Help with new S25 Ultra restore from Google backup please?

[ShaggyKids]

HI there

Trying to switch over to my new S25. First time trying Google backup and having issues. I did a backup on my Moto to Google Backup. When I went over to my S25 after the restore was supposedly finished, there were no changes in the appearance of my pre-customized screen meaning I'd have to set it up all over again.

It appears all my apps copied over but I can't open any of them, they say installed when I check them in settings but they're not installed on my new phone, there's just the list of them under APPS in settings. I remember seeing a msg somewhere that the APK files did not copy over? How do I get at these to copy them over?

When you use G Backup should I be expecting my new phone to be in working order with the screens looking like they did on my old phone after a restore of the backup? Or do I have to reinstall all my apps?

I feel like I've done something wrong but don't know what. I've seen people on this forum that use GB without a glitch and are up and running on a new phone in no time practically. That's not happening here. I've already been at this for over two hours.

I have two email addys in my old phone and I did the backup from my old phone using one of them. Do I have to back them both up on the old and restore them both on my new phone?

I think there may be more issues but this is about all the time I have today, have to go to work.

Thanks, all.

 

[Laura Knotek]

It's easier to use Samsung Smart Switch PC. Check out the instructions from Samsung here. https://www.samsung.com/uk/support/mobile-devices/how-do-i-switch-my-android-device/

 

[VidJunky]

Between Samsung devices Smart switch usually transfers most everything provided there aren't too many generations differences between devices but some things won't transfer between manufacturers, so you may still have to add folders, widgets, wallpapers and things like that, which sounds like what you were looking for. Google Backup is pretty basic stuff. Apps, contacts, messages, photos, etc... which ensures you don't lose critical data.

As for the APK files mentioned, those are literally just seeds to install apps and beyond that are not used or needed for anything. Most of the time they are deleted, in the same way as caches, by the OS when no longer needed. You haven't lost anything by them not transferring.

Then your email app backups may depend on which apps you're using. Some have their own backup and restore method. May I ask why you're using 2 apps? I ask because Samsung Email is pretty robust and can host several email providers. For me it is just easier to have them all under one roof, so to speak, less back and forth, but that's just a suggestion.

IMO, it would also be worth the time to set up a Samsung account. It allows you to back up items and will make future restores to your Samsung device, more complete. Plus with a Samsung account you have one more tool to find your device if lost or stolen. Check your Security settings for more Find My Mobile options that for some reason aren't enabled by default. Type Find My Mobile in the search box when you open settings to find out more.

Good luck. hope you enjoy your new device.

 

[ShaggyKids]

Between Samsung devices Smart switch usually transfers most everything provided there aren't too many generations differences between devices but some things won't transfer between manufacturers, so you may still have to add folders, widgets, wallpapers and things like that, which sounds like what you were looking for. Google Backup is pretty basic stuff. Apps, contacts, messages, photos, etc... which ensures you don't lose critical data.

As for the APK files mentioned, those are literally just seeds to install apps and beyond that are not used or needed for anything. Most of the time they are deleted, in the same way as caches, by the OS when no longer needed. You haven't lost anything by them not transferring.

Then your email app backups may depend on which apps you're using. Some have their own backup and restore method. May I ask why you're using 2 apps? I ask because Samsung Email is pretty robust and can host several email providers. For me it is just easier to have them all under one roof, so to speak, less back and forth, but that's just a suggestion.

IMO, it would also be worth the time to set up a Samsung account. It allows you to back up items and will make future restores to your Samsung device, more complete. Plus with a Samsung account you have one more tool to find your device if lost or stolen. Check your Security settings for more Find My Mobile options that for some reason aren't enabled by default. Type Find My Mobile in the search box when you open settings to find out more.

Good luck. hope you enjoy your new device.

Thank you, Laura. Great info all around. I'm heading over to the link you gave me and going to try this again from scratch.

 

[ShaggyKids]

You were right, Laura. I'm still tweaking but it was a lot easier to transfer phones this way. THANK YOU! And I LOVE my S25 Ultra! Samsung phones have always felt like home to me. It was driving me crazy using a Motorola.

 

[Laura Knotek]

You were right, Laura. I'm still tweaking but it was a lot easier to transfer phones this way. THANK YOU! And I LOVE my S25 Ultra! Samsung phones have always felt like home to me. It was driving me crazy using a Motorola.

I'm happy Smart Switch PC worked well for you. That's what I've used for my last three phones which have been Samsung devices. I haven't used Motorola for 10 years. I loved the original Moto X, but their later models never appealed to me. I'm glad you're happy with your new S25 Ultra. I'm still using the S24 Ultra because it's still working great for me, but I'll probably stay with Samsung whenever I do upgrade.