okay, tried backing up in safe mode, and it worked. now sitll waiting for it to finish :)
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] JZ SmartMort:
Your question is more of an app/launcher specific question rather than generic. It all depends on the launcher and in your case Apex has a few backup features in their menu that work pretty well but sadly they restore things that may no longer be on the device so you'll have shortcuts to apps that were not restored and widgets that no longer load successfully. Moral of the story try the backup my settings wizard in Apex.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] MSK1:
Carbon or helium as its called now works well enough.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] SandBacon:
Do this

I had all of your problems people.

Set desktop password in Settings-->Developer

do it

adb backup -apk -all -system -f C:\myBac.ab

wait

UNplug it

It was zero kb, than when its done and I unplug it goes past 1GB

(I also had to uninstall sync manager; it broke adb server)
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] looppingz:
How can I perform a backup with the phone being in fastboot or recovery mode? I have no confirmation screen this way...
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] MondoMor:
It backs things up well, but restored only one sixth of what it backed up for some reason. Thanks to this thread, I knew I could use adb restore to restore the rest by hand. Tedious, but it worked.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] someone755:
The command is 'adb backup', so you'll need adb, which can only be ran if you're inside android. (Not really, but for this command, you need to be booted up.)
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] looppingz:
Does it mean that I can fully erase the phone because there is no way to recover?
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] brilldoctor:
I backed up my asus TF300T using adb (user apps + data). I have just tried to restore it, however it is sticking on the first app (adobe reader) and there seems to be no backup activity in logcat. Any ideas???
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] someone755:
[MENTION=5192636]looppingz[/MENTION]: Yeah, something like that. If you can flash a recovery, you can still back up the data...

[MENTION=2816724]brilldoctor[/MENTION]: Question 1: are you on the same Android version (and/or Asus SW update)? I've seen it happen on HTC phones, the phone we backed up was on ICS, but when restoring the data, we got it back with an updated version of HTC's software, but still ICS.

Question 2: are you sure the backup you made is okay? Not broken, half-written, etc. Check its' size.

And if you have root, you can (or at least in the past you could) restore the backup.ab with Titanium...
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] looppingz:
I have been able to flash a recovery to flash 4.2.2 and 4.3 (I could have been there directly) then add a recovery again. No data loss.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Xwang76:
Hi to all,

I would like to know if it is possible to backup all the applications, settings and user data using a linux pc.

I've already installed the android development kit with the adb driver, but I wonder if the adb backup command is enough to backup all the contents of my device (an asus memopd me301t with jelly bean 4.1.1).

Thank you,

Xwang
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] someone755:
AFAIK, settings and user data of system apps isn't saved unless you tell ADB to do it (in which case the backup might take hours).

And yes, all you need is working ADB and drivers. If you can adb push/pull, it'll work. But the process isn't really stable and might stop halfway. Don't use this as your only backup option!
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Xwang76:
Which options of adb backup should I use to obtain a full backup?
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] someone755:
See adb help and figure it out... Or just read the OP.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Xwang76:
What is OP?
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] someone755:
... the first post...
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Xwang76:
As far as I've understood the following command

adb backup -all -apk -system -shared

should backup all the apps and their data (settings) and their apk files.

Moreover the -shared sould backup all the content of the device's shared storage / SD card contents, but at it is said in the OP it is not guarantee that it backups all the contents of the internal storage. In fact in the OP it is suggested to manually backup music, pictures, video, and other internal storage items manually.

Now I would like to know if it is possible to create a script that using adb can completely backup the device.

Xwang
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] someone755:
Nope. What you see is what you get. Though a script shouldn't be that hard to write...

ADB backup is unstable, that's why you're being told to use an alternative backup method.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Pkt_Lnt:
Look at this post, I think it is what you are asking, though I have not used it yet and might be mistaken.

http://xdaforums.com/showpost.php?p=37722970&postcount=0
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] CrazyPeter:
Just incase anyone else has problems with the phone rebooting during restore, I came across a bug in Android 4.3

My phone always rebooted during restore, resulting in only some of my content being there, trying multiple restores, and restores in safe mode did not help.

In the end, I took a look at the logcat, and it was failing on restoring a livewallpaper. I installed the LiveWallpaper that was on the machine when I took the original backup, and then the restore worked correctly.

+Thanks if this helps you out of a hole :)
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] myeg84:
how to restore

how to restore :cowboy:
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] someone755:
Adb restore, perhaps? Or scroll through adb help.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] FreyrNjord:
Hello

Starting a few days ago, my Galaxy Nexus with the stock, unrooted 4.2.1 keeps waking up. Maybe some updated app caused this, but I don't know where to look.

This could be the opportunity to finally move to CyanogenMod, but before trying the Windows Install that just came out, I need to understand how to go back to the current setup in case things don't work out.

I see a lot of infos on the net, but as of November 2013, what is the recommended solution to fully back up a 4.2.1 Android phone, and restore it to its original state (system + apps + data)?

Thank you.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] cmavr8:
I'd say NAND backup is the easiest. It's done through a custom recovery... (that you have to install anyways)
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] FreyrNjord:
Thanks for the tip. I'm not sure what a "custom recovery" is, and whether it'll get me back to the official Android system as provided by Samsung/my cellphone provider, but I'll give it a go.

----

Edit: There are three columns. I don't know what to pick: "ROMs", "Download Recovery", "Download Touch Recovery"
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] cmavr8:
Sorry for not providing a lot of info but I have very limited time.

So, when trying to install CM (cyanogenmod), one of the first steps you have to do is install custom recovery (yes, the link you provided is correct). So, just after you install it, but BEFORE actually installing CM, you can backup your system to the SD card. Then take that file out (on your computer) and keep it. If you later need to go back to the original firmware you can do it by restoring the backup from within the recovery.

The "problem" is that the recovery will remain even after restoring, so you'll have to "flash the default recovery" somehow, which I don't know if it's possible/easy for your device.

Look here for your phone's instructions.

http://wiki.cyanogenmod.org/w/Main_Page
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] ReCreate:
Hmm. Why is this in the Galaxy Nexus section? It should be noted that this works with all 4.x devices.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Bashar .:
does "adb backup -apk -shared -all -f /path/to/file" still doesn't do SMSes or photos?
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] someone755:
ADB backs up your /data partition.

So, your apps.

SMS and call logs can be backed up with various apps (just search for SMS backup on GPlay, there's a hundred hits). Photos are your internal (read: media) storage. You back your own stuff up, that's the safest way to do it, but ADB does have a feature to back up your media storage (though it's highly unreliable, so I wouldn't recommend it).

Imho, ADB backup as a whole is unreliable; use whatever else you can get your hands on, but avoid ADB backup.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] :
What else would you suggest then for backing up everything of your phone?

Because I don't want to loose all my stuff, as there is already too much to not concern about it...
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] someone755:
For apps, I'd recommend TiB, if you're rooted. If not, the next best thing would be a backup with a recovery. The last resort for app backups is adb, but its failed me 8 out of 10 times by now, so calling it secure isn't telling the truth...

In my experience, the smaller the backup, the more reliable it is (so, if you must use adb, only back up your /data apps, no system or /media data).

For SD backup... Umm, just take an USB cable and back it up? With a PC?

For SMS and stuff, there are apps.

For system data (logins for the email app etc.), there's no save afaik. You'll just have to input that data again.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] Djmattox08:
No photos or sms
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] bogdan2011:
What's the command and parameters for adb to backup (and restore) the /data partition?
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] dorqus:
Check here, very good guide:

http://developer.android.com/tools/help/adb.html
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] someone755:
Or just type adb help into EVERWHERE.

The CMD or Google, anything would do.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] nunein:
It appears that ADB backups are not very reliable (could depend on your Smartphone, PC, ...) and are taking hours (from what people are reporting).

But why don't you give it a try? If it's possible for you to compare both phones you will be able to find out whether all data/apps were saved and restored successfully.

As far as I know the only fast and reliable methods (Nandroid & TB) that are available require rooted phones.
[Samsung Galaxy Nexus] sinkot:
Nexus 5

Does this work with nexus 5? I want to unlock bootloader and install custom kernel. What can I lose after this backup?