Before you factory-reset an Android tablet, back up its supported settings and app data through Android, use Google Photos separately for pictures and videos, confirm contacts are saved to the right Google Account, and copy important local files to Drive, a computer, or compatible external storage. Check each copy from its destination before erasing: no single backup switch guarantees that every app, file, or folder is included.
Choose the right backup for each kind of data
| Backup option | Useful for | Check before resetting |
|---|---|---|
| Google device backup | Supported settings, apps and app data, contacts, call history, and SMS/MMS | Account, Backup details, available storage, app-specific limits, and Android-version compatibility. Google says not all apps back up or restore all settings and data. Google’s backup guidance |
| Google Photos | Photos and videos, including selected device folders | Correct account, relevant folders selected, and Backup complete status. Google Photos backup guidance |
| Google Drive or manual copy | Documents, downloads, and folders you choose | Open files from the destination; standard setup transfer may omit downloads such as PDFs and media in hidden folders. Google’s Android transfer guidance |
| Samsung Smart Switch or external storage | Galaxy tablet data and an optional offline copy | Model and connector compatibility, selected categories, and whether the copied files are readable. Samsung’s backup and restore guidance and Smart Switch guidance |
How do I back up my Android tablet before a factory reset?
1. Confirm the tablet and Google Account
Note the manufacturer, model, and Android version. In Settings, check which Google Account is signed in and make sure it is the account where you want the backup and synced contacts. If the tablet is managed by a work or school, an administrator may restrict backups; work-profile, work-only, and some company-owned configurations do not use the same consumer backup flow. Google explains device-backup availability and limits.
2. Run Google device backup
- Open Settings and look for Google or Google services > Backup. Menu wording and location vary by Android version and manufacturer.
- Turn on backup if needed, then tap Back up now.
- Open Backup details and review the categories and apps shown. Google lists supported app and app data, call history, contacts, device settings, and SMS/MMS; what is available can vary. Check important apps separately because some do not back up or restore all their data.
- Check the account’s available storage. Google says a Google Account includes up to 15 GB at no charge, shared across account services; additional storage may be available through Google One. Google says a Google One backup can take up to 24 hours, so enabling backup is not proof that it has finished. See Google’s current backup details.
3. Back up photos and videos in Google Photos
- Open Google Photos and confirm that the displayed account is the intended one.
- Go to Photos settings > Backup and turn on Backup.
- Open Back up device folders and select every relevant folder, such as images saved by messaging apps. Do not assume the camera folder is the only one that matters.
- Wait until Photos reports Backup complete or otherwise shows that no items remain waiting to back up. Google’s instructions are at Back up your photos.
Google Photos backup is separate from Android device backup. Photos and videos backed up there are available in Photos after you sign in, rather than being restored as part of the other device-backup categories. Google’s device-backup guidance.
4. Verify where contacts are stored
Google Account contacts sync after you sign in to that account again. Contacts saved only on the tablet or SIM may not be included in that sync, so use the tablet’s Contacts app to move, export, or import those entries to the intended account or another safe destination. Confirm important names appear in Google Contacts under the correct account, or on another trusted device signed in to it. Google’s guidance distinguishes Google Account contacts from contacts stored elsewhere: restore contacts on Android and transfer data to a new Android device.
Recommended Free Tools
#1 Best Overall
- Dual Interface (USB 3.0 + Type-C) – Works smoothly with TV, laptop, desktop PC, Mac, gaming consoles (PS4, Xbox), tablets, iPad, and mobile phones.
- Ultra-Slim & Lightweight – Compact design (12 x 7.7 x 1.3 cm, ~150g) makes it easy to carry in your laptop bag or pocket for on-the-go use.
- Plug & Play, No Setup Needed – Instantly ready; just connect to your TV, Mac, or desktop without installing any software.
- Large Device Compatibility – Supports Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and works with both Type-C and USB 3.0 ports, covering laptops, desktops, Macs, tablets, and phones.
- Included Accessories – Comes with USB 3.0 cable + Type-C adapter for easy switching between older and newer devices.
5. Copy documents, downloads, and other local files
Review Downloads and Documents, plus messaging-app, audio, and app-specific folders. Upload selected files or folders to Google Drive, or connect the tablet to a computer and copy them. Google warns that a standard Android setup transfer may leave out downloads such as PDFs and media in hidden folders, so do not treat device-to-device transfer as a complete file backup. Google’s transfer guidance.
For a Samsung Galaxy tablet, Samsung documents Smart Switch and manual copying to a computer or external storage. Compatible models can use a USB flash drive or USB OTG storage; support depends on the model and connector. Check the selected content and open copied files from the destination. Samsung backup and restore and Samsung Smart Switch.
Rank #2
- Storage Capacity: 500 GB (gigabyte) of storage space.
- Compact Size: 2.5-inch form factor for portability.
- Multi-Platform Compatibility: Works seamlessly with PS4, Mac, phones (Andriods with USB C), and Xbox devices.
- High-Speed Data Transfer: USB 3.0/C for fast data transfer speeds.
- Sleek Design: Stylish and durable casing.
6. Verify every destination before erasing
- In Android Backup, review the status and Backup details for the intended account.
- In Google Photos, confirm the right account and folders are selected and the backup is complete.
- Check contacts in the intended Google Account, especially entries that were previously stored on the device or SIM.
- Open the cloud or external copies of important files on another device or in a browser. An item appearing online does not provide an offline copy if you need one.
Only after these checks should you reset the tablet. Use the manufacturer’s instructions for the specific model and Android version; Google’s reset guidance points users to device-specific steps: Reset your Android device to factory settings.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Will photos, contacts, and files come back after a reset?
Photos and videos backed up with Google Photos should be available in Photos when you sign in to the same Google Account. Supported device-backup data is restored during setup, while Google Account contacts sync after sign-in. Files you copied to Drive, a computer, or external storage remain at that destination; local files not copied elsewhere are erased by the reset. Google describes backup and restore.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Rank #3
- Capacity Display Variance: 1TB external ssd often appears as around 931GB on Windows. MacOS can show full 1 TB capacity. This is binary calculation difference and doesn’t affect SSD hard drive actual physical storage
- 1050 MB/s Speed: Instantly access to your files with blazing-fast 10Gbps external SSD read up to 1050MB/s and write up to 1000MB/s. LED Light indicates USB SSD instant activity
- Data Security: Solid state drives S.M.A.R.T. health diagnostics and adaptive TRIM optimizing data block management ensures consistent write speeds and extends the longevity of the portable SSD
- USB-C & USB-A Cable: Both cables featuring rapid USB 3.2 Gen2, this USB SSD effortlessly bridges devices, enabling seamless cross-platform file transfers and backup between computers, smartphones, tablets and iPhone
- Always Fast: No slowdowns for large file transfers. With SLC caching (25% of current available capacity allocated as high-speed cache), this external SSD delivers steady 10Gbps for transfers within the cache capacity
Restoration happens during device setup and can take time; Google says backup or restore may take up to 24 hours. Some restore flows require the old device’s screen lock. A backup made on a newer Android version cannot be restored to a device running an older Android version, and behavior varies by device and Android version. Do not assume every app will return to its previous state. Google’s restore guidance.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Capacity Reminder: Display capacity of 512GB SSD often appears as around 465GB on Windows. MacOS typically shows full 512GB. This display capacity reduction of 7% to 10% from SSD actual capacity is from algorithms differences in which 1GB is interpreted as 1024MB on Windows and 1000MB on SSDs
- 550MB/s: Instantly access to your files with blazing 6Gbps external ssd speed up to 550MB/s. LED Light indicates portable ssd instant activity (Actual speed depends on drive capacity, host device, OS and application)
- Data Security: Master external solid state drives health with S.M.A.R.T. monitoring. TRIM technology ensures consistent write speeds and extends the longevity of the portable SSD
- USB C+A : Both USB-C cable and USB-A adapter featuring rapid USB 3.2 Gen2, this USB SSD effortlessly bridges devices, enabling seamless cross-platform file transfers between computers, smartphones, tablets and Phones
- Always Fast: No slowdowns during large file transfers. This external ssd remains steady 6Gbps by using high speed SLC caching (25%of the current available capacity is allocated for high speed cache)
Rank #4
- 【MFi Certified Multi-function Flash Drive】This flash drive is MFi certified, high quality and excellent performance, allowing you to store your data more securely without worrying about data loss. Made of high quality metal material and advanced chip technology, it has excellent dustproof, drop-proof and anti-magnetic performance. The flash drive has a 128GB capacity, easily free up space on your device.
- 【128GB 3-in-1 Lightweight and Compact Memory Stick】The flash drive has USB/Lightning/Type C interfaces, compatible with iOS devices with iOS12.1 and above / OTG Android phones / PC with Win7 and above / MAC devices with MAC10.6 and above, convenient for data transfer between different devices. It is also lightweight and compact, easy to carry around and keep your data at your fingertips. Accompanied by a uniquely designed keychain, the product is more convenient for you to carry.
- 【One Click Backup, One Click Sharing】You can easily backup photos, videos, and phonebook to your phone with just one click via the APP, freeing up space on your mobile device without using a data cable or iCloud. You can also share photos/videos/files from the flash drive directly to social media (Facebook, etc.) for easy sharing with family and friends. (Tips: iOS devices need to download the "U-Disk" APP when using flash drive; Android and PC devices do not need to download APP)
- 【Automatic Storage, On-the-Go Playback】All photos and videos captured by the in-app camera are automatically saved to U-Disk albums in real time and stored in a folder for easy editing and searching. Store your favorite movies and music on the flash drive, you can enjoy the stored movies or music anytime and anywhere when you are traveling or on a business trip.
- 【High Speed Transfer, Data Encryption】This flash drive has high read/write speed, so you can enjoy the convenience of fast backup and save time. The flash drive uses stable APP software, you can choose to turn on Touch ID/Passcode to encrypt the whole flash drive, or you can choose to encrypt specific files to protect your data, so you can enjoy a more convenient and secure file storage experience.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
