How to Backup Files From Android to Google Drive

Video Tutorial:

Background

Nowadays, people are spending much of their time on their mobile devices, which store a significant amount of important data. Losing vital data from a mobile device can be a nightmare. For this reason, it is crucial to have a reliable backup solution. Fortunately, Google has provided an excellent cloud storage platform that allows people to backup and sync data easily. In this article, we will show you how to backup files from Android to Google Drive.

What’s Needed

To perform a backup from an Android device to Google Drive, several things are needed. The first is an Android device, an active internet connection, and, of course, a Google account. Additionally, it would be best to have the latest version of Google Drive installed on your device to enjoy the latest features and bug fixes.

What Requires Your Attention

Before diving into backup methods, there are some important factors to consider:

1. Storage limit – Google provides users with 15GB of free storage. If you exceed this limit, you will need to purchase additional storage.
2. Data connection – It is essential to have a stable internet connection to avoid losing data during backup.
3. Automatic Backup – Toggle on automatic backup for more convenience.

Method 1: The Google Drive App

The best and most straightforward method of backing up data from an Android device to Google Drive is by using the Google Drive App. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use this method.

1. Open Google Drive app on your Android device.
2. Tap on the "Add" button, represented by a plus icon.
3. Select "Upload," represented by an upward-pointing arrow.
4. Choose "Photos and Videos."
5. Select the files you want to backup, or simply backup all photos and videos.
6. Tap "Upload" and wait for the Google Drive app to complete the backup.

Pros:

  • Straightforward to use
  • Automatically detects new photos and videos to upload

    • Cons:

  • Only backup photos and videos
  • Does not allow the selection of individual files

    • Method 2: The Google Photos App

    Google Photos is a standalone app designed specifically for photo backup and management. The app offers unlimited storage when you choose the "High Quality" option. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use Google Photos to backup photos and videos.

    1. Download and install Google Photos from the Google Play Store.
    2. Launch the app and sign in to your Google account if prompted.
    3. Tap "Settings" from the app’s main menu.
    4. Click on "Backup and sync" and toggle it on.
    5. Choose "High-Quality Backup" for unlimited storage.
    6. Select the folders or albums that you want to back up.

    Pros:

  • Unlimited storage for photos and videos
  • Allows manual selection of files to back up

    • Cons:

  • Only backs up photos and videos
  • May compress high-resolution photos and videos

    • Method 3: ES File Explorer

    ES File Explorer is a popular and versatile file management app that has a built-in backup feature. The app provides a simple interface that allows users to backup files to Google Drive and other cloud services. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use ES File Explorer to backup files.

    1. Download and install ES File Explorer from the Google Play Store.
    2. Launch the app and tap "Local" from the app’s main menu.
    3. Select the files or folders you want to back up to Google Drive.
    4. Tap "More," represented by three vertical dots and select "Send."
    5. Choose "Send to Cloud" and select "Google Drive."
    6. Select the destination folder in Google Drive and tap "OK."

    Pros:

  • Allows backup of any file type
  • Provides easy file management

    • Cons:

  • Requires manual selection of files to back up
  • The interface can be confusing for first-time users

    • Method 4: Titanium Backup

    Titanium Backup is a powerful app that allows Android users to back up their devices’ entire system. The app requires root access to the Android device, and users can choose to backup apps, app data, system settings, and other files. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to use Titanium Backup to back up your Android device.

    1. Download and install Titanium Backup from the Google Play Store.
    2. Grant root access to the app when prompted.
    3. Tap "Menu" in the app’s main menu and select "Batch Actions."
    4. Choose "Backup All User Apps + System Data."
    5. Select your preferred backup location on Google Drive or other cloud services.
    6. Wait for the backup process to complete.

    Pros:

  • Allows backup of entire device settings and apps
  • Advanced backup options available

    • Cons:

  • Requires root access to the Android device
  • The interface can be confusing for first-time users

    • Why Can’t I Backup Files From Android to Google Drive?

    While Google Drive is an excellent backup solution, it may fail to backup files due to various reasons, such as:

    1. Incorrect login credentials
    To use Google Drive, you need a Google account, and if you enter incorrect login credentials, you may not be able to use the service.

    2. Storage limit
    Google provides users with 15GB of free storage, and if you exceed this limit, you won’t be able to backup files to your Google Drive account.

    3. Connectivity issues
    A poor internet connection can lead to incomplete or failed backup processes.

    Fixes:

    1. Check your login credentials to ensure that they are correct.
    2. Consider purchasing additional storage or deleting unnecessary files to free up space.
    3. Ensure that you have a stable internet connection before starting the backup process.

    Implications and Recommendations

    Backing up your Android device to Google Drive has numerous benefits, such as protecting important files from loss and allowing straightforward data restoration. Here are some recommendations on how to make the most of backup systems.

    1. Always backup important files
    2. Verify the integrity of backed-up files regularly
    3. Use automatic backup options if possible
    4. Store backup files in multiple locations

    5 FAQs and Conclusion

    Q1. Can I backup other types of files apart from photos and videos?

    A1. Yes. You can back up any file type using file manager apps like ES File Explorer or Titanium Backup.

    Q2. Can I restore files from Google Drive on a new device?

    A2. Yes. You can easily restore files from Google Drive to a new device by simply logging in to your Google account on the new device.

    Q3. Can I access my Google Drive backups without the internet?

    A3. No. You need an active internet connection to access files stored on Google Drive.

    Q4. Is it possible to encrypt backup files?

    A4. Yes. Some backup solutions, such as Titanium Backup, provide encryption options for backed-up files.

    Q5. How much does additional Google Drive storage cost?

    A5. Additional Google Drive storage starts at $1.99 per month for 100GB.

    Conclusion:
    Backing up your Android device to Google Drive provides a reliable and convenient way to protect important files from loss or damage. The four methods outlined above offer a range of options for backing up files to Google Drive, allowing users to choose the one that best suits their needs. It’s always a good idea to have multiple backup locations and ensure that your data is always protected.