What should I backup with TWRP? - Moto Z2 Force Questions & Answers

So I'm still learning how this device works with a/b partitioning and such. I'm wondering what I should backup in TWRP in order to be able to fully restore my ROM, apps, and settings without backing up mg entire system image.

dave31g said:
So I'm still learning how this device works with a/b partitioning and such. I'm wondering what I should backup in TWRP in order to be able to fully restore my ROM, apps, and settings without backing up mg entire system image.
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Just back up user data. Last I knew, TWRP had issues with backups and I think it hasn't been fixed yet

Related

[Q] What can you tell me about clockworkmod recovery

What's exactly creating a recovery? Why do I need the S-OFF in order to backup my device?
I m not trying to mess with anything, just creating a backup!
I know I sound very noob
Thanks in advance
androf said:
What's exactly creating a recovery?
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The Recovery allows you to backup or restore your device even if the /system is inaccessible and phone won't boot.
androf said:
Why do I need the S-OFF in order to backup my device?
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Click to collapse
You don't MyBackupPro will backup even without ROOT, whilst Titanium Backup wil do the same job on a rooted device. Without S-OFF you can't write to /system, so would be unable to restore your device as is, thus NANDROID requires S-OFF and provides a more comprehensive backup.
actually i am a grennhand here..
if u just want a backup,something like pc suit would be helpful.
bu frankly,you will miss the most exciting experience with dhd during flashing all kinds of roms on it
just a few of suggestions and good luck with u~
ghostofcain said:
The Recovery allows you to backup or restore your device even if the /system is inaccessible and phone won't boot.
You don't MyBackupPro will backup even without ROOT, whilst Titanium Backup wil do the same job on a rooted device. Without S-OFF you can't write to /system, so would be unable to restore your device as is, thus NANDROID requires S-OFF and provides a more comprehensive backup.
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Click to collapse
You're correct, but just to clarify for the OP, you're talking about two very different methods of backup here. The first, 'nandroid backup' or recovery, is an exact backup of the state of your phone, including the current ROM you're running, all of your settings, apps installed, and all of your user data (excluding what's stored on your SD card, and your radio firmware). This form of backup is most commonly used by people who like to try out new operating systems on their phones, because it allows them to quickly restore their phone to a previous working state.
To create and restore this form of recovery requires root access to your phone.
Using MyBackupPro, and TitaniumBackup will allow you to backup things in at a higher level, backing up individual apps and settings.

Titanium Backup Restores (ROOT)

Since rooted phones can't take OTA's, we have special considerations before updating. (flash/wipe/then recover ... ). Google restores a lot but I've discovered not many system or app settings. TWRP makes full backups, but if your data is full of pics and videos there's not enough available space for backups.
I have Titanium Backup Pro but I'm not sure 'when' to use it for recovery. Individual app restores sure, but what about a complete restore? After a flash and boot, should I bypass the Google setups, install TiB, and restore with that? Will that give me a 100% restored device (all system and app settings)?
Will this work? Is there a better strategy? Or is it impossible to get 100% recovery.
Insight/ Advice are appreciated.
Can't systemless root take OTAs?
Keithn said:
Can't systemless root take OTAs?
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From my limited understanding ... no! Any boot, recovery, or system mods cause OTAs to fail when trying to apply. Getting AP working is a different issue.
since i'm not comfortable using command line programs i find myself using NRT when an update is due. in the end it's just a graphical frontend with some instructions but it makes me feel more secure.
enough rambling, your question is answered in one of the FAQs in wugs homepage:
http://www.wugfresh.com/faqs/how-to-update-ota-not-working/ said:
If you use Titanium Backup it is recommended to only backup user apps + data (not system apps), because when you update to the new android version, the system apps are most likely updated, so restoring an old system app backup will overwrite your new system app with the legacy version; and if you were just to restore the data, it may be incompatible with the new version of the system app. There are some exceptions to this rule; as in – you might be able to get away with restoring some system data, however if you chose to go this route then make sure you just restore the data (not the app), you do so selectively (as in – one system app at a time), and you know how to delete that app data if it doesn’t work properly (Settings > Apps > All > navigate to the particular app > clear data > reboot your device.)
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following that link, i mostly find my self making complete backups with TiBa and then following option #1 for smaller updates and #2 for bigger ones.
Broken303 said:
...
following that link, i mostly find my self making complete backups with TiBa and then following option #1 for smaller updates and #2 for bigger ones.
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Click to collapse
Thanks for the valuable info. It appears a full restore (all system settings) is impossible after an upgrade/update. Maybe restoring app data with a TiBackup is possible, but I'm still confused about the 'when' to do this - after the Google restore? Bypass the Google restore?
I recently moved away from Apple where their update/upgrade restore was almost 100%. Maybe some day Google will follow and this will be a moot point.
Mesmurized said:
Thanks for the valuable info. It appears a full restore (all system settings) is impossible after an upgrade/update. Maybe restoring app data with a TiBackup is possible, but I'm still confused about the 'when' to do this - after the Google restore? Bypass the Google restore?
I recently moved away from Apple where their update/upgrade restore was almost 100%. Maybe some day Google will follow and this will be a moot point.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
google is certainly impoving on that part, it's only a matter of time until this kind of backup is fully implemented.
if you took a look at the link, you may have realised that at least with option 1 you would not have to go through the setup/restore process again.
in my case, i usually go for the restore option given, as it restores some of the system settings in a compatible way, which TiBa can not as already said.
another option, to carry over all of your settings to the update is to:
make a full backup with TiBa
unroot/reflash your current build (if you are using NRT choose 'no wipe mode' similar to the description in the FAQ. this way you don't have to restore anything and can ignore the next step.)
restore your full backup without fear of compatibility issues(never mind, can't restore system settings without root. stupid me.)
take OTA or trigger the update otherwise
in this case it would of course be pretty much useless to restore the google backup.
Broken303 said:
google is certainly impoving on that part, it's only a matter of time until this kind of backup is fully implemented.
if you took a look at the link, you may have realised that at least with option 1 you would not have to go through the setup/restore process again.
in my case, i usually go for the restore option given, as it restores some of the system settings in a compatible way, which TiBa can not as already said.
another option, to carry over all of your settings to the update is to:
make a full backup with TiBa
unroot/reflash your current build (if you are using NRT choose 'no wipe mode' similar to the description in the FAQ. this way you don't have to restore anything and can ignore the next step.)
restore your full backup without fear of compatibility issues(never mind, can't restore system settings without root. stupid me.)
take OTA or trigger the update otherwise
in this case it would of course be pretty much useless to restore the google backup
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Click to collapse
I checked out Option #1 and the rest of NRT for that matter. In fact I have NRT installed. What is does mostly depends upon stock and I have Pure Nexus. In addition, it's a toolkit. Toolkits isolate users from an "understanding" of the process. However, it's the understanding that is necessary to have a fully integrated backup/restore process and to respond to issues/problems that may arise. Bottom line, I don't use toolkits.
Mesmurized said:
I checked out Option #1 and the rest of NRT for that matter. In fact I have NRT installed. What is does mostly depends upon stock and I have Pure Nexus. In addition, it's a toolkit. Toolkits isolate users from an "understanding" of the process. However, it's the understanding that is necessary to have a fully integrated backup/restore process and to respond to issues/problems that may arise. Bottom line, I don't use toolkits.
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ok then, i thought your switch to android was very recent and therefore you had very little experience. indeed toolkits are in the way of a learning curve when it comes to android.
to my knowledge the closest thing you can get to a full backup/restore process for manual updates is to use the google backup to restore the system settings and use TiBa to restore your own (user)apps and data (possibly overwriting the apps google may have tried to restore/-install). with pure nexus afaik being very close to stock using the tag to not wipe user data should in theory still work without causing problems.
Broken303 said:
ok then, i thought your switch to android was very recent and therefore you had very little experience. indeed toolkits are in the way of a learning curve when it comes to android.
to my knowledge the closest thing you can get to a full backup/restore process for manual updates is to use the google backup to restore the system settings and use TiBa to restore your own (user)apps and data (possibly overwriting the apps google may have tried to restore/-install). with pure nexus afaik being very close to stock using the tag to not wipe user data should in theory still work without causing problems.
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If I understand correctly, do you recommend allowing Google to restore everything it wants, then running TiB restore after that?
Mesmurized said:
If I understand correctly, do you recommend allowing Google to restore everything it wants, then running TiB restore after that?
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yes, basically. i would still be cautious when it comes to sms/mms and make a copy of every important file on the sdcard aswell.
the only problem i ever encountered this way was with whatsapp, which i had to reinstall and then manually move over its folder on the sd card from the previous installation.
Broken303 said:
yes, basically. i would still be cautious when it comes to sms/mms and make a copy of every important file on the sdcard aswell.
the only problem i ever encountered this way was with whatsapp, which i had to reinstall and then manually move over its folder on the sd card from the previous installation.
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I have a separate app for call logs and SMS/text messages. I'll use it!
I always have everything on /sdcard backed up .... It's just those darn system/app settings that are missing. Oh well, thanks for your help. Think I've come a little closer to a full 100% restore.
Mesmurized said:
Since rooted phones can't take OTA's, we have special considerations before updating. (flash/wipe/then recover ... ). Google restores a lot but I've discovered not many system or app settings. TWRP makes full backups, but if your data is full of pics and videos there's not enough available space for backups.
I have Titanium Backup Pro but I'm not sure 'when' to use it for recovery. Individual app restores sure, but what about a complete restore? After a flash and boot, should I bypass the Google setups, install TiB, and restore with that? Will that give me a 100% restored device (all system and app settings)?
Will this work? Is there a better strategy? Or is it impossible to get 100% recovery.
Insight/ Advice are appreciated.
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Click to collapse
Just follow #10 from Heisenberg's rooting guide & your apps/data stay intact.
ING3NIEUR said:
Just follow #10 from Heisenberg's rooting guide & your apps/data stay intact.
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That's the easy part! Restoring app settings and all of system settings is the hard part
Mesmurized said:
That's the easy part! Restoring app settings and all of system settings is the hard part
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As long as you follow the guide and don't wipe your phone, then there's no need to restore your apps/settings. They should still be there on your phone. The only thing you have to restore is TWRP/root.
ING3NIEUR said:
... The only thing you have to restore is TWRP/root.
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If a flash update is performed, do you still restore TWRP/root? I would think not as it would overwrite the newly flashed update and likely make the system unstable in the least or unbootable at the worst!
Mesmurized said:
If a flash update is performed, do you still restore TWRP/root? I would think not as it would overwrite the newly flashed update and likely make the system unstable in the least or unbootable at the worst!
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Click to collapse
If you are rooted, your phone will not take an OTA update. So you have two options....flash the new factory image or wait for somebody to upload a flashable update zip. The easiest way is to just download and flash the new factory image. If you follow the guide, you are also flashing stock recovery. So, you have to re-flash TWRP and root. Your data/apps stay intact.
ING3NIEUR said:
If you are rooted, your phone will not take an OTA update. So you have two options....flash the new factory image or wait for somebody to upload a flashable update zip. The easiest way is to just download and flash the new factory image. If you follow the guide, you are also flashing stock recovery. So, you have to re-flash TWRP and root. Your data/apps stay intact.
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Thanks for you input, but after all this, at the least many system settings are lost even after Google does it's full restore. I know, I've done it many times. I'm looking for a process/strategy that restores system settings (and all data settings) after an upgrade.
Mesmurized said:
Thanks for you input, but after all this, at the least many system settings are lost even after Google does it's full restore. I know, I've done it many times. I'm looking for a process/strategy that restores system settings (and all data settings) after an upgrade.
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Im very confused by this whole thread you have unlocked bootloader rooted phone running twrp and wondering how to stay up to date with latest google factory images?
You dont have to backup your phone to install the factory images and you can flash the new one over the current one. You can simply download the latest factory image from google and manually flash the files from fastboot or use the flashall.bat. just make sure to edit the flash allscript so it doesn't flash userdata or recovery as the flashing of userdata will delete your user data)
Flash the following from the factory image. Dont flash recovery or userdata (recovery will over write twrp and userdata will wipe your data partition.
Boot.img
Cache.img
System.img
Vendor.img
Radio.img
Then boot into recovery and reinstall su.
The_Automator said:
Im very confused by this whole thread you have unlocked bootloader rooted phone running twrp and wondering how to stay up to date with latest google factory images? ...
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No. Please re-read post #1.
I want to restore all system and app settings AFTER a flash update. It is possible to retain many (most) app settings if the internal storage is not wiped, but this does not apply to system settings.
Mesmurized said:
No. Please re-read post #1.
I want to restore all system and app settings AFTER a flash update. It is possible to retain many (most) app settings if the internal storage is not wiped, but this does not apply to system settings.
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Click to collapse
Updates modify the system partition of the phone i have found that using titanium backup to restore system apps has always caused issues for me as the files have been modified by the update and you are then overwriting the update with settings from a previous version this can make settings copied incorrectly or cause issues with new features that have been implemented to the system partition. Personally I think it could create more issues than it solves is there a specific setting or thing you are trying to preserve?

Problem with restoring twrp backup

Hi everyone. My phone doesn't boot up after restoring twrp backup. Yesterday I made a Full backup and now if I try to restore that my phone just go into a bootloop. How can I resolve this problem?
mr.banana said:
Hi everyone. My phone doesn't boot up after restoring twrp backup. Yesterday I made a Full backup and now if I try to restore that my phone just go into a bootloop. How can I resolve this problem?
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It depends on a lot of factors.
What ROM, what TWRP version, what partitions did you back up, etc.
If you want to get your phone working, you can flash any ROM of your choice from TWRP or restore stock image.
indian84 said:
It depends on a lot of factors.
What ROM, what TWRP version, what partitions did you back up, etc.
If you want to get your phone working, you can flash any ROM of your choice from TWRP or restore stock image.
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TWRP Version is the last one (I think). I backup every partition so I made a full backup of everything. The rom Is the simple aosp. I very want back all my stuff
mr.banana said:
TWRP Version is the last one (I think). I backup every partition so I made a full backup of everything. The rom Is the simple aosp. I very want back all my stuff
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Backing up all the partitions was the mistake.
Getting your stuff back looks difficult.
If you flash ROM using TWRP, your media files and anything stored on your phone won't be deleted.
But all your apps and stuff will be lost.

TWRP backups

Been running a stock rooted set up for a long time. Looking at flashing a few Custom Roms and trying them out. I want to backup my stock setup so I can go back if need be. Are backups working in TWRP? If so is there a certain version of TWRP that needs to be used? Also, what all needs to be backed up? I'm not familiar with backing up the A/B partition setup. I know on single partition phones you selected data, system, and I think maybe boot or one other thing. Thanks in advance!

Restore a TWRP backup with A/B system slots!

CHANGED: You must flash the dm-verity.zip on ROM install to use the backup/restore feature of TWRP. It won't work if /data is encrypted. I jumped the gun when making this thread.
EDIT2: I had also flashed dm-verity on install so /data wasn't encrypted.
Which Dm Verity did you use which version??
Does this mean even today with the latest versions of twrp and magisk you cant restore the backups made of an encrypted phone? I just got a new Moto G7 Power and got it setup with those two things and made a backup - havnt tried restoring yet. Does your solution of flashing the dm-verify.zip thing mean the phone will be unencryped then? Because I cant have that, I rather not have backups. What about the old "adb backup" type command line does that still work?
I've had my phone since the day they were available at metro and I can't and don't even try to backup or restore anything anymore. On roms it always has broken lockscreen where you cannot secure phone. Because of this I stay encrypted and setup my **** all over again when I change roms.
flash713 said:
I've had my phone since the day they were available at metro and I can't and don't even try to backup or restore anything anymore. On roms it always has broken lockscreen where you cannot secure phone. Because of this I stay encrypted and setup my **** all over again when I change roms.
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I see, too bad it's a nice function to backup/restore I guess I'll just backup my important data individually and try not to mess up my Rom.
TaZeR369 said:
I see, too bad it's a nice function to backup/restore I guess I'll just backup my important data individually and try not to mess up my Rom.
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Check this out. I haven't used it yet but I'm about to try it. Join «Migrate - Custom ROM Migration Tool» on Telegram: https://t.me/migrateApp
https://forum.xda-developers.com/android/apps-games/app-migrate-custom-rom-migration-tool-t3862763
There's a new add-on for it on telegram link
TaZeR369 said:
I see, too bad it's a nice function to backup/restore I guess I'll just backup my important data individually and try not to mess up my Rom.
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Click to collapse
Me too. I haven't a bit of luck with encrypted stock restores. I was told it would work if you don't restore /data, but when I made a backup without /data, it failed to restore. I HAVE been able to restore unencrypted customs though. I only backed up system, data, and boot when I succeeded. It's been a while. I think you have to wait a long time for the 1st boot after the restore, as if it were rebuilding ART or something. Haven't had any luck stopping stock from encrypting either. I hate not messing up my ROM. Boring.....
Perhaps I am missing a critical detail, but I just successfully restored my latest LOS(lineage-17.1-20200524-UNOFFICIAL-ocean) & older CRD(crDroidAndroid-10.0-20200405-ocean-v6.4) backups(*) using TWRP(twrp-installer-3.3.1-2-ocean).
SELinux is NOT enforced, but "Trust"(lulz) claims the phone is encrypted.
My methodology requires installing the same base f/w I used when originally installing the ROM(former newest RETAIL for CRD & newest RETUS for LOS), root, flash copy partitions zip, flash>factory reset>1st boot of the original ROM zip, enable debug, install TWRP, boot into TWRP, wipe all & restore backup(*).
I just restored successfully 2x's on my xt1955-5.
I loaded LOS 10 & 3rds from scratch, made all my settings tweaks & made Titanium b/u(JIC), made TWRP b/u(*) then restored my previous CRD daily install using steps above. Then I repeated the above steps(again) to go back to my new, fresh LOS. It is annoying to have to reload f/w, et al, but def easier than reloading & retweaking the OS & all 3rds from scratch... Titanium fails to restore most settings + other nits.
To restore a backup(*) of a ROM I am currently running, I just boot to TWRP, wipe all & restore.
*: To make the original TWRP backup, I will run it & it will fail. I open the log file and find the last file/folder that "error"ed, delete the offender & re-run backup(boot, data & system). It works for me, no DM-verity flash required.
As always, YMMV.
Edit: PS: The problems seem to be stemming from beta testing the new "Trust"(lulz) framework, on all 10 ROMs(?). Would be nice to get that ironed out. A new Recovery wouldn't hurt, either. AFAIK, these problems exist in OFR, too.
googleverifysux said:
Perhaps I am missing a critical detail, but I just successfully restored my latest LOS(lineage-17.1-20200524-UNOFFICIAL-ocean) & older CRD(crDroidAndroid-10.0-20200405-ocean-v6.4) backups(*) using TWRP(twrp-installer-3.3.1-2-ocean).
SELinux is NOT enforced, but "Trust"(lulz) claims the phone is encrypted.
My methodology requires installing the same base f/w I used when originally installing the ROM(former newest RETAIL for CRD & newest RETUS for LOS), root, flash copy partitions zip, flash>factory reset>1st boot of the original ROM zip, enable debug, install TWRP, boot into TWRP, wipe all & restore backup(*).
I just restored successfully 2x's on my xt1955-5.
I loaded LOS 10 & 3rds from scratch, made all my settings tweaks & made Titanium b/u(JIC), made TWRP b/u(*) then restored my previous CRD daily install using steps above. Then I repeated the above steps(again) to go back to my new, fresh LOS. It is annoying to have to reload f/w, et al, but def easier than reloading & retweaking the OS & all 3rds from scratch... Titanium fails to restore most settings + other nits.
To restore a backup(*) of a ROM I am currently running, I just boot to TWRP, wipe all & restore.
*: To make the original TWRP backup, I will run it & it will fail. I open the log file and find the last file/folder that "error"ed, delete the offender & re-run backup(boot, data & system). It works for me, no DM-verity flash required.
As always, YMMV.
Edit: PS: The problems seem to be stemming from beta testing the new "Trust"(lulz) framework, on all 10 ROMs(?). Would be nice to get that ironed out. A new Recovery wouldn't hurt, either. AFAIK, these problems exist in OFR, too.
Click to expand...
Click to collapse
Have u tried the new 3.5 twrp
Lol...and here it is a couple years later and I'm still searching whether a force-encrypted twrp backup of stock has been figured out how to restore...Pulled up my own thread. Lol.
i miss being able to backup android properly. it made me behave completely differently with my phone. it was a toy instead of just some tool. i'd just install every single rom, kernel modem operating system i could find or i'd just plagiarize the hell out of you guys for sh*ts and giggles and man i loved android so much back then but now its my cell phone. :\ i just liked the colorful language, i wasn't signing anybody else's code.
it's such a tedious thing now, even compared to before and i suppose that's their intention perhaps.

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