Backing up and restoring content
Generally, you should not save photos, videos, and other personal content solely on the internal memory of your device. If your device is damaged, lost or stolen, the data stored on its internal memory may be impossible to recover. It is recommended to use the Xperia Companion software to make backups which save your data safely to an external device. This method is especially recommended if you are updating your device software to a newer Android version.
With the Google Backup & restore application, you can back up data to a Google server.
Backing up data to a computer
Use the Xperia Companion software to back up data from your device to a PC or an Apple Mac computer.
To back up your data using a computer
- Connect your device to the computer using a USB cable.
- Computer: Open the Xperia Companion software if it is not automatically launched. After a few moments, the computer detects your device.
- Click Backup on the Xperia Companion main screen.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to back up data from your device.
To restore your data using a computer
- Unlock the screen of your device and connect it to the computer using a USB cable.
- Open the Xperia Companion software on your computer if it is not automatically launched. After a few moments, the computer will detect your device. Make sure to select ALLOW on your device to access the data on your device.
- Click Restore on the Xperia Companion main screen.
- Select a backup file from the backup records, then click Next and follow the on-screen instructions to restore data to your device.
Note
If you do not have Xperia Companion installed, you are requested to install it when you connect your device to the computer.
Backing up data with the Google Backup & restore application
Using the Google Backup & restore application, you can back up data to a Google server. You can also turn on the automatic restore function to restore application data and settings when you reinstall an application.
Hint
You can back up data to a Google account under Settings > System > Advanced > Backup.