[Dan BC]

I'm testing this on a Note 5 and a Galaxy S5.

I thought it would be straightforward.
1. Arrange your apps in the Google Now Launcher.
2. Set up to back up data with a Google account. I'm using a Samsung account too.
3. Then, when setting up a new device, restore using that same Google account. I am not using the Samsung one since that is backing up other things.

So it restores all my apps just fine, but:

1. They are disorganized.
2. Google Now Launcher is not set up as default.
3. Google Now Launcher has nothing configured on its screen. I have to start arranging from the beginning.

What am I doing wrong? Do I need to use a third party app to backup the Launcher settings? I don't want to root the phones.

[anon(632115)]

You're not doing anything wrong. You will have to start from scratch. I don't know of a backup app that preserves layout. Perhaps Helium might but with Google you are just backing up the APKs and some other data. It is not especially efficient.

[Dan BC]

Wow, really? iOS has been doing this kind of thing for years.
Are there any other launcher apps that keep a backup of the layout which can be restored on a new device?
I've heard good things about Nova Launcher but haven't tested it out yet.

[anon(632115)]

I personally am satisfied with Touchwiz but Nova can do what you want How to back up and restore your Nova Launcher home screen - TechRepublic