After I perform a factory reset, how do I restore contacts only?

[AC Question]

I am switching Android phones (moving to a Nexus 5X from an S3). When I setup my new phone and log into my Google account, I want to sync my contacts but NOT any backed up apps. Is this possible? If so what process do I need to follow?

Everything I am reading online seems to imply that I can either turn off/on restore completely, but not select which aspects I want to restore.

If I can't select what I want to restore, is there some way I can "delete"/remove all the apps that are backed up to Google servers?

 

[the tall guy]

Hi, yes this is possible, when you set up your new Nexus 5x (great choice) it will ask you separately if you want to restore your previously installed apps from an older synced device. If you say no this won't impact your contacts. You can also open the list and manually select apps you want to install.

 

[the tall guy]

You can also go into settings, accounts, Google and manually select what you want synced.