How to backup Samsung Galaxy Note 5 data, files, pictures, videos, etc.
This guide will help you learn how to back up data on your Samsung Galaxy Note 5 (#Samsung #GalaxyNote5) just in case you will encounter problems that would require a hard reset in the future.
Most software-related issues in mobile devices are resolved by performing a hard reset, also known as master reset. It’s a process that erases all customized contents in the phone including apps, contacts, photos, and data then restores the device to factory defaults. For this reason, creating a backup is highly recommended beforehand. Otherwise, you will lose all your personal information to the ether.
- Back Up Contents from your Galaxy Note 5 to a Windows PC
- Back Up Contents from your Galaxy Note 5 to a Mac computer
- Back Up Contents from your Galaxy Note 5 to your Google Account
Backing up of files from your new Samsung phablet can be done either by moving contents to your Google account(s) or to a computer (Windows or Mac). You can use any kind of backup solutions available for your device like the Samsung Smart Switch in completing the process.
Similar to the Samsung Galaxy S6 and S6 Edge smartphones, the new Galaxy Note 5 also doesn’t have an external storage option. This means backing up of files via SD card is not possible. As an alternative, you can connect your Note 5 to a computer and transfer files before you perform a hard reset. Doing so will help you easily restore them afterwards.
Before we go any further, if you have problems with your new device, visit the troubleshooting page we setup for the Samsung Galaxy Note 5 as it contains solutions to problems we already addressed as well as important guides that will walk you through in mastering the phone. Try to find issues related to yours and use the solutions we provided. If they won’t work for you, then feel free to contact us by filling up our Android issues questionnaire accurately.
Below are different ways to backup contents from your new Galaxy Note 5 to a computer.
How to Back Up Contents from your Galaxy Note 5 to a Windows PC
- Connect your Galaxy Note 5 directly to a computer using the supplied USB connector/cable.
Once your phone is recognized by the computer, you can already start moving your files such as music, pictures, and other contents. To easily restore contents after the reset, you can create new folders specific for each type of file on your computer. For example, you can create a music folder for storing music (audio) files copied from your phone to your PC.
Here’s how to properly connect your Note 5 to a computer:
- Insert one end of the USB cable to the charger/accessory port located at the bottom of your phone.
- Insert the other end of the USB cable into an available USB port on your computer.
- Remove the USB cable from the charging head to access it when necessary.
The device driver software will then automatically install on the computer the first time you connect your phone to it.
- On your phone, drag the status bar down to show to notification panel.
- Select a file transfer option.
An indication that your phone is already accessible through your computer is a message prompt that says “Connected as a media device” or “Connected as a camera.”
- Tap “Connected as a media device,” and then check the box next to Media device (MTP). By then you may begin moving contents from your phone.
Hint: Generally, “Connected as a media device” is an option used for most file transfers. If you want to change this option, simply tap the Notification in the Notification Panel. Doing so will open the USB computer connection screen wherein you can tap to select any of your preferred option.
- To start copying contents, click the option to “Open device to view files” on your computer.
- Navigate to the desired contents on your phone.
- Drag and drop the files into the selected folder to your computer.
- When you are finished copying all important files, safely disconnect your phone from the computer.
How to Back Up Contents from your Galaxy Note 5 to a Mac computer
If necessary, download the Samsung Kies for Mac OS to get started. Simply navigate to samsung.com/kies, and then click the option to Download For Mac OS. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete downloading of the Kies software to your Mac computer.
Once the Kies is successfully downloaded, proceed to the following steps:
- Connect the USB cable to your Galaxy Note 5.
- Connect the other end of the USB cable to the USB slot of your Mac computer.
- If necessary, touch the Status bar and then drag it down.
- Tap Connected as a media device.
- Select the check box next to Media device (MTP).
- On your Mac computer, click Kies to open it.
- Click the Back up/restore tab inside Kies. Click the Backup tab if needed.
- Click to select the check box next to Music and Photo. Do the same to any other available categories you want to restore.
- Check the box next to Select all items, to back up all your files at once.
- Click Backup.
- Once you’re done copying contents, safely disconnect your phone from the computer.
How to Back Up Contents from your Galaxy Note 5 to your Google Account
Google will automatically sync files including contacts, calendar, appointments, documents, and even certain app purchases for as long as you grant it permission to do so. Backing up of contents via Google slightly varies from phone to phone. Below are different methods of backing up various files from your new phablet to your Google Account.
How to Back Up Apps on your Galaxy Note 5 via Google
- Tap the Apps icon from the Home
- Tap on Settings.
- Scroll to Personal.
- Tap Backup & reset.
More Hints:
- To back up any account data, Wi-Fi passwords, and other settings to Google servers, check the box next to Back up my data.
- To restore backed up settings and data when re-installing apps, check the box next to Automatic restore.
Among other stuff you can back up through Google include your Google calendar settings, Wi-Fi networks & passwords, Home screen wallpapers, Gmail settings, apps installed via Google Play, display settings, language & input settings, date & time, and some third-party app settings and data. Apps installed via Google Play are usually backed up on the Play Store app.
How to Back Up Contacts on your Galaxy Note 5 via Google Account
- Tap the Apps icon from the Home
- Tap on Settings.
- Tap on Accounts.
- Tap to select the account you want to sync.
- Tap the More icon to view more options.
- Tap on Sync now.
How to Back Up Media Files and Photos on your Galaxy Note 5
- Tap Apps from any Home
- Tap My Files.
- Scroll to Local Storage.
- Tap Device storage.
- Tap More.
- Tap Share.
- Tap the content (s) you want to back up.
After selecting all contents to back up, tap Share again to start file sharing.
Specify the location you want the selected contents to be shared with. Once the location is specified, a progress bar shows until the file transfer is completed.
Once all important information on your Galaxy Note 5 is copied, you can easily restore them from the computer whenever necessary.
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