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Before installing a Galaxy software update, make a fresh backup and verify that it finishes. Samsung offers several routes—Samsung Cloud, Google Drive, and Smart Switch to a computer or SD card—but no single route is guaranteed to save every item. Available features and menu labels vary by device, software version, country, and carrier.
Choose the backup route that fits your data
Use the comparison below to decide where to save a copy and how you would restore it. OneDrive is useful for synchronizing supported files, but Samsung’s overview describes synchronization rather than a complete device backup.
| Method | Best fit | Important limits | Restore route |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Cloud | Supported Galaxy settings and device data, with cloud restore from Settings. | Coverage varies by model, software version, country, and carrier. Samsung Canada says files larger than 1 GB cannot be backed up. | Settings > Accounts and backup > Samsung Cloud > Restore data. |
| Google Drive backup | A Google-account-based device backup. | Uses Google Account storage. Samsung says the backup is deleted after 57 consecutive days of device non-use, except items backed up to Google Photos. A backup made on a newer Android version cannot be restored to an older one. | During initial device setup. |
| Smart Switch to a PC or SD card | A local backup or a device-transfer workflow. | Requires a suitable computer or SD card and compatible connection. Some content is restricted by device or operating system; DRM-protected content cannot transfer. | Use Smart Switch and select the PC or SD-card backup. |
| OneDrive synchronization | Supported files you already sync with OneDrive. | Synchronization is not a complete device restore backup. | Sign in to OneDrive and access the synced files. |
Samsung’s official guides describe these options and their varying coverage in its overview of Galaxy backup and restore methods.
Prepare the phone and accounts
- Connect to Wi-Fi where practical and make sure the phone has enough battery for the backup and update steps. Samsung recommends Wi-Fi for Samsung Cloud backup and restore because mobile-data charges may apply.
- Confirm you know the Samsung or Google account credentials used on the phone; you may need them to access a cloud backup.
- Use Settings search for “Accounts and backup” or the service name if the menu path below differs on your Galaxy.
- Run a manual backup and wait for its completion before beginning the update. Do not assume an earlier automatic backup is current.
A software update does not necessarily erase personal data; a backup is a precaution, not evidence that an update requires a factory reset.
#1 Best Overall
- USB-C STORAGE ON THE GO: This sleek drive is supported by Samsung NAND flash and is incredibly compact to fit in the palm of your hand; Count on reliable performance and fast transfer speeds while staying compact
- PERFORMANCE WITH SPEED: No need to choose between performance and reliability; Experience a fast, powerful flash drive that transfers 4GB files in just 11 seconds with up to 400MB/s USB 3.2 Gen 1 read speeds and is backward compatible with USB 3.0/2.0
- MODERN MEETS ICONIC: The ultra-sleek USB-C drive looks as good as it performs; Featuring a reversible plug, the Type-C inserts into your devices seamlessly every time; Transfer large files with style and ease
- ALWAYS CONNECTED: USB-C is compatible across devices, including laptops, tablets, phones and cameras, with enough space for 63,730 photos or maximum 12 hours of 4K video; With up to 256GB of storage space, this pocket-sized thumb drive comes in handy wherever you go
- TOUGH & TRUSTED: Files stay secure, no matter the terrain; Samsung's flash memory technology makes the Type-C a trustworthy drive to store your valuable data; It's waterproof, shock-proof, magnet-proof, temperature-proof, and X-ray-proof body, plus it's backed by a 5-year limited warranty
Back up with Samsung Cloud
- Open Settings > Accounts and backup > Samsung Cloud > Back up data. If the path differs, search Settings for “Samsung Cloud.”
- Select the data categories shown on your device.
- Tap Back up now and wait until the operation finishes, then tap Done.
The available categories depend on the device and software version, and features can also vary by country and carrier. Samsung Canada lists categories such as call and message history, device-saved contacts and calendars, clock items, settings, home-screen layout, apps and settings, and voice recordings. Some large message files may not be included. Its guide states that individual files larger than 1 GB cannot be backed up to Samsung Cloud.
Samsung Cloud backup and synchronization are not the same thing. For example, Samsung Canada says contacts and calendars set up with a Google account will not synchronize through Samsung Cloud. Check the categories and status displayed on your own phone. Samsung says its separate automatic backup option requires the device to be charging, its screen off, and a Wi-Fi connection. See Samsung Canada’s Samsung Cloud backup guide for the regional details.
Rank #2
- MADE FOR THE MAKERS: Create; Explore; Store; The T7 Portable SSD delivers fast speeds and durable features to back up any endeavor; Build your video editing empire, file your photographs or back up your blogs all in an instant
- SHARE IDEAS IN A FLASH: Don’t waste a second waiting and spend more time doing; The T7 is embedded with PCIe NVMe technology that brings fast read and write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s¹, making it almost twice as fast as the T5
- ALWAYS MAKE THE SAVE: Compact design with massive capacity; With capacities up to 4TB, save exactly what you need to your drive – from large working files to game data and everything in between
- ADAPTS TO EVERY NEED: Whether using a PC or mobile phone, count on the T7 for extensive compatibility²; It’s a true team player when it comes to heavy-duty application usage or file-saving
- HI RESOLUTION VIDEO RECORDING: Record Ultra High Resolution (4K 60fs) videos directly onto the T7 Portable SSD with your favorite camera or mobile devices; Supports iPhone 15 Pro Res 4K at 60fps video and more³
Back up with Google Drive
- Open Settings > Accounts and backup > Google Drive > Back up data. If needed, search Settings for “Google Drive” or “Back up data.”
- Review the categories available on your phone, then tap Back up now.
- Wait for the backup to finish. Google Account storage is used, so insufficient available storage can prevent the backup from succeeding.
Samsung’s Singapore guide says categories can include apps, photos and videos, SMS/MMS messages, call history, device settings, and Google Account data. It also says automatic backup occurs over Wi-Fi when the phone is connected to a charger and unused for at least two hours. Samsung states that a Google Drive device backup is automatically deleted after 57 consecutive days of device non-use; this deletion condition excludes items backed up to Google Photos. Check Samsung Singapore’s Google Drive backup guide for its instructions.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Make a local backup with Smart Switch
Smart Switch can back up a Galaxy phone to a computer or SD card and restore that backup later. Samsung also documents wireless transfer and direct wired transfer. Use a cable only if you choose a wired route; USB-C to USB-C is one documented option, and a compatible cable you already have may work. A new cable is not required for cloud backup.
Rank #3
- MOVE FILES IN A FLASH: Get your time back; Fast and convenient read speeds up to 400MB/s¹ with a USB 3.2 Gen 1 interface gives you more time to work, play, watch and create
- ADAPTS TO EVERY NEED: Whether you’re using a PC or a mobile device², count on the USB Type-C for extensive compatibility; It’s a true team player when it comes to heavy-duty application usage or file-saving
- CAPTURE CONTENT IN HI-RES: Save Ultra High Resolution videos directly onto the USB Type-C with your favorite camera or mobile devces³
- MODERN MEETS ICONIC: The ultra-sleek USB-C drive looks as good as it performs; Featuring a reversible plug, the Type-C inserts into your devices seamlessly every time
- PROTECTED FOR PEACE OF MIND: The Samsung USB Type-C is tough enough to take on anything; With protection covering everything from water⁴ to extreme temperatures — it can handle wear and tear⁵⁻⁶
- For a computer backup, install and open Samsung’s Smart Switch PC software, connect the phone by USB, and follow the on-screen backup instructions.
- For an SD-card backup, open Smart Switch on the phone and use the available SD-card backup option, following the prompts shown for your device.
- Keep the phone charged and do not disconnect a USB cable while files are transferring.
Samsung lists possible Android transfers including contacts, schedule, messages, photos, videos, music, call logs, documents, and settings. Galaxy-to-Galaxy transfers may also include selected app data and home layout. What transfers depends on the device manufacturer and operating system; DRM-protected content cannot transfer. Samsung warns that low battery can interrupt a transfer and disconnecting USB during file transfer can cause data loss or device damage. See Samsung’s Smart Switch guide for its PC, SD-card, and transfer instructions.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Restore a backup if needed
Restore from Samsung Cloud
- On the Galaxy phone, open Settings > Accounts and backup > Samsung Cloud > Restore data.
- Choose the source phone backup and select the categories to restore.
- Tap Restore and then Done when the process finishes.
The available content still depends on the device and software version; the categories shown on your phone determine what is available to restore.
Rank #4
- NONSTOP SPEED: Race through projects with our fastest SSD for creators; Load, edit and transfer with sustained read and write speeds of up to 2,000MB/s1; The T9 Portable SSD performs at high speeds even during longer processes
- DYNAMIC THERMAL GUARD: When you’re elbow-deep in a passion project, the T9 Portable SSD stays cool; Its advanced thermal solution withstands and controls heat to keep the SSD at ideal temperatures—even in heavy use2
- ADAPTS TO EVERY NEED: Whether you’re using a desktop, camera or a gaming console3, count on the T9 Portable SSD for extensive compatibility; It’s a true team player when it comes to heavy-duty application usage or file-saving
- STRONG. SOLID. STABLE: From concept to completion – the T9 Portable SSD gives you the longevity to last through heavy use with one convenient drive that dares to go the distance
- WORKS LIKE MAGIC: Your T9 Portable SSD performs like new with the always up-to-date Magician Software; With firmware updates, extra encryption and continual monitoring of your drive health, it works like a charm
Restore from Google Drive during setup
Samsung describes Google Drive restoration as part of the initial setup flow. At the Copy apps & data screen, continue, choose the option for not using another device, select the backup, choose the items, and proceed with restoration. Samsung warns that a backup created on a newer Android version cannot be restored to an older Android version. This is a one-way compatibility warning: it does not say that every newer backup is incompatible with every device.
Restore with Smart Switch
Open Smart Switch, choose the backup stored on the PC or SD card, and follow the on-screen restore flow. The precise screens can vary by device and software. Samsung’s general guide covers the available backup and restore routes: How to back up and restore data on a Galaxy device.
Best Value
- MADE FOR THE MAKERS: Create; Explore; Store; The T7 Portable SSD delivers fast speeds and durable features to back up any endeavor; Build your video editing empire, file your photographs or back up your blogs all in an instant
- SHARE IDEAS IN A FLASH: Don’t waste a second waiting and spend more time doing; The T7 is embedded with PCIe NVMe technology that brings fast read and write speeds up to 1,050/1,000 MB/s¹, making it almost twice as fast as the T5
- ALWAYS MAKE THE SAVE: Compact design with massive capacity; With capacities up to 4TB, save exactly what you need to your drive – from large working files to game data and everything in between
- ADAPTS TO EVERY NEED: Whether using a PC or mobile phone, count on the T7 for extensive compatibility²; It’s a true team player when it comes to heavy-duty application usage or file-saving
- HI RESOLUTION VIDEO RECORDING: Record Ultra High Resolution (4K 60fs) videos directly onto the T7 Portable SSD with your favorite camera or mobile devices; Supports iPhone 15 Pro Res 4K at 60fps video and more³
Check that your backup is ready before updating
- Confirm the manual backup completed successfully in the backup service or Smart Switch flow you used.
- For cloud backup, check that the correct account is signed in and that Google Account storage is available if using Google Drive.
- For a local backup, make sure the PC or SD card is accessible and that Smart Switch completed without interruption.
- If an item is especially important, check the relevant service or backup categories rather than assuming all phone content is included.
Samsung’s methods overview notes that the available backup and restore features differ by method, model, and software. Consult the matching support page for your region and the options shown on your phone: Samsung’s Galaxy backup and restore methods.
Quick Recap
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