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How to restore apps layout on a new device with Google Now Launcher?

Dan BC

Member
Aug 25, 2016
20
0
0
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)

Well-known member
Jan 5, 2012
4,315
0
0
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

Member
Aug 25, 2016
20
0
0
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.