Question Full backup before unlock bootloader without root?

[stile1987]

Is there a way that I can do a full backup of all apps (including work profile) prior to unlocking the bootloader and the subsiquent factory reset?

I've done an ADB backup, but from what I've been reading it likely did not backup all apps.
Some of the apps that I've looked at are:

• Helium - mixed reviews, does not look to backup all apps
• G Cloud Backup - seems to not backup apps
• Super Backup - requires root

I have no issue paying for a way to get a full device backup, but the options seem limited without root

 

[westhaking]

Sorry. Not possible without root. You can do apps but not apps and data.

 

[stile1987]

Sorry. Not possible without root. You can do apps but not apps and data.

Damn I had a feeling that would be the case

 

[roirraW "edor" ehT]

Just to add to what @westhaking said, Google Cloud backup is useful, it does backup a "list" of the apps you have installed from the Play Store, and will offer to re-install those when you start fresh, and the apps from the Play Store that utilize Google's backup feature will have their data backed up and restored as well. More and more apps appear to support that, but definitely not all, and possibly not even most, so you can blame those app developers for not implementing that.

But yeah, no other choice is available. I've tried the non-root/ADB backup apps/method and it just doesn't backup app data that I experienced, even though they lead you to believe they do. Or perhaps it just doesn't restore the data.

Secure apps like for banking, of course, can't have their data backed up without root, and I normally don't restore app data for those either since I believe some or all banking apps won't work correctly with restored data, but I could be wrong.

 

[NippleSauce]

Just to add to what @westhaking said, Google Cloud backup is useful, it does backup a "list" of the apps you have installed from the Play Store, and will offer to re-install those when you start fresh, and the apps from the Play Store that utilize Google's backup feature will have their data backed up and restored as well.
...
But yeah, no other choice is available. I've tried the non-root/ADB backup apps/method and it just doesn't backup app data that I experienced, even though they lead you to believe they do. Or perhaps it just doesn't restore the data.

Secure apps like for banking, of course, can't have their data backed up without root, and I normally don't restore app data for those either since I believe some or all banking apps won't work correctly with restored data, but I could be wrong.

You are correct here. I recently started using the Google One backup feature and it makes manually wiping, updating and restoring the data to my phone with each and every A13 beta release a complete breeze (especially since new variants of those updates have been popping up every other week recently as A13's official release is getting very close).

I was surprised by that specific backup feature backing up more of my app's data than I had anticipated. It didn't backup the app data for things that store the data on a separate user account (or contain said user accounts). Some examples would be eBay, Outlook, Chase Bank, etc. But luckily, for eBay, I just click "Logon with Google" and it logs me right in and is back to how it was previously. Outlook requires me to manually attach my email accounts again - which I imagine is due to potential privacy concerns in case there was a data breach and your Google account was hacked or something. Other apps - such as banking apps - I figure don't backup the credentials as it could pose a huge risk. But, the weird thing here was that Venmo actually took a full data backup and had logged me back in automatically once the app was restored...

So long story short, the Google One backup feature does quite well and seems to backup more app data than I had anticipated. And the best part is that it doesn't require an unlocked bootloader or root! I believe that it does, however, require you to pay for an annual Google One subscription (depending on how much space you have available on your Google account's Google Drive).

*Edit* - To comment on what @roirraW "edor" ehT mentioned regarding the possibility of restoring app data for banking apps possibly causing them to not work correctly; this is true for some apps (even if they are not banking apps). But, I have only noticed this causing a potential issue if you are restoring the apps and their data on a different model phone from the one that the apps and their data were backed up from. The first time that I had noticed this issue was when a family member had a OnePlus phone that was compatible with the Google Phone app that was listed on the Play Store for phones aside from Google's Pixel lineup. They backed up that app and its data and then restored it on their Pixel 6 Pro once I had convinced them to upgrade. In the end, they didn't get the app's Visual Voicemail feature due to the app (or its data) causing a weird mixup that prevented the Phone app from getting any of the Pixel exclusive features. This was resolved with a full wipe and reinstallation without restoring apps or data (until a new backup was taken once everything was working correctly).

*Edit 2.0* - My apologies for writing something that looks as lengthy as the second bible might be with this post...

 

[roirraW "edor" ehT]

So long story short, the Google One backup feature does quite well and seems to backup more app data than I had anticipated. And the best part is that it doesn't require an unlocked bootloader or root! I believe that it does, however, require you to pay for an annual Google One subscription (depending on how much space you have available on your Google account's Google Drive).

Interesting about Venmo! Although I do pay for Google as of late last year when I pre-ordered the P6P, I didn't use to and Google had started backing up app data way back when I was on the Pixel 1 in 2016, and restoring apps and app data was smooth and easy, so as you said, as long as you have enough space in your Google Drive, otherwise you have to pay for more for this to work.

The only thing Google has done about the restore process that I don't like is that it's sorta hidden in the first setup. You have to decline to use the cable method (which doesn't work as well IMHO) before you are made aware there's still the option to restore from Google's cloud backup.

I don't know if they've changed the backup or restore functionality any from what's available for a free Google account. I know I have a Google One app, and it shows backup status in there, or I can fine-tune (only slightly) what gets backed up automatically, but I think the app is just an optional front-end for paying members, and not necessary for free members because the backup function is built into Android.

Hopefully, they haven't made it pay-only. I think that would be foolish, as since it's using your Drive space, if anything, it just makes it more likely someone will pay for extra storage eventually.

 

[NippleSauce]

The only thing Google has done about the restore process that I don't like is that it's sorta hidden in the first setup. You have to decline to use the cable method (which doesn't work as well IMHO) before you are made aware there's still the option to restore from Google's cloud backup.

YES! This is why I have only just started using it! I bought the 200GB Drive storage package for more cloud based Photos storage! But I hadn't noticed the ability to restore from the Google Drive backups until about three weeks ago LOL!

 

[5t4rC0m1337]

Hi !

I've purchased the 200gb for Google photos like you but haven't figured out how to backup all my apps and their data.
Been searching in the Google one app and drive but didn't find the options, I'm seeing 2/3 of my apps backed up but some aren't such as my bank apps etc.. Could you share the steps on how you backed all them all please ?

Edit : I actually have the 100gb offer, might be the reason ?

Cheers !

 

[NippleSauce]

Hi !

I've purchased the 200gb for Google photos like you but haven't figured out how to backup all my apps and their data.
Been searching in the Google one app and drive but didn't find the options, I'm seeing 2/3 of my apps backed up but some aren't such as my bank apps etc.. Could you share the steps on how you backed all them all please ?

Edit : I actually have the 100gb offer, might be the reason ?

Cheers !

Sure thing - but I don't think that the banking app data can be backed up due to security concerns. The app itself should be backed up and can be restored from said backup, however, your login details will not be backed up.

On your phone, navigate to:

Settings>>System>>Backup

Then, you'll have the option to enable "Backup by Google One" with a slider. Just below that slider is an option to make an updated backup: "Back up now".

Good luck and happy 4th if you're from the US.
If you're not, then have a happy Monday =).

 

[5t4rC0m1337]

Thank you !
I'll keep using Titanium Backup along then !

Happy 4th too !

 

[roirraW "edor" ehT]

Hi !

I've purchased the 200gb for Google photos like you but haven't figured out how to backup all my apps and their data.
Been searching in the Google one app and drive but didn't find the options, I'm seeing 2/3 of my apps backed up but some aren't such as my bank apps etc.. Could you share the steps on how you backed all them all please ?

Edit : I actually have the 100gb offer, might be the reason ?

Cheers !

To clarify, Google doesn't "backup" your apps - just the list of the apps that you have installed. And then it does backup app data, but only for the apps that the developer of the app has integrated Google's method, and as @NippleSauce said, it's likely all banking apps would never integrate Google's backup solution even though it "should" be secure, banks are (understandably) really, really protective - hence why normally banking apps don't even allow screenshots.

When using Google's method to restore your backup from the cloud, it'll install every single app that came from the Play Store - banking apps included - it will only install app data for the apps that has been enabled on by the developer.

100 GB shouldn't limit your backups - that's plenty for app data. For most people, at least those who aren't entrenched deeper into the Google system, the default-free Google plan of 15 GB should be enough too.

 

[5t4rC0m1337]

Makes sense, thanks sir for the clarity !

Bests,
Kevin