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Restoring Your Fairphone from a Google Account Backup

If your old phone isn't available, or you've just factory reset your Fairphone, you can often restore much of your data directly from a Google Account backup. This is a quick way to get your apps, settings, and some data back.

 

 

What's Included in a Google Backup?

A Google backup typically includes:

  • Apps you've installed (but not app-specific data for most apps)
  • Call history
  • Device settings (like Wi-Fi passwords and display settings)
  • Google Contacts
  • Google Calendar events
  • SMS text messages (on Android devices, but not iMessages from iPhones)
  • Photos and videos (if Google Photos backup was enabled)

 

How to Restore from a Google Backup?

 

  1. Ensure your Fairphone is connected to a stable Wi-Fi network. You'll need an internet connection to access your backup.
  2. Turn on your new or reset Fairphone.
  3. Follow the on-screen setup prompts.
  4. When you reach the "Copy apps & data" screen, select "Don't copy".
  5. You'll then be prompted to Sign in with your Google Account. Use the same Google Account that you used on your previous Android phone or the one where your data was backed up.
  6. Once you sign in, your Fairphone will search for available backups.
  7. Select the backup you wish to restore. You'll usually see a list of backups associated with your Google Account, along with the device name and the date of the backup. Choose the most recent relevant backup.
  8. Choose what you want to restore. You'll typically have options to restore:
    • Apps
    • Device settings
    • SMS messages
    • Call history
  9. Start the restoration process. This can take some time depending on the amount of data and your internet speed. Your phone will download and install your apps.
  10. Once the restoration is complete, continue with the rest of the Fairphone setup process.

 

Important Notes

 

  • App-specific data: For many apps, data like chat histories (e.g., WhatsApp), game progress, or login details are not included in a standard Google backup. You may need to use the app's own backup/restore feature or log in again.
  • Photos/Videos: While Google Photos syncs your media, it's separate from the main device backup. Ensure you open the Google Photos app on your new Fairphone to let your photos and videos sync down.
  • Data not found? If you don't see any backups, ensure you're logged into the correct Google Account and that your old phone was indeed set to back up data.

 

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