How to backup your Android phone to your computer

This article explains how to backup photos, videos and other files from Android to PC via USB connection. It also describes how to make a full backup (apps and all) on your computer using third-party software.

How to manually back up specific files on your computer

If you are concerned about the photos, videos and other files stored on your Android, transferring them to a computer via USB is the easiest backup method. Here’s how it’s done:

1. Connect your Android to your computer using its USB cable.

   
   

2. Open it settings application for System > Developer optionsthen tap USB Debugging.

   On some phones, the debug option (sometimes called Android Debugging) is below In general > Developer options.

   
   

3. Open settings > Connected devices > USBthen tap File transfer / Android Auto.

   Or, if you’ve seen a notification asking about USB options, tap it and select the file transfer option, called File transfer on some phones.

   
   

4. On your computer, you’ll see your Android device appear as an available device to browse in File Explorer, allowing you to copy files from Android to your computer.

   You’ll need to go through each folder to see what you want to move to your computer. For example, on some phones, the DCIM folder stores photos. It is available here: Internal shared storage > DCIM > Camera.

How to make a full backup of Android on a computer

If you want to have a full backup of your Android phone, a better approach is to install apps that work with just that. One of the best is Wondershare Dr.Fone, which allows you to make a full backup or restore of your Android. It also allows you to back up certain data, all without needing to root your phone.

1. Download and install Dr.Fone on your computer, and connect your phone to the computer using a USB cable.

   
   

2. Follow the steps above to enable USB debugging for the connection to work or tap Allow if you see that prompt on your phone.

   
   

3. If you see a prompt to select a phone on your computer, select it now.

   
   

4. Dr.Fone will install a companion app on your phone. Choose Allow and then turn on all file access permissions when prompted. Some phones call it a switch Allow access to manage all files.

   
   

5. choose My backup from the left column of the program on your computer, followed by Backup now to the right.

   To choose where the backup will be stored, open Backup settings.

6. If you are prompted to change the default SMS application, follow the on-screen instructions to do so. You can change it later.

   
   

7. Wait while Dr.Fone takes a full backup.

   
   

8. That’s it! The message ‘backup complete’ indicates that it is done.

   choose Open in folder to view the BAK file that stores the backup data or select View backups to view the actual content from the backup (contacts, texts, wallpaper, music, apps, etc.)

   When you need to restore a backup, select your phone from My backup program area and select Restore to device.

How to backup Android with other resources

Following are other free programs, such as Dr.Fone, that allow you to backup your Android phone and restore whenever needed.

Choosing the right app for your situation depends on whether you want to run the app on your PC or Android. It also depends on where you want to store the backups and whether you want to automate them.

• Syncios: This freeware is a full-featured program that lets you back up everything, including contacts, apps, and text messages. Works with most Android devices.
• ApowerManager: This application works more or less in the same way as these other backup tools. Choose what you want to back up, or choose everything, then choose where on your computer you want to save it all.
• Wi-Fi FTP Server: As an Android app, this solution works a little differently. It will connect your phone to your computer wirelessly via an FTP connection. It’s not that easy to use because you need an FTP client on your computer to work, but it’s a good option if you’re having trouble with these other apps that work over USB.