Most people would agree that it’s not a bad thing, but many users never do it unless their data is at imminent risk, and sometimes not even then. Maybe that’s because it involves a little bit of effort and patience, and sometimes doesn’t go as planned. An example—telling Google you want to restore all of your apps only to find you have to go back through your Google Play history and download them all again yourself. This is why the Nexus 5 backup and restore is important. It’s definitely necessary to, at least, occasionally ensure that your data will be preserved just in case, and absolutely needed before you make any major changes to your Nexus 5X. And it’s also worthwhile to look into the most efficient, effective, and stress-free methods to get it done. Anymore, backing up the data on your smartphone may be even more important than what’s on your PC, especially when you consider how often you use it, the odds of breaking or losing it, and the unfortunate fact that some phones get stolen. And Android Backup usually isn’t that difficult, and can mostly be automated. It’s undoubtedly worth a few moments of your time.
Method 1: Backup and Restore App Data Using Helium (Works on Unrooted Devices)
Does the thought of having to start over in your game send chills down your spine? Any app installed from the Google Play Store should be backed up by Google automatically unless you have disabled the Backup my data option in Backup and data reset. You can check this by going into Settings. But this isn’t fail-proof. And Google only looks after its own. Other third-party apps will not be backed up by Google. If you have not rooted your phone, Helium is one of the best ways to prevent data loss from happening. Backup Nexus 5 data now, before it’s too late.
Step 1: Download Helium
Install Helium on your Nexus 5X. Helium will allow you to backup app data to your PC, or even DropBox or other Nexus 5 cloud backup. Helium – App Sync and Backup
Step 2: Install and Run Helium Desktop
If you are using Google Chrome, click on the link above and add to Chrome Apps. Chrome Apps are located in the upper-left. Helium Desktop for Chrome Helium Desktop
Step 3: Setup Helium
It will suggest that you connect your phone to your computer via USB cable, which is sound advice.It will ask you if you want to sync your Google account. Press OK and provide your account information if you do.If you happen to be rooted, all you need to do is grant Helium root access.
Step 4: Check Connection
Check to ensure the connection has been established and that Helium has been enabled.
If you don’t see a green check mark, you may need to set your USB connection to PTP.Also make sure that the drivers for your device have been installed.
Step 5: Disconnect
When Helium says it’s okay, you can disconnect your 5X from your PC.Keep in mind that your Nexus will reset any changes Helium has made anytime you reboot your phone, and then you will need to connect with the Helium desktop software to repeat this process again.
Step 6: Select App(s)
Now select the app(s) you wish to backup. When you tap on the Backup button, Helium will allow you to select the location where you would like to save your files.
Step 7: Restore Data
Swipe right to go to the Restore and sync tab. Then select the storage option where your backup is saved.
Method 2: Backup Apps Data Using Titanium Backup (Works Only on Rooted Devices)
Titanium Backup in and of itself is a reason some people root. Find out why. This is a great option for Nexus 5 complete backup.
Step 1: Download and Run Titanium Backup
Check Remember and allow the app superuser privileges. There is also a paid version with more features. Titanium Backup (Free) Titanium Backup Pro (Paid)
Step 2: Click Backup/Restore
Click on the Backup/Restore tab. From there you should see a Menu button.
Step 3: Select Batch
Press the Menu button and select Batch.Note the option to backup System Data. This is not a bad idea. It will include your Bookmarks, Wi-Fi settings, etc.
Step 4: Backup All Apps
Select the Backup all user apps option.
Step 5: Click Run
Click Run and inform Titanium about the specifics of your app backup. You will be asked if you want to kill the active apps or exclude them.
Step 6:Begin Backup
Tap the green tick in the upper right to begin backup. The app will start the backup process and save your files. Depending on the number of apps you have, this could take awhile.
Method 3: Backup Contacts & Texts to PC Using Wondershare
By default, Google will sync your Contacts to the Google server automatically. You can check on this by visiting Accounts from the Settings menu. Look at your Google account and ensure that Contacts is selected, and click on the menu icon to Sync Now if necessary. If you want a backup to this backup, you could also perform a manual backup. A manual backup can be tedious, but it is also the method in which you will have the most control. This is good for music, video, and photo files, but for contacts and texts, it’s best to get some assistance from an app. If you prefer Nexus 5 desktop backup, this is a fantastic app to help you out.
Step 1: Install Wondershare MobileGo
Download the app to your computer. Wondershare MobileGo
Step 2: Run Wondershare
Step 3: Connect your Nexus to your PC
Use a USB cable.
Step 4: Backup Data
Click One-Click Backup.Uncheck any items you do not want to backup and then press Backup.Press OK to finish or Open Folder to view files.
Step 5: Restore
When it’s necessary, you can restore your data by visiting Super Toolkit, then Restore, and find your files.
Method 4: Backup Photos and Videos
If you want to transfer your photos from your Nexus 5X to your computer, all that you need is a connection via USB cable. This may seem tedious, though, compared to setting up automatic backups to Google Drive. Are you going to transfer each picture immediately when you take them? Auto Backup will. Here’s how to backup Nexus 5:
Step 1: Download Google Photos
Download and install the Google Photos app if you don’t already have it. It is available in the Play Store. Odds are, you’ve probably got it now. Google Photos
Step 2: Open App
The Photos app will go into your Google folder by default, or it could also be on your Home screen. Tap on it.
Step 3: Enable Auto Backup
Toggle on Turn on auto backup. You can arrive there by clicking on the Menu (the three vertical dots in the top-right corner) and entering Settings.
Method 5: Backup and Restore Settings
Here’s the spot where, with minimal effort, you can backup app data, Wi-Fi passwords, and preferences on Nexus 5.
Step 1: Select Backup and Reset
From Settings, select Backup and Reset. Now look for Backup my data.
Step 2: Toggle Backup my data.
This will be tied to your Google account. Using Tap & Go, you can visit the Get Your Apps and Data section you can select Restore from this Backup.
Step 3: Turn Automatically Restore On
Toggle the slider to turn Automatically Restore on. Note: While you are at it, this is also the section where you can fine tune your Google Account backups.
Method 6: Upload Music Files to Google Drive & Restore
This method will also work for documents, images, and videos. It doesn’t have to take up any space on your computer since everything is stored remotely, but you will need Internet access. You can reach these files from any computer, tablet, or smartphone. You can even give others access, on your terms.
Step 1: Install Google Drive
Google Drive
Step 2: Open Google Drive
Step 3: Add Files
Tap the circular Add icon, then Upload.
Step 4: Specify Files
Indicate which files you want to upload.
Step 5: View Files
Your files will be waiting for you in Google Drive. If you accidentally delete a file, it will go to your Trash folder until that folder is emptied or the file deleted a second time.
Conclusion
Most of these backup methods can handle more than just one thing. That being said, it is sometimes difficult to find a completely comprehensive backup method. Each can have its strengths and weaknesses. If you are looking to backup everything, Titanium Backup is probably your best bet. But it won’t work without rooting the Nexus 5X. Backups are indispensable for updates, rooting, and when you get carried away cleaning out files. Marshmallow contains a better system for backup and restoration of third-party apps than previous versions, but the apps themselves have to target API 23 (work with all of the features of the newest version of the operating system) and many do not. Developers also have to opt in, and many do not, including—Google apps. Google has merely set the stage for the new backup system, and it has not yet caught on very well (except for games), but when it does apps should automatically backup data to Google drive. Have you had to use a backup you made for your Nexus 5x? Let us know how it worked for you in the comments below. Featured Image Credit
