The short answer
Open Settings › Google › Backup (on some phones, Settings › System › Backup) and turn on Backup by Google One or Google backup, then tap Back up now. Turn on backup in Google Photos for your pictures and videos. Your backup is linked to your Google Account, so you can restore it on a new phone.
If your Android phone is lost, broken or replaced, a backup lets you get your contacts, messages, apps and photos back in minutes. Android backs up to your Google Account, and it only takes a moment to check it’s on.
Menu names vary between manufacturers. Samsung also offers its own Samsung Cloud and Smart Switch tools; this guide covers Google’s backup, which works on almost all Android phones.
Step 1: Turn on Google backup
- Open Settings.
- Tap Google › Backup, or System › Backup, depending on your phone.
- Turn on Backup by Google One (or Back up to Google Drive on older versions).
- Make sure the right Google Account is selected.
- Tap Back up now.
On the same screen, you’ll see what’s included, such as apps, call history, contacts, device settings and SMS & MMS messages, and when each was last backed up.
Step 2: Back up photos and videos
- Open Google Photos.
- Tap your profile picture, then Photos settings › Backup.
- Turn on Backup and choose the backup quality.
Higher quality uses more Google storage.
Step 3: Check app-specific backups
Some apps back up separately:
- WhatsApp: see how to back up WhatsApp chats.
- Authenticator apps: check the app’s own backup or transfer option.
- Notes and documents: make sure they sync to an account, like Google Keep or Google Drive.
Step 4: Watch your Google storage
Backups use the storage in your Google Account, shared with Gmail, Drive and Photos. If you’re running out, see how to free up Google storage.
Restoring on a new phone
When you set up a new Android phone, sign in with the same Google Account. You’ll be offered a list of backups; choose your old phone to restore apps, settings and data. You can also copy data directly from your old phone with a cable if both phones are available.
Related guides
Running low on space for backups? Here’s how to free up Google storage. Your WhatsApp messages have their own backup, so also back up your WhatsApp chats.
The bottom line
Turn on Google backup in Settings, tap Back up now, and enable Google Photos backup. Then check the “last backup” time every so often, especially before updates or repairs.
Frequently asked questions
What does Google backup include?
Typically app data, call history, contacts, device settings and SMS/MMS messages, plus photos and videos if Google Photos backup is on. Some apps, like WhatsApp, use their own backup settings.
Does backup use my Google storage?
Device backups and Google Photos backups count toward the storage in your Google Account, which is shared with Gmail and Drive. Free accounts include 15 GB.
How do I restore a backup?
When you set up a new Android phone, sign in with the same Google Account and choose to restore from your backup when prompted.
Why you can trust this guide
- Based on official sources. The steps here are checked against the 2 official sources listed below, such as the help pages of the companies involved.
- Checked and dated. Last checked on November 10, 2026. We update guides when software or advice changes.
- Independent. No company paid for or reviewed this guide. We don't sell products, and ads never influence our advice.
- Open to corrections. Spotted an error? Tell us and we'll fix it. Read how we research.
Sources
- Android Help — Back up or restore data on your Android device
- Google Account Help — Manage your storage in Drive, Gmail & Photos
This guide is general information. Menus and features can change with software updates, and steps may differ on your device or version. Back up important data before making big changes. Read our disclaimer.
