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Hey,
Has anyone ever looked into how the Whatsapp Backup is stored? It can be used after reinstalling the app, but not after hard resetting/flashing/etc. So it should be stored on the phone, but not the normal isolated storage of the app since I can reinstall it and use the backup then.
Is there special access necessary or could other apps also access (and modify/export) this backup? I'm asking this because I hope to find a way to make a backup that really is useful, I almost only write via whatsapp because SMS cost way more than internet here. Thanks!
why do you think whatsapp isnt useing isolated storage? shure it is, but you still cant access it - unless you have a interopt unlocked device
the reason you can restore, is that the app id stays the same.. you could try to deploy an older (uncrypted) whatsapp xap to your phone, if the app id still stays the same (and im not shure it does! actually i think it doesnt..) you would gain access... again, thats total theory! i havent tryed this, and it has propably the potential to mess up your backup...
maybe GoodDayToDie has some more info about the app-id thing.. i'll also do a quick research
tfBullet said:
why do you think whatsapp isnt useing isolated storage? shure it is, but you still cant access it - unless you have a interopt unlocked device
the reason you can restore, is that the app id stays the same.. you could try to deploy an older (uncrypted) whatsapp xap to your phone, if the app id still stays the same (and im not shure it does! actually i think it doesnt..) you would gain access... again, thats total theory! i havent tryed this, and it has propably the potential to mess up your backup...
maybe GoodDayToDie has some more info about the app-id thing.. i'll also do a quick research
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the reply! I din't know files in the isolated storage keep being there after you uninstall the app..
I tried deploying an old Version (1.4) of Whatsapp and it replaced the current one, so it should use the same app id. I didn't find anything in the isolated storage, but the backup is still there when I reinstall it from the store. I'll try launching the deployed app first now.
have you checked out the IsolatedStorageSettings?
Let me have a quick look where this thing is on my harddrive... when i find it, i'll be able to tell you where / how it saves the backup
tfBullet said:
have you checked out the IsolatedStorageSettings?
Let me have a quick look where this thing is on my harddrive... when i find it, i'll be able to tell you where / how it saves the backup
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, I have no real clue how to do that, the only thing I can is deploying apps and watching their isolated storage thanks!!
they used "messages.sdf" & "contacts.sdf" before, but then at some version they started to migrate this files into a database.. not shure where it gets stored, or if you can access it with simply browsing the IsoStoreage... ill make a quick test project to test out how or if we could access it..
EDIT: actually i was talking **** the .sdf files are already databases, and the data still resides there... and forgot to mention: even if you couldn't see the database files, you should see the user-picture thumbnails that reside in "cphotos/" + some-sha1-hashed-userinfo...
IsoStore is cleared when an app is uninstalled. So far as I know, this is instant, as part of the app removal process, although I suppose I haven't actually checked that. However, apps can (and many do) implement a backup situation to cover this use case by using a unique identifier that survives a re-install. There are several places such IDs can come from. Since the one you have survives app installs but *not* OS reflashing (even though you presumably sign on with the same Live ID afterward), I'm guessing it's a value that uniquely identifies your OS install and is randomly generated the first time the OS boots. Re-flashing counts as a new install, I guess.
I'd have to investigate further to be sure. There could be other mechanics at play, such as the OS keeping the data around for a short time in case you re-install the app, or the app storing its data in some other (off-phone) location. It's not storing it in some special folder within the phone, though; there's nowhere else it could!
Backup history with Whatapp on Android. Then check the backup file on:
/sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases/msgstore.db.crypt
Or
/data/data/com.whatsapp/databases/msgstore.db and wa.db (root)
Coweri said:
Backup history with Whatapp on Android. Then check the backup file on:
/sdcard/WhatsApp/Databases/msgstore.db.crypt
Or
/data/data/com.whatsapp/databases/msgstore.db and wa.db (root)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Sorry, but this is Windows Phone, not android..
@GoodDayToDie so, there is no simple way like deploying an app with the same ID and trying to access the backup with it?
Since the data would have been deleted when the old app was removed (and since you can't sideload an app with the same Product ID as an existing Store app), no, that won't work (well, it didn't in WP7; I guess you could try again here; some things are somewhat less secure now than before).
th0mas96 said:
GoodDayToDie so, there is no simple way like deploying an app with the same ID and trying to access the backup with it?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Wait for a interop-unlock... thats the way to go in this case.
Until then, you can send your conversations to yourself by mail (option form the context menue)
GoodDayToDie said:
IsoStore is cleared when an app is uninstalled. So far as I know, this is instant, as part of the app removal process, although I suppose I haven't actually checked that. However, apps can (and many do) implement a backup situation to cover this use case by using a unique identifier that survives a re-install. There are several places such IDs can come from. Since the one you have survives app installs but *not* OS reflashing (even though you presumably sign on with the same Live ID afterward), I'm guessing it's a value that uniquely identifies your OS install and is randomly generated the first time the OS boots. Re-flashing counts as a new install, I guess.
I'd have to investigate further to be sure. There could be other mechanics at play, such as the OS keeping the data around for a short time in case you re-install the app, or the app storing its data in some other (off-phone) location. It's not storing it in some special folder within the phone, though; there's nowhere else it could!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
GoodDayToDie, any news about this Whatsapp backup feature in Windows Phone? Is it possible to utilize this feature as an "ordinary" developer?
I would have to reverse engineer the app to see how its backup feature works. The most likely explanation - that it's storing the backup "in the cloud" using the device ID (which resets when you do a hard reset, I think) - is easily possible for any app so long as you provide the storage space...
GoodDayToDie said:
I would have to reverse engineer the app to see how its backup feature works. The most likely explanation - that it's storing the backup "in the cloud" using the device ID (which resets when you do a hard reset, I think) - is easily possible for any app so long as you provide the storage space...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
That could be an explanation. But then the Whatsapp developers could easily offer a full backup, as on other platforms, linked to the phone number or something. Then you could restore the messages even after a phone exchange. But who knows what's in their heads ...
GoodDayToDie said:
I would have to reverse engineer the app to see how its backup feature works. The most likely explanation - that it's storing the backup "in the cloud" using the device ID (which resets when you do a hard reset, I think) - is easily possible for any app so long as you provide the storage space...
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Nope, it doesn't seem to be online.. it backups pretty big chats extremely fast with 2 bars of GPRS, so it can't be via internet.. it even backups without connection at all. That's the weird thing.. how are apps even allowed to store files that keep being there after an uninstall?
There are a couple really sneaky ways you could do that; one that comes to mind is creating a fake "image" or "ringtone" or similar, serializing the data to it, and then looking for it the "first" time the app is run after installing. However, I'm definitely more curious now. There are folders which apps can request permissions to write to, but usually that's a trick limited to "second-party" apps (OEMs, etc.) and prohibited for third parties.
I've already looked into the code, as far as i can tell there is no online backup feature. it just stores the conversations in a database.
And to answer yout question schluff: no there is absolutley no way the usual developera to utilize this.
btw: @GoodDayToDie could you provide us the newest WhatsApp XAP (2.11.312.0)?
When I get the chance to extract it of my computer, yeah. It's really hard to get full FS access working these days, so I'm looking into other ways to access the install folders and storage of other Apps.
here you go
edit: I've changed nothing, so it's the whole install folder in this zip file
Thanks for the extraction! Obviously, I can't do anything with it
However, if anyone is interested in this too, in the following versions it seems to backup to the SD card, at least @Nazwzil8 reported so at twitter: https://twitter.com/Nawzil8/status/410486248156172288 he reported a lot about whatsapp, he seems a legit beta tester.
Hi,
I like to know if there's a way to back up the phone without root, if something went wrong, like errors and so. By backup I mean back up all the settings, wallpapers, themes, like the backup we can make with recovery.
Thank you for the help.
soilentgreen said:
Hi,
I like to know if there's a way to back up the phone without root, if something went wrong, like errors and so. By backup I mean back up all the settings, wallpapers, themes, like the backup we can make with recovery.
Thank you for the help.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yeah comes with samsung backup.
Nick216ohio said:
Yeah comes with samsung backup.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
And this is the only way?
soilentgreen said:
And this is the only way?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
There is but this seems like the best so far. This is coming from a person who was die hard titanium backup fan. Actually surprised how well it works.
Nick216ohio said:
There is but this seems like the best so far. This is coming from a person who was die hard titanium backup fan. Actually surprised how well it works.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Can you share the second best backup?
Thank you.
Also, what is the best order to use Google restore and / or Samsung restore? I used the Samsung cloud Backup for a restore and was rather disappointed ?
So, what is best practice to prepare for a hard reset and restore? I do it this way:
- make backups in all apps that support it, like nova launcher prime, nine email and so on
- do a Samsung Backup
After hard reset, I follow the process and restore when offered, Google and Samsung. However, afaics, no app data is coming back.
Am I holding it wrong? ?
soilentgreen said:
Can you share the second best backup?
Thank you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
The 2nd options being other apps from play store. I haven't tried those on this phone. If you're rooted definitely titanium backup.
corwin_amber said:
Also, what is the best order to use Google restore and / or Samsung restore? I used the Samsung cloud Backup for a restore and was rather disappointed ?
So, what is best practice to prepare for a hard reset and restore? I do it this way:
- make backups in all apps that support it, like nova launcher prime, nine email and so on
- do a Samsung Backup
After hard reset, I follow the process and restore when offered, Google and Samsung. However, afaics, no app data is coming back.
Am I holding it wrong? ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What disappointed you? No app data coming back is normal. Just like when you do a titanium backup restore. It's adviced to restore with no app data. Because when you do tend to get a lot of issues. Your just getting apps back.
Nick216ohio said:
The 2nd options being other apps from play store. I haven't tried those on this phone. If you're rooted definitely titanium backup.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I'm not rooted and looking apps from play store.
I would appreciate it if someone could recommend good apps.
Good topic .
For some reason my restoring process is always messed up when I use the Samsung smart switch. Since it restores via smartswitch and then Google restores also.
Moving forward should one have Google back restore enabled and also use smartswitch as well or is it safe to assume smartswitch on its own is adequate?
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
@Nick216ohio Ok, I see. I am just comparing to iOS and even Windows phone / mobile restore. iOS / iCloud restore is brilliant, WP / WM restore depended on App support.
What is the situation like with Android, can apps support app data restore via Google restore?
This whole topic is a little unclear to me, is there a resource where it is explained?
Thanks ?
corwin_amber said:
@Nick216ohio Ok, I see. I am just comparing to iOS and even Windows phone / mobile restore. iOS / iCloud restore is brilliant, WP / WM restore depended on App support.
What is the situation like with Android, can apps support app data restore via Google restore?
This whole topic is a little unclear to me, is there a resource where it is explained?
Thanks ?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You can restore data, but like I said before causes issues. Like force closes, apps not working right, etc. Wish we could restore data without issues. Just google and you will get clear answer. I am to lazy to explain. Apple does some things better and same with android. They both got +/- overall.
But here's some good news for all of us>
http://www.androidpolice.com/2017/1...ow-restore-backed-data-initial-setup-process/
corwin_amber said:
@Nick216ohio Ok, I see. I am just comparing to iOS and even Windows phone / mobile restore. iOS / iCloud restore is brilliant, WP / WM restore depended on App support.
What is the situation like with Android, can apps support app data restore via Google restore?
This whole topic is a little unclear to me, is there a resource where it is explained?
Thanks [emoji847]
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Apple backup and restore is eons ahead of Android backup and restore.
I'm an Android fanboi BTW.
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
I rooted last week and so tried to prepare as much as I could for the factory reset step. I don't use Google or Samsung backup for apps, I prefer things local to me (I am too used to TiBu coming from a rooted Note 3).
I backed up the apps that allow an export of setting/content as previously mentioned in this thread (so like Nine email, Signal Messenger etc), I also used Helium backup which stated it backed up most of my apps & data and then I copied all of internal SD to an external one.
I was disappointed with Helium, it restored all apps and data "successfully" however it didn't actually appear to have done anything. After some googling I manually installed the apps it backed up and then proceeded to restore the data...this actually works for some of the apps but I was left with quite a lot that it did not. I ended up cutting my losses and starting fresh with those apps.
I am now rooted and back onto TiBu which is fine until I need to change to a phone that isn't rooted. I have limited experience with anything Apple but from the sounds of it they do a pretty good job at restoring apps and data but I wouldn't be able to cope with how tight the control is on their devices (which is one element that I expect helps with having a more reliable backup solution).
kaos_king said:
I rooted last week and so tried to prepare as much as I could for the factory reset step. I don't use Google or Samsung backup for apps, I prefer things local to me (I am too used to TiBu coming from a rooted Note 3).
I backed up the apps that allow an export of setting/content as previously mentioned in this thread (so like Nine email, Signal Messenger etc), I also used Helium backup which stated it backed up most of my apps & data and then I copied all of internal SD to an external one.
I was disappointed with Helium, it restored all apps and data "successfully" however it didn't actually appear to have done anything. After some googling I manually installed the apps it backed up and then proceeded to restore the data...this actually works for some of the apps but I was left with quite a lot that it did not. I ended up cutting my losses and starting fresh with those apps.
I am now rooted and back onto TiBu which is fine until I need to change to a phone that isn't rooted. I have limited experience with anything Apple but from the sounds of it they do a pretty good job at restoring apps and data but I wouldn't be able to cope with how tight the control is on their devices (which is one element that I expect helps with having a more reliable backup solution).
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
This story reminds me a bit of my own.
I'm an Apple AND Android user and just recently got a lot more into using both for the given areas where they excel...
Well, fun fact is that I'm considering going with a Note 9 when it launches and I want to try my luck in staying unrooted there, certainly staying on stock ROM (because I would like to use the SPen to its full extent and many things that Samsung does incorporate into their ROM attract me... Please don't shoot. )
Either way, upon researching backing up Android rooted or not rooted I found out it's an absolute crap shoot on this side of the fence and it'd be incredibly hilarious if it wasn't so sad.
I also doubt Google has any big incentive to fix it, they'd much rather fix cloud backups gluing you to their ecosystem. Pulling a good old Apple. :silly:
The fact is, as far as I found out, please correct me if I'm wrong, the issue is mostly that app developers must flag their apps as allowing to be backed up/not flag it's disallowed. (I read that not setting the flag is treated like a default no, but that's up to the version of the ROM/base Android, this may differ. I do not know)
Apparently, plenty enough apps use that liberty and whilst there is such a flag in iOS as well it's limited to stuff like login credentials afaik.
The general problem here I think is that the history of personal computers and smartphones is not only diagonally aligned chronologically, but also many technologies in smartphones matured as they had become a mass medium for practically the - excuse the blunt wording - dumbest of users. That and the general philosophy of SMART phones (read: it does a lot, but it's easy, it does things for you) and the approachability aspect.
My personal opinion is that this whole mess complicated backups needlessly and could be solved, but I don't want to get overly technical right now at 10pm.
Glassed Silver said:
This story reminds me a bit of my own.
I'm an Apple AND Android user and just recently got a lot more into using both for the given areas where they excel...
Well, fun fact is that I'm considering going with a Note 9 when it launches and I want to try my luck in staying unrooted there, certainly staying on stock ROM (because I would like to use the SPen to its full extent and many things that Samsung does incorporate into their ROM attract me... Please don't shoot. )
Either way, upon researching backing up Android rooted or not rooted I found out it's an absolute crap shoot on this side of the fence and it'd be incredibly hilarious if it wasn't so sad.
I also doubt Google has any big incentive to fix it, they'd much rather fix cloud backups gluing you to their ecosystem. Pulling a good old Apple. :silly:
The fact is, as far as I found out, please correct me if I'm wrong, the issue is mostly that app developers must flag their apps as allowing to be backed up/not flag it's disallowed. (I read that not setting the flag is treated like a default no, but that's up to the version of the ROM/base Android, this may differ. I do not know)
Apparently, plenty enough apps use that liberty and whilst there is such a flag in iOS as well it's limited to stuff like login credentials afaik.
The general problem here I think is that the history of personal computers and smartphones is not only diagonally aligned chronologically, but also many technologies in smartphones matured as they had become a mass medium for practically the - excuse the blunt wording - dumbest of users. That and the general philosophy of SMART phones (read: it does a lot, but it's easy, it does things for you) and the approachability aspect.
My personal opinion is that this whole mess complicated backups needlessly and could be solved, but I don't want to get overly technical right now at 22pm.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Yep , just thank God for smartswitch. Before that it was even worse!
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
there could be possibly another way, try the cloning apps, like App Cloner, they modify apps before cloning them, and one option is to make the app store its data outside the system directories, in the internal storage, thus your able to save the apps data easily, but i have not fully tired and there are other limitations and enabling too many clone options = random crashes and bugs.
it depends on how important app data backup is for you.
limitations are, every time app updates versions, you must reclone if you need the updates, apps may not work properly.
there are heaps of cool tweaks you can do and i always clone apps that i know I won't need to update much.
Limeybastard said:
Yep , just thank God for smartswitch. Before that it was even worse!
Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Worse? Didn't Kies backup apps at all?
Also, is Smart Switch at least better than any other solution that isn't Titanium Backup? I guess another way to wird this question is:
How is Smart Switch different than other solutions? (also, does it use adb or is it proprietary Samsung technology because Samsung customized the ROM to begin with)
COULD it become better?
I'm really interested in getting the next Note phone, but damn having to root just to get proper backups irks me.
Afaik Samsung doesn't like to service rooted devices, pulling an Apple here, but that may be wrong or outdated info?
Also you apparently lose Knox/Secure Folder?
Does rooting on Samsung's flagships require a custom kernel like you need with Sony's Xperia (currently rocking an Xperia X and the rooting procedure is a joke)
sonhy said:
there could be possibly another way, try the cloning apps, like App Cloner, they modify apps before cloning them, and one option is to make the app store its data outside the system directories, in the internal storage, thus your able to save the apps data easily, but i have not fully tired and there are other limitations and enabling too many clone options = random crashes and bugs.
it depends on how important app data backup is for you.
limitations are, every time app updates versions, you must reclone if you need the updates, apps may not work properly.
there are heaps of cool tweaks you can do and i always clone apps that i know I won't need to update much.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Way too much fussing about.
Guess the ball is in Samsung's court, but they seem to agree with the stance that a developer should be able to disallow me to rule against my freedom to do with my personal data as I please. Boo...
I hope this is the correct section for this discussion, sorry if not.
So I am used to rooting my devices and was unhappy to find out the US Galaxy devices have a locked bootloader. That said, what is everyone using as an alternative to Titanum backup/restore application? Samsung Switch, ADB process, etc.?
I've used My Backup, it's serviceable given that we don't have root. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rerware.android.MyBackup
johnnyutah22 said:
I've used My Backup, it's serviceable given that we don't have root. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.rerware.android.MyBackup
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Will take a look at this one, thank you!
On a side note, do you know if there are any developers actively working on a way to unlock the "U" variant bootloaders? Would like to support anyone who is. I am just happy there is Adhell 3 for us non-rooted folks and having the ability to disable bloatware or completely remove by flashing U1 which I have. Hate all that carrier crap installed. Missing the freedom I had with my OnePlus.
kendzlic said:
Will take a look at this one, thank you!
On a side note, do you know if there are any developers actively working on a way to unlock the "U" variant bootloaders? Would like to support anyone who is. I am just happy there is Adhell 3 for us non-rooted folks and having the ability to disable bloatware or completely remove by flashing U1 which I have. Hate all that carrier crap installed. Missing the freedom I had with my OnePlus.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Unfortunately no. The US variants have been locked down pretty tight since the S7. There have been some limited work arounds like Safe Strap and one time when someone released an engineering key or something. They have also incorporated another level of security according to the developer of Magisk.
johnnyutah22 said:
Unfortunately no. The US variants have been locked down pretty tight since the S7. There have been some limited work arounds like Safe Strap and one time when someone released an engineering key or something. They have also incorporated another level of security according to the developer of Magisk.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Disappointing for sure. I followed John Wu closely over the last few weeks and saw that extra layer of security as well. While I like Samsung devices this may be my last one. I'm part of the crowd that believes a phone we purchase should be "our" phone to do with it as we please. Ah well, lesson learned. Appreciate the response.
Any way to backup app data without root?
destz0r said:
Any way to backup app data without root?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Based on my own research, I don't believe so.
15 alternative tinatium backup alternative.tips/titanium-backup-alternatives-7905
Helium is able to backup (some) app data without root.
No real alternatives to Titanium backup really. Google is to blame to not provide a backup option for Android.
SMS backup and restore is all you can use to backup messages and then Google backup to backup apps. Samsung Smart switch is another option to move apps(without data) between devices.
kendzlic said:
I hope this is the correct section for this discussion, sorry if not.
So I am used to rooting my devices and was unhappy to find out the US Galaxy devices have a locked bootloader. That said, what is everyone using as an alternative to Titanum backup/restore application? Samsung Switch, ADB process, etc.?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You might wanna try "Swift Backup". Includes phone calls, messages, and apps :good:
I haven't used this, but under accounts, Samsung account there are some backup and restore settings. It says that it would backup apps and their settings.
May be try this.
Helium is for non rooted devices.
Swift backup will not restore app with their data. So it's waste for non root devices.
Titanium Backup (root needed) - Apps on Google Play
EXTREMELY powerful tool. Backup ALL apps, Market links, remove bloatware & MORE!
play.google.com
[APP][8.0+] [OPEN SOURCE] [ROOT] Neo Backup - Apps and data backup tool for Android.
Neo Backup (formerly OAndBackupX) is a fork of the famous OAndBackup with the aim to bring OAndBackup to 202X and part of Neo Applications suite. For now the app is already fully rewritten, coming up would be making it robust and adding some...
forum.xda-developers.com
Swift Backup - Apps on Google Play
A simple, fast and smart backup solution for Android smartphones
play.google.com
Alpha Backup - Apps on Google Play
The most powerful backup & application management tool for android devices.
play.google.com
DO NOT use Titanium Backup even if you have root. I used to use it, but it's lost all support and hasn't been updated in a long while. It will say it backed things up, but it won't work. It doesn't support multi-part apk's which are very common now, anything with a multi-part apk will be screwed. I had a pro version too, kinda sucks.
I tried a lot of others and ended up going with SwiftBackup, it's worked really well and will sync cloud backups.
phazei said:
DO NOT use Titanium Backup even if you have root. I used to use it, but it's lost all support and hasn't been updated in a long while. It will say it backed things up, but it won't work. It doesn't support multi-part apk's which are very common now, anything with a multi-part apk will be screwed. I had a pro version too, kinda sucks.
I tried a lot of others and ended up going with SwiftBackup, it's worked really well and will sync cloud backups.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
What does it matter?
TITANIUM BACKUP IS WORKING PERFECTLY IF YOU WANT TO BACKUP DATA OR APK (not splitted).
Titanium Backup lost support for apks (splitted apk) but ALL REST IS WORKING PERFECTLY.
I AM USING TITANIUM BACKUP ON ALL ANDROID VERSIONS, I AM ON ANDROID 11 RIGHT NOW AND I CAN BACKUP AND RESTORE EVERYTHING I WANT USING TITANIUM BACKUP.
VD171 said:
What does it matter?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Because it doesn't inform you if something is a split APK, it just says it backs up but when you try to restore, it fails. No way to know which APK's are split or not. So you'd have to test restore every single app one at a time to figure it out. If you batch restore and one split APK is in the middle, it will freeze and won't be able to go past it, and you won't know which it was, so you'll need to test one at a time. I used TI for years and this problem royally F'd me when it happened. It hasn't been updated since 2019, the DEV is MIA, so it's not worth bothering with even. SwiftBackup does almost everything TI could. TI had some cool advanced features, but it's now unreliable so shouldn't be trusted with backups.
phazei said:
Because it doesn't inform you if something is a split APK, it just says it backs up but when you try to restore, it fails. No way to know which APK's are split or not. So you'd have to test restore every single app one at a time to figure it out. If you batch restore and one split APK is in the middle, it will freeze and won't be able to go past it, and you won't know which it was, so you'll need to test one at a time. I used TI for years and this problem royally F'd me when it happened. It hasn't been updated since 2019, the DEV is MIA, so it's not worth bothering with even. SwiftBackup does almost everything TI could. TI had some cool advanced features, but it's now unreliable so shouldn't be trusted with backups.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
As I said, Titanium Backup keeps making its work well on Android 11 and can be totally trusted.
I am tired of partial backups. I can't seem to find a proper way to keep everything, including application configures, saved user profiles, wifi passwords etc. For example, when Backup, I typically have WhatApps's apps (dual apps) in there. Upon restore, the apps are not configured, I have to go through the motion again to reconfigure.
Is there a best method to backup that will restore everything, or as much as possible? I don't mind using USB, SD card or a cloud SaaS solution. I want something reliable. If all I have to re-enter are my bank/credit cards and finger prints, it's fine.
Thanks,
P.S: And to change the CSC on the SM-N960F with OXM firmware, do I reset with, or without the SIM? In a dual sim, does it need just 1 sim (keep the second slot empty) or it will configure based on the first sim? I kept doing this with both SIM card slots used. Ii wonder if this is one of the issue. I keep getting EGY when I want to try ILO and SEB instead. If anyone is on either and can tell me their experience, it would be appreciated.
lbarouf said:
I am tired of partial backups. I can't seem to find a proper way to keep everything, including application configures, saved user profiles, wifi passwords etc. For example, when Backup, I typically have WhatApps's apps (dual apps) in there. Upon restore, the apps are not configured, I have to go through the motion again to reconfigure.
Is there a best method to backup that will restore everything, or as much as possible? I don't mind using USB, SD card or a cloud SaaS solution. I want something reliable. If all I have to re-enter are my bank/credit cards and finger prints, it's fine.
Thanks,
P.S: And to change the CSC on the SM-N960F with OXM firmware, do I reset with, or without the SIM? In a dual sim, does it need just 1 sim (keep the second slot empty) or it will configure based on the first sim? I kept doing this with both SIM card slots used. Ii wonder if this is one of the issue. I keep getting EGY when I want to try ILO and SEB instead. If anyone is on either and can tell me their experience, it would be appreciated.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
root
titanium backup
google account restore
profit.
for csc flash corrponding csc.md5
after you can either manualy switch csc by editing a few files( search and forum and learn) or use an app like samsung info + and use the csc menu to switch
edit
samsung switch i think you can point to an sd card and dump the backup there.
bober10113 said:
root
titanium backup
google account restore
profit.
for csc flash corrponding csc.md5
after you can either manualy switch csc by editing a few files( search and forum and learn) or use an app like samsung info + and use the csc menu to switch
edit
samsung switch i think you can point to an sd card and dump the backup there.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks. Is root required for full backup? I'd like to keep not root if possible.
Smart Switch on Mac did not help in that sense. Local copy on disk, but still had to reconfigure everything. I felt like it was useless. Unless the PC version is more powerful?!?
Thanks for the CSC tip, I will research that.
lbarouf said:
Thanks. Is root required for full backup? I'd like to keep not root if possible.
Smart Switch on Mac did not help in that sense. Local copy on disk, but still had to reconfigure everything. I felt like it was useless. Unless the PC version is more powerful?!?
Thanks for the CSC tip, I will research that.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
no no not smart switch to backup to a computer # smart switch to backup locally
bober10113 said:
no no not smart switch to backup to a computer # smart switch to backup locally
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Oh,. thanks for the clarification. So to SD should save more information then? that's it, I'm ordering the darn 512GB sd card then and give it a try.
lbarouf said:
Oh,. thanks for the clarification. So to SD should save more information then? that's it, I'm ordering the darn 512GB sd card then and give it a try.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
well the ultimate solution would be root + titanium backup.
that for sure will save all personal data.
the smart switch to storage, am not 100% sure if personalized data would be saved( app + configs/passwords etc...). maybe you should try with any random sd card first.( not sure but internal storage might work but if you wipe clean your phone then local data might be lost where as external sd card data and backups won't)
but i do know that desktop layout,wallpaper, wifi ssids, keyboard data etc is saved for sure. there is also samsung cloud backup. not 100% sure if the backed up data is any different then the option i suggest to save to SD using smartswitch
edit
https://www.samsung.com/hk_en/support/mobile-devices/backup-your-data/
as stated in that link, depending of the app, its personalized data/config might or might not be backed up.
bober10113 said:
well the ultimate solution would be root + titanium backup.
that for sure will save all personal data.
the smart switch to storage, am not 100% sure if personalized data would be saved( app + configs/passwords etc...). maybe you should try with any random sd card first.( not sure but internal storage might work but if you wipe clean your phone then local data might be lost where as external sd card data and backups won't)
but i do know that desktop layout,wallpaper, wifi ssids, keyboard data etc is saved for sure. there is also samsung cloud backup. not 100% sure if the backed up data is any different then the option i suggest to save to SD using smartswitch
edit
https://www.samsung.com/hk_en/support/mobile-devices/backup-your-data/
as stated in that link, depending of the app, its personalized data/config might or might not be backed up.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Argh. Which I get, just don't like the fact. I like how Apple on a backup, copies all data, except fingerprints, but not the apps. All you re-download are apps. I wished Samsung did similar. I will try the SD card method and compare. Any time saved is appreciated.
Cheers!
Ibarouf mentioned entering credit/ bank card details, seems to me he wishes to use Samsung Pay or Google Pay.
My advice would be stay well away from root.
Any advice to go down a path that requires root should also advise very clearly that this will permanently trip Knox security and hence break Samsung Pay, Google Pay and most banking applications
paul_59 said:
Ibarouf mentioned entering credit/ bank card details, seems to me he wishes to use Samsung Pay or Google Pay.
My advice would be stay well away from root.
Any advice to go down a path that requires root should also advise very clearly that this will permanently trip Knox security and hence break Samsung Pay, Google Pay and most banking applications
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
yeah root and samsung pay don't play well together. i believe google pay can work with magisk hide though.
but not sure where he stated that he was using either samsung pay or even Google pay though.
bober10113 said:
yeah root and samsung pay don't play well together. i believe google pay can work with magisk hide though.
but not sure where he stated that he was using either samsung pay or even Google pay though.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
You are correct, he didn't explicitly state he was using these apps, I assumed his reference to bank card details implied using banking apps or Samsung Pay, etc.
I am sometimes a little pedantic, OP may have been aware of downside to Root or how magisk can hide root for some apps, I just wanted to emphasise that tripping Knox by rooting is irreversible.
No problem with anyone rooting if the benefits outweigh the irreversible effect of tripping Knox and conseqential lack of some function that may be necessary
paul_59 said:
Ibarouf mentioned entering credit/ bank card details, seems to me he wishes to use Samsung Pay or Google Pay.
My advice would be stay well away from root.
Any advice to go down a path that requires root should also advise very clearly that this will permanently trip Knox security and hence break Samsung Pay, Google Pay and most banking applications
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Correct, I would wish so, if possible. I prefer not to root if possible.
paul_59 said:
You are correct, he didn't explicitly state he was using these apps, I assumed his reference to bank card details implied using banking apps or Samsung Pay, etc.
I am sometimes a little pedantic, OP may have been aware of downside to Root or how magisk can hide root for some apps, I just wanted to emphasise that tripping Knox by rooting is irreversible.
No problem with anyone rooting if the benefits outweigh the irreversible effect of tripping Knox and conseqential lack of some function that may be necessary
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
My bank app allows me to make contactless payments as well, a la google pay, and another bank allows use of google pay as well. When knox is tripped, the app won't even install. So no google pay, but also, no bank details info other than the browser. But what I really had in mind, was no root for all those pain.
Thanks!
update
So, for those interested to whom it may help.
Here's the results of those suggestions.
I saw no difference in terms of data backed up using Samsung's backup to cloud, or to SD card. The things not backed up such as WhatsApp are identified early on, and apply to both of those methods.
Ad indicated, only root access software would create a more complete back-up a-la-Apple.
Reseting the device with a single device yielded the desired results. For example, I got SEB, SEB/SEB,EGY with a single sim card, matching the SEB CSC. Same when I redid with ILO.
I hate the whole concept of CSCs and the impact it has. I switch between a total of 7 SIMs. I don't the same headaches with my iPhone (A2104, true dual SIM). I would need to flash my phone to get LTE vs 4G with certain SIMs. If Apple could do the something like DeX, I would have ditched Samsung a long time ago. Maybe with Android Q, I will be able to find something better with dual sims, OnePlus?
Anyhow, happy enough for now with my Note 9. Able to have 1TB of storage AND dual sim, would make me happier. But for now I keep looking at alternatives to ditch Samsung even if In the meantime I use it.
While I get I'm a fringe use case.... if I don't have to jump through hoops with another vendor, why on earth should I stay with them?
thanks to everyone who chimed in.
lbarouf said:
So, for those interested to whom it may help.
Here's the results of those suggestions.
I saw no difference in terms of data backed up using Samsung's backup to cloud, or to SD card. The things not backed up such as WhatsApp are identified early on, and apply to both of those methods.
Ad indicated, only root access software would create a more complete back-up a-la-Apple.
Reseting the device with a single device yielded the desired results. For example, I got SEB, SEB/SEB,EGY with a single sim card, matching the SEB CSC. Same when I redid with ILO.
I hate the whole concept of CSCs and the impact it has. I switch between a total of 7 SIMs. I don't the same headaches with my iPhone (A2104, true dual SIM). I would need to flash my phone to get LTE vs 4G with certain SIMs. If Apple could do the something like DeX, I would have ditched Samsung a long time ago. Maybe with Android Q, I will be able to find something better with dual sims, OnePlus?
Anyhow, happy enough for now with my Note 9. Able to have 1TB of storage AND dual sim, would make me happier. But for now I keep looking at alternatives to ditch Samsung even if In the meantime I use it.
While I get I'm a fringe use case.... if I don't have to jump through hoops with another vendor, why on earth should I stay with them?
thanks to everyone who chimed in.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
if you ever want to root, you can use csc changers apps to manualy apply a csc from a same regions.(if your device's csc is multi csc and of the same region of your sim cards. also note that csc only applies certain modifications like spam caller id, camera shutter sound toggle, volte, wific calling....etc. none of which are mandatory to make the phone usable. it might make the usage a bit more fun.
you can also forcefully apply a csc with flashable modifications.
not to mention full 100% backups with 2 methods:
-titanium back up
-nandroid image backup using twrp recovery( like with computer imaging software, full clone.)
i know that for the past 5 samsung phones ive had, they all have been rooted for the reasons above. plus for the added benefice of modified system and custom roms. make the phone longevity much more pleasing. at this price i want to extract as much pleasure from this device as possible. flashing a new customized rom makes it feel that i have a different phone each time i switch...its very addictive lol. do yourself a favor and go check out the development section and see the different available roms. ill posted a picture or 2 of what i currently have as modifications/custom rom..you cant say it dosent look years and years in advance if any apple phone because they release the same OS and look for the past 10 years now. i just love the black theming, even for android standards it looks nice! )
so if you are unhappy with locked stock experience, then go read up on rooting and its impact. if you evaluate that there are more benefits than Down sides, then maybe you should consider. if my phone was not rooted, your complaints with the device are 100 %understandable and i would be displeased also. but lucky you have the rootable exynos model...so you have the choice to fix your problems without to spend money on a new or different device.( but all android device have the limitations you speak of. its like apple, all apple have the same locked walled garden principles that make it very very unappealing to me. because you do not control it. apple does.. in fact you dont own the device nor the data. you buy the capacity to use the phone... apple is evil.)
bober10113 said:
if you ever want to root, you can use csc changers apps to manualy apply a csc from a same regions.(if your device's csc is multi csc and of the same region of your sim cards. also note that csc only applies certain modifications like spam caller id, camera shutter sound toggle, volte, wific calling....etc. none of which are mandatory to make the phone usable. it might make the usage a bit more fun.
you can also forcefully apply a csc with flashable modifications.
not to mention full 100% backups with 2 methods:
-titanium back up
-nandroid image backup using twrp recovery( like with computer imaging software, full clone.)
i know that for the past 5 samsung phones ive had, they all have been rooted for the reasons above. plus for the added benefice of modified system and custom roms. make the phone longevity much more pleasing. at this price i want to extract as much pleasure from this device as possible. flashing a new customized rom makes it feel that i have a different phone each time i switch...its very addictive lol. do yourself a favor and go check out the development section and see the different available roms. ill posted a picture or 2 of what i currently have as modifications/custom rom..you cant say it dosent look years and years in advance if any apple phone because they release the same OS and look for the past 10 years now. i just love the black theming, even for android standards it looks nice! )
so if you are unhappy with locked stock experience, then go read up on rooting and its impact. if you evaluate that there are more benefits than Down sides, then maybe you should consider. if my phone was not rooted, your complaints with the device are 100 %understandable and i would be displeased also. but lucky you have the rootable exynos model...so you have the choice to fix your problems without to spend money on a new or different device.( but all android device have the limitations you speak of. its like apple, all apple have the same locked walled garden principles that make it very very unappealing to me. because you do not control it. apple does.. in fact you dont own the device nor the data. you buy the capacity to use the phone... apple is evil.)
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thanks for the suggestion. While looking at those, I found that most offered me way to customize the look and feel of the device. While it it nice, it's far from a priority for me. The Samsung themes are fine for me. The complete backup was my main pain point. While the complete backup does most of it, I still found it left much behind. What's App, TomTom Go maps, and others.
My main pain with rooting the device, is tripping Knox and everything that comes with that. I prefer the stock experience, and keep the device as such. I just wished Samsung took an approach similar to Apple on the backup front, full and encrypted local backup, and for the regionalization, something simpler as well. Apple loads carrier profiles based on the inserted SIMs. No need for different firmwares or CSC codes. Anytime you can swap a SIM and load the carrier config files. Less headaches. Carriers are pricks, doing things their way is never in the customer's benefit. Anyhow, it's interesting what you can do once rooted. I just don't have the envy nor time to modify my device constantly. It may just not be for me. Maybe 20 years ago... not anymore. Thanks nonetheless!
I have plans to go back to a locked bootloader once Android 12 is final. I have an older Pixel 2 XL and I was wondering if it would be possible to copy all apps data and settings to the older pixel then restore them back to the 5 after the bootloader relocking. I was originally going to do the adb backup to a PC but read that some apps like Google Authenticator don't backup via adb. I am trying to figure out the best way to backup prior to relocking.
Thanks!
alershka said:
I have plans to go back to a locked bootloader once Android 12 is final. I have an older Pixel 2 XL and I was wondering if it would be possible to copy all apps data and settings to the older pixel then restore them back to the 5 after the bootloader relocking. I was originally going to do the adb backup to a PC but read that some apps like Google Authenticator don't backup via adb. I am trying to figure out the best way to backup prior to relocking.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
It depends on what type of app data you're talking about. Saved games, forget it without root. Most logins will not be saved either unless you have them saved with Google login. Try it with a couple of apps and see what happens. As for Google authenticator you can install a copy on another device with the new version. Then once you wipe the P5 you can once again transfer the app and data to the P5 from the 2XL.
I would start here.
-----------------
Why Google Authenticator? Are you trying to keep everything Google, or? Pure curiosity.
When I started using 2 factor a few years back I found it (Google Auth) to be extremely limited,,, and I don't see any updates to it to make me change to it.
Limited password protection, no encrypted backups for one thing,
I don't like Authy either, which seems to be #1, sans its terrible UI (IMO) and I find their multi-device support, just a bad idea, security-wise. What it does have going for it, is a desktop app, but I actually prefer my phone, which is with me umm, 99.999999% of my life.
So, what do I suggest? 2FAS. Its 4.7 star rating is highly deserved. What I do, is use its integrated Google drive sync backup (which can be considered not great for security, so in that case, don't use it (same to be said of Authys multi-device too), but I like it and when you're logged into your Google Account, log into 2FAS and all your tokens are back, HOWEVER, here comes oh the oh sh!t moment. How exactly are you to log into your Google account without having your 2FAS code for Google, because you need to be logged into yor account to get the codes, lol. Well what I do is keep an Encrypted backup on a flash drive, and my Samsung backup drive, as you NEVER know., and it's a good habit. To make things easier however I keep 2FAS logged on my old phone, that isn't really used at all, but in a pinch it's a good method to use.
-----------------
As I don't have much of any idea on the backups, but am interested, so I wish you well. And I would do as @bobby janow suggested. You have a solid number of great apps to try for this, as well. I will firstly suggest Flar2's new AppDash App. He actually also, though I do believe I read he doesn't know much about this, but it has a wonderful backup integration built into it, and can be used without root, which will limit things, but it's a fresh new app, and he may even update based on your experiments, just a thought. Next it Titanium backup I think? I actually never used the app. And then this XAPKS App, which seems to have a backup section much like the one in AppDash, but AppDash, you will probably get much better support for. Also I've read GREAT praises for Swift backup App.
Please keep us updated on what you decide to do, as it will only help others. And, best of luck to you on this, as it's an interesting idea.
I used to do something similar with TWRP.
And a side question, either of you know if our TWRP recovery backup works?
@andybones I used TWRP so many times over the years. And Titanium backup was the teets. That would backup everything, data, passwords, apps galore. But I believe both of those require root which the OP wants to get around. I'm not sure what happened to TWRP development since I haven't rooted in years but I do kind of keep up now and again. I don't know if it still works like it used to, which means it's time for me to visit the Roms, Kernels, and recoveries forum. ;-)
Yes, Google authenticator is minimalist for sure. But it's really easy to use and does work but I will look into 2FAS, thanks for the link. I tried a few of the backup apps when I unrooted way back when and none worked well without root. But I'm sure a lot has changed. I'd be curious to see when the OP comes up with too. On a side note I really hope the P6 is not too large looking. haha. I'd so love to stick with Android. Should be soon when we know. One last thing on backup, I always do a backup of my text and phone calls with SMS backup and restore SMS even though transfer to a new device usually does the trick. But once I lost a bunch of stuff due to user error in the upgrade.
bobby janow said:
@andybones I used TWRP so many times over the years. And Titanium backup was the teets. That would backup everything, data, passwords, apps galore. But I believe both of those require root which the OP wants to get around. I'm not sure what happened to TWRP development since I haven't rooted in years but I do kind of keep up now and again. I don't know if it still works like it used to, which means it's time for me to visit the Roms, Kernels, and recoveries forum. ;-)
Yes, Google authenticator is minimalist for sure. But it's really easy to use and does work but I will look into 2FAS, thanks for the link. I tried a few of the backup apps when I unrooted way back when and none worked well without root. But I'm sure a lot has changed. I'd be curious to see when the OP comes up with too. On a side note I really hope the P6 is not too large looking. haha. I'd so love to stick with Android. Should be soon when we know. One last thing on backup, I always do a backup of my text and phone calls with SMS backup and restore SMS even though transfer to a new device usually does the trick. But once I lost a bunch of stuff due to user error in the upgrade.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
I LOVE TWRP, such an amazing recovery. I remember when first switching over to it. I always heard such raving reviews about TiBackup, I just never needed it, or maybe I found other alternatives, most likely due to habit. I think I've rooted every single device I've owned of Android since the first HTC Eris, wild ride. I think Encryption and A11 in general is causing slow downs, only guessing however, I believe A10 is rocking. There are a cpl dope ROMs for the P5, and they use a custom limited recovery from my small understanding (It's still new to me that recovery is tied to the boot.img), but also I've read the use of web flash tool, like you can with Google, which is freaking awesome! It's interesting to me to be flashing a ROM to my phone from my PC. I wonder what the fallbacks are on this method though for frozen PC or reboots, ETC.
And, thinking of it, there isn't anything wrong with a minimalist App such as Google Auth, but very welcome for the link, I hope you give 2FAS a try and interested in your thoughts.
It certainly is a different experience of Android without root. Ads & limitations. but still a good experience. It's also strange being rooted on pure stock like I am. It's a nice experience, tbh. A different one than I'm used to, but still really nice.
SMS Backup & Restore, too dope! This was an absolute must for me. I use Signal now, so I need to rely on their backup and restore, as they encrypt them. But it works well, if all goes to h#ll you usually will have a backup within the past couple of days which isn't bad.
And that P6 bro, I'm itching to hold it and see if I can be able to use it. I hope so. This is my first Pixel and I enjoy the experience.
I really miss being able to run and restore nandroids.
I guess I have used google authenticator out of convenience. I also have a Google Titan key which is my primary account recovery tool.
Bobby Janow and Andybones have learned me so much. Shout out to both of you.
michaelbsheldon said:
Bobby Janow and Andybones have learned me so much. Shout out to both of you.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Thank you so much, and you're so welcome. I know my posts can get long at times. But, the way I see it, I'd rather give MORE information in my initial posts but also hopefully answered your question(s), which will save a post of you asking for more details. This has been an annoyance at times over the years where someone may not give exact Modification naming and version causing myself or others users seeking more needed information that I feel should be standard.
If you're signed into your Google account on your phone, most of your apps and settings should be backed up there. You'll need to ensure your pictures and user data are otherwise backed up though.
Why relock?
mrsiri said:
Why relock?
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Banking.
I see. Be careful when relocking, double check if everything is correctly flashed to stock otherwise you could have big problems to unlock bootloader again if needed.
bobby janow said:
Banking.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
alershka said:
I have plans to go back to a locked bootloader once Android 12 is final. I have an older Pixel 2 XL and I was wondering if it would be possible to copy all apps data and settings to the older pixel then restore them back to the 5 after the bootloader relocking. I was originally going to do the adb backup to a PC but read that some apps like Google Authenticator don't backup via adb. I am trying to figure out the best way to backup prior to relocking.
Thanks!
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Use Titanium Backup to backup all app data. It needs root. Then just copy paste all backup files to your other phone and restore them.
mrsiri said:
I see. Be careful when relocking, double check if everything is correctly flashed to stock otherwise you could have big problems to unlock bootloader again if needed.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Totally agree. Full, unadulterated stock, latest image. Then and only then..
It looks like the final version of 12 will be out in a few weeks. I have moved all of my Authentication tokens from Google Authenticator to 2FAS. I only had seven accounts to move so it wasn't horrible. As I mentioned, I still have the Titan key as my primary 2FA for my main Google Account so I should be good to get the phone back up after the relock.
I am am on the latest beta for Android 12 and plan to do the following when the final Android 12 files are available.
Full backup of phone and sdcard using adb
Install Factory Image with Wipe
Relock bootloader
restore adb backup