In the following practical tutorial, due to the multiple requests received through the social networks of AndroidsisI have decided to show you graphically through a step-by-step explanatory video, The correct way to perform a nandroid backup of our entire Android operating system.
With this nandroid backup, which is nothing more than a full backup of our entire Android operating system, we will be able to recover the entire Android system to the state as it was the day we make the aforementioned backup. In this way we can succeed after the flashing of any zip that either the terminal has hung or the installation of it has caused incompatibilities with the system.
What exactly is a Nandroid Backup and why is it vital?
Unlike conventional backups that only save contacts or photos, a Nandroid Backup It's an exact, bit-by-bit image of all the device's partitions. This means it saves not only your files, but also the system configuration, installed applications, messages, and the OS kernelIt's the ultimate tool for those who like to customize their device by flashing it. Cooked roms.
It is essential to understand that to carry out this process it is necessary to have root access or with a Modified recovery (such as TWRP or ClockworkMod). Although restoring the system will still give you root access and keep the recovery installed, it's the closest approximation to the phone's original state before any risky modifications.
Step-by-step guide to performing a Nandroid Backup with TWRP
If you use recovery TWRPCurrently the most popular method, the steps to secure your device are as follows:
- Access to Recovery: Boot your phone into Recovery mode. This is usually achieved by simultaneously pressing the following buttons: Power, Home, and Volume Up (although the combination varies depending on the model).
- Backup Selection: In the main menu, access the button BackupHere you must select all available partitions for a full backup: EFS, Boot, Recovery, Modem, Cache, System and Data.
- Storage Choice: At the bottom, where it says StorageYou can choose where to save the copy. You have the option to Internal Storage, External SD Card (recommended) or even a memory USB-OTG if your device supports it.
- Space optimization: It is recommended to activate the option Enable compression so that the copy takes up less space without losing quality.
- Execution: slide the button Swipe to Back Up To the right. Once finished, you will see the message Backup Complete. Successful.
Once this backup of our entire Android operating system has been completed, It is advisable to save it in a place outside our Android...like your home computer. This prevents accidental data loss during formatting. sdcard or the internal memory, we lose the valuable copy that can save the life of our device.
Importance of EFS partitioning and current risks
As you may have seen in the explanatory video at the top of this post, the process is incredibly simple and allows us to kill two birds with one stone, since in the same process we will be able to make a backup copy of the EFS folderThis folder is essential for the proper use of our Android device, as it contains the IMEI and network configurationIf it is lost, the phone could be permanently without network signal.
It is important to mention that in modern versions of Android (especially since Android 12 onwards), the Nandroid Backup process may present difficulties because the data partition is often encryptedIn some cases, the recovery may not display the directories of /dateThis complicates a complete copy. Therefore, we always recommend verifying the compatibility of the TWRP version with the installed Android version.
How to restore the system from a Nandroid backup
If flashing a ROM has failed or the system has become unstable, follow these steps to revert to the previous state:
- Sign in Recovery mode.
- To avoid conflicts with corrupted files, perform a preliminary erase in Wipe > Advanced Wipe, selecting everything except the External SD Card.
- Access the button Restore and select the backup folder you want to apply.
- Select all partitions (EFS, Boot, System, Data, etc.) and swipe to confirm the process.
- Once finished, select Reboot System.
Backup alternatives: Data backups and cloud services
When a complete system view isn't required but protecting personal information is, there are complementary tools available. Solutions such as Acronis True Image allow selective backups of contacts, photos, videos, calendars and text messages (SMS)either in the cloud or directly on a PC via USB connection. This is ideal for those who don't have root access or want a data redundancy in addition to the Google account.
It's even possible to manage backups of specific applications such as WhatsAppFirst, export the copy to Google Drive and then move that file to secure storage or an external cloud to avoid losing valuable conversations.
Having comprehensive support is the only real guarantee against accidental deletion, the attack of malicious software or the physical loss of the device. Whether through a technical Nandroid Backup process or automated cloud-based tools, securing your information prevents the personal cost of data loss from becoming astronomical.
