Google Drive - How to back up data on your Samsung Galaxy phone

Last Update date : Sep 17. 2026

Backing up your Samsung Galaxy to Google Drive helps keep your personal data safe. By regularly backing up your data, you can easily restore your information if you reset your phone or when setting up a new Galaxy device.

Various data icons, such as photos, messages, and music, being backed up into the Google Drive cloud icon shown on Samsung Galaxy phone.

Note: Menu names, settings, and screen layouts may vary depending on the model and software version.

Regularly backing up your data helps protect important information in case your phone is reset, lost, or replaced with a new device.

Settings menu with the Accounts and backup option highlighted. Settings menu with the Accounts and backup option highlighted.

Step 1. Open Settings > Tap Accounts and backup.

Accounts and backup menu with Back up data highlighted under Google Drive. Accounts and backup menu with Back up data highlighted under Google Drive.

Step 2. Under Google Drive, tap Back up data.

Backup screen with the Back up now button highlighted. Backup screen with the Back up now button highlighted.

Step 3. Tap Back up now.

Note:

  • Apps, photos and videos, SMS and MMS messages, call history, device settings, and Google Account data can be backed up.
  • Your device will automatically back up your data over a Wi-Fi connection when it is connected to a charger and has remained unused for at least 2 hours.
  • If your device is not used for 57 consecutive days, your backup data stored in Google Drive (excluding items backed up to Google Photos) will be automatically deleted.
  • Backups to Google Drive use the storage available with your Google Account. If you exceed your available storage, you may need to purchase a subscription plan for additional storage.

If you factory reset your phone or set up a new Galaxy device, you can restore data that was previously backed up to Google Drive.

Note: Backups created on a newer Android™ version cannot be restored to a device running an older Android version.

Initial setup screen displaying Copy apps & data. Initial setup screen displaying Copy apps & data.

Step 1. During the initial setup, continue until you reach the Copy apps & data screen, then tap Next.

Copy apps & data screen with Can't use other device? Highlighted. Copy apps & data screen with Can't use other device? Highlighted.

Step 2. Tap Can't use other device?.

Restore screen showing selectable backup devices. Restore screen showing selectable backup devices.

Step 3. Select the device you want to restore from.

Restore screen showing the Restore button. Restore screen showing the Restore button.

Step 4. Select the items you want to restore, then tap Restore.

Note: Steps may vary depending on the device model, region, and software version.

Related Questions

Thank you for your feedback!

Contact Info

Contact us

For support buying a product, help with an order or technical product support
Chat Support Help & Contact Us

WhatsApp

It's now even easier to get in contact with Samsung Customer Care, now on WhatsApp.
Chat Now

Troubleshoot and book a repair

Support for your mobile devices, home appliances, TV and computing products
Request a Repair
View more