Back up your Android phone or tablet to your Google Account

For: Android phone or tablet

Last checked October 14, 2026 against official help from Google. Written for Android 9 and up.

A backup keeps a copy of your phone's important things in your Google Account. If you get a new phone, you can bring them over.

This page is for you if

  • You're getting a new phone
  • You're worried about losing your contacts and messages

Good to know first

Menus can look a little different on Samsung and other brands. If you can't find a button, open Settings and type backup in the search bar.

Do these steps

  1. Step 1: Open Google settings

    Open your device's Settings app. Tap Google, then All services.

  2. Step 2: Open Backup

    Under Backup and restore, tap Backup.

  3. Step 3: Turn on backup

    Make sure backup is on. Google backs up apps, call history, contacts, settings and text messages to your Google Account.

  4. Step 4: Back up now

    Tap Back up now. It can take a while. Stay on Wi-Fi.

Good to know

  • Photos and videos are backed up by the Google Photos app. See how to back up photos with Google Photos.
  • Google says to use a PIN, pattern or password to lock your screen. It helps protect your backup.
  • Your Google Account comes with 15 GB of storage at no charge. It's shared with Gmail and Google Photos.

Check it with the source

We wrote these steps from these official pages. If your screen looks different, the official page is always right.

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