Sony Support

Article ID : 00243159 / Last Modified : 08/02/2022Print

How to create a backup of your Xperia device

    Why are backups important?

    Routinely backing up your data is an encourageable habit. Many people only store their data on their smartphone or SD device’s internal memory. If something were to happen to your device, or you lose it, it’s unfortunate to lose precious memories or data.  A backup is also necessary if you need to send your phone in for a repair or if you’re attempting a factory data reset.

    In short: backing up your data prevents you losing data when you misplace, damage, reset or replace your phone.


    What options do I have to back up my data?

    There are several options to create a backup of your data. The following options rank from easy to complicated. The procedures might differ slightly depending on your Android version.

    1. Backing up and synchronising with a Google account.
    2. Backing up via your computer & the Xperia Companion.

     

    1. Backing up and synchronising with a Google account

    You can back up your data to the Google server and synchronise with a Google account. That way, you can easily transfer data (e.g. photos, contacts) to a new device when you sign in with your Google account. Find more details on back-ups and restoring data on the Google Support site.

    To backup and synchronise with a Google account
    1. Go to Settings.
    2. Depending on your Android version, the follow-up menu path might differ:
      1. Android 9 & above: System à Backup
         
      2. Android 8: System à Automatic backup à enable switch
         
      3. Android 5 – 6 – 7: Backup & reset à Xperia Backup & restore à tap Automatic backup.


    Then, when you add your Google Account to a new phone or after a reset, the Google account automatically puts all your previously backed up data on the phone if you follow the on-screen steps.

    For backing up photos and videos, use the separate Google Photos service:

    To back up photos and videos
    1. Download or find and tap Google Photos.
    2. Tap the menu icon then tap the Settings menu.
    3. Tap the Backup and Sync menu.
    4. Tap the switch to enable the function. Your photos and videos will be backed up automatically.


    2. Backing up via your computer & the Xperia Companion

    There are two ways to create a backup by using your computer:

    1. Use the Xperia Companion tool. This procedure applies to phones running Android 8 and lower. Phones running Android 9 or above use the automatic Google backup feature.

      >>> Download the Xperia Companion <<<
       
    2. Drag & drop: manually access the phone folders and copy the data you want to save to the hard drive of your computer/macintosh.


    Xperia Companion Back up & restore

    To backup data
    1. Open the Xperia Companion and connect your smartphone to your computer.
    2. Scroll to and click Start underneath Backup & Restore. On first use, it will take a moment to start Backup and Restore.
    3. Click Backup.
    4. Check the desired content to back up and click Next.
    5. Wait while the Sony Xperia Companion retrieves the phone file system information.
    6. Enter a backup name and click Next.
    7. Wait while the Sony PC Companion backs up your information.
    8. Click OK. If not all of the information is copied over, you will see an error message and recommended troubleshooting step.
    To restore data
    1. Open the PC Companion and connect your smartphone to your computer.
    2. Scroll to and click Start underneath Backup & Restore. On first use, it will take a moment to start Backup and Restore.
    3. Select the desired phone backup file and click Restore.
    4. Check the desired content to restore and click Next.
    5. Wait while the Sony Xperia Companion retrieves the phone file system information.
    6. Click Next to begin the restore operation.
    7. Wait while the information is being restored to the device.
    8. Follow the on-screen instructions and click OK. If not all of the information is copied over, you will see an error message and recommended troubleshooting step.


    Drag & drop

    Similar to an external hard drive, you can go into your phone’s memory and drag & drop the content folders or individual files (e.g. pictures and videos) to your PC or MAC computer.

    Windows
    1. Unlock your phone.
    2. With a USB cable, connect your phone to your computer.
    3. On your phone, tap the Charging this device via USB notification.
    4. Under Use USB for, select File Transfer.
    5. A file transfer window will open on your computer. Use it to drag files.
    6. When you’ve finished, eject your phone from Windows.
    7. Unplug the USB cable.
    MAC

    Your computer must be using Mac OS X 10.5 and up.

    1. Download and install Android File Transfer on your computer.
    2. Open Android File Transfer. The next time that you connect your phone, it will open automatically.
    3. Unlock your phone.
    4. With a USB cable, connect your phone to your computer.
    5. On your phone, tap the Charging this device via USB notification.
    6. Under Use USB for, select File Transfer.
    7. An Android File Transfer window will open on your computer. Use it to drag files.
    8. When you’ve finished, unplug the USB cable.
       

    What data is being backed up?

    1. What is being backed up, varies slightly per backup method.
    2. If you use the automatic backup function by Google, your data is encrypted by using your Google Account password. For some data, your phone’s screen lock PIN, pattern, or password is also used for encryption.
    Google Drive: Data backed up via Google Drive
    • Contacts
    • Google Calendar events and settings
    • SMS text messages (not MMS)
    • Wi-Fi networks and passwords
    • Wallpapers
    • Gmail settings
    • Apps
    • Display settings (brightness and sleep)
    • Language and input settings
    • Date and time
    • Settings and data for apps not made by Google (however, this varies by application)
    Xperia Companion: Data backed up via Xperia Companion
    • Contacts and call logs
    • Text messages
    • Calendar
    • Settings
    • Media files such as music and videos
    • Photos and images