How do I restore data to a Samsung Galaxy tablet?
Answer
There are usually two backups to draw on: Samsung Cloud through your Samsung account, and Google backup through your Google account. Sign in to both during setup and choose the most recent backup. If the tablet is already set up, restores can still be started from Settings without wiping it again.
Before you start: stop right away if…
- A factory reset erases anything not already backed up. Check what exists in a backup before resetting.
- Restoring an older backup can overwrite newer content. Check the date shown against each one.
- Only sign in at Samsung's or Google's own prompts. Sites offering to recover Android data for a fee often collect account details.
Follow these steps
Sign in to both accounts
During setup, or in Settings afterwards, sign in to your Google account and your Samsung account.
You should see: Both accounts show as signed in.
Restore from Samsung Cloud
Open Settings, go to Accounts and backup, choose Restore data, pick the most recent backup, and select what to bring back.
You should see: Samsung Cloud reports the restore has started.
Restore Google backup and apps
In Settings under Google or during setup, choose to restore apps and data from your Google account.
You should see: Apps begin reinstalling in the background.
Check Google Photos for pictures
Open Google Photos and sign in. Photos backed up there are available even if no other backup exists.
You should see: Photos appear, ready to download.
Let it finish before judging
Leave the tablet on Wi-Fi and charging. Restores can take a long time and content keeps appearing as it completes.
You should see: Apps and content settle into place.
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Extra tips
What to look for: The date on each backup offered during setup. Choosing an older one silently leaves out recent content.
Before you change anything: Charge the tablet above half and stay on Wi-Fi — restores are large and interrupting one can leave apps half-installed.
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