In this guide, we will show you the steps to create and restore app backup via ADB commands Are you looking for a way to create and restore app backups on your Android device? While Google’s sync feature keeps track of the list of installed apps, it does not back up their data. This means that when you restore an app, only the app itself will be downloaded and installed, without any of its data. This can be a time-consuming process, especially if you have to set up the app from scratch and resync the data from the servers. Additionally, this feature is only supported on a limited number of apps. But don’t worry, there’s a hidden and underrated method that allows you to create and restore App Backup Via ADB Commands. . So let’s get started!
How to Create and Restore App Backup via ADB Commands?
The Prerequisites
Before we begin, there are a few requirements for both creating and restoring the app data. Make sure to checkmark each of them.
- Download and extract Android SDK Platform Tools.
- Enable USB Debugging on your device and connect it to your PC using a USB cable.
Create App Backup via ADB Commands
To create an app backup using ADB commands, follow these steps:
- Find the package name of the app for which you want to take a backup (e.g.,
pl.solidexplorer2). - Open the Command Prompt by typing “CMD” in the address bar of the platform-tools folder and pressing Enter.
- In the Command Prompt window, enter the following command, replacing
package-nameandpackage-name-backupwith the appropriate values:
adb backup -apk package-name -f package-name-backup.abFor example, if the package name is pl.solidexplorer2, the command will be:
adb backup -apk pl.solidexplorer2 -f pl.solidexplorer2.ab- On your device, you will be prompted to tap on “Back Up My Data.”
- The app will now be backed up in APK format, and its backup will be saved in the platform-tools folder as an AB file.
Restore App Backup via ADB Commands
To restore an app backup using ADB commands, follow these steps:
- Install the saved APK file that you obtained from the platform-tools folder.
- In the Command Prompt, enter the following command, replacing
package-name-backupwith the actual name of the backup file:
adb restore package-name-backup.abFor example, if the backup file is pl.solidexplorer2.ab, the command will be:
adb restore pl.solidexplorer2.ab- On your device, you will be prompted to tap on “Restore My Data.”
- The restoration process will begin and may take a few seconds.
- Once the process is complete, launch the app and continue using it from where you last left off.
That’s it! These are the steps to create and restore app backups via ADB commands. If you have any questions or need further assistance, feel free to ask in the comments section. We will be happy to help you.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1: Is it necessary to enable USB Debugging for creating and restoring app backups via ADB commands?
Yes, USB Debugging must be enabled on your device in order to use ADB commands for creating and restoring app backups. It allows your device to communicate with the computer and execute commands.
Q2: Can I use this method to backup and restore any app on my Android device?
This method should work for most apps, but there might be some exceptions. It’s always a good idea to test this method on an app of less importance before applying it to critical apps. If the backup and restore process is successful, you can proceed with other apps.
Q3: Will this method work on newer Android versions?
According to Google, this method has been deprecated on newer Android versions. However, the exact version number at which it was deprecated is not explicitly mentioned. It’s recommended to test this method on your device to see if it works.
Q4: Can I backup app data without backing up the APK file?
Yes, it is possible to back up only the app data without including the APK file. To do so, you can omit the -apk flag in the ADB backup command. However, keep in mind that restoring the app data without the APK file may result in compatibility issues if the app has been updated or modified.
Q5: Can I restore app backups from one device to another?
Yes, you can transfer and restore app backups from one device to another as long as both devices have USB Debugging enabled. Follow the same steps mentioned in this guide to restore the app backup on the target device.
