Back up Android apps without root

Without root, Swift Backup saves these parts of an app:

• APKs: The app itself, with its split APKs and shared libraries
• Media: The app's folder in Android/media
• External data and expansion files: The app's folder in Android/data and the OBB files some games use, on Android 10 and older

App data needs root. These are the app's private files, such as its settings, logins and databases. No app can read another app's private data without root. The FAQ explains why root is needed.

On Android 11 and later, external data and expansion files need root or Shizuku.

1. 1

   Open Apps

   On the Home screen, tap Apps. The list shows your installed apps and the apps you have backups of.

2. 2

   Pick one app or many

   For one app, tap it and then tap Backup on its screen.

   For many apps, tap Batch actions at the bottom, then Backup. Select the apps and tap Backup options.

3. 3

   Choose the parts

   Under User app parts, keep the APK part selected. Parts your phone can't back up are turned off.

4. 4

   Choose where to save

   Under Select backup locations, pick Device, Cloud or both. Cloud backups of apps need Premium.

5. 5

   Start the backup

   Tap Backup.

To back up every installed app in one go, tap Backup all apps under Apps quick actions on the Home screen.

Without root or Shizuku, each app goes back through Android's installer.

1. 1

   Open the app's screen

   In Apps, tap the app. Apps that aren't installed show up too when you have a backup of them.

2. 2

   Tap Restore

   In the Device backups card, tap Restore. Backups in the cloud are in the Cloud backups card.

3. 3

   Pick the parts

   Choose the parts to restore and tap Restore.

4. 4

   Confirm the install

   Android's installer opens. Confirm the install. If Android asks, allow Swift Backup to install apps.

Repeat this for each app. Restoring many apps at once needs root or Shizuku.

Shizuku gives Swift Backup more access without rooting your phone. With Shizuku running, you can:

• Restore many apps at once with Batch actions, without confirming each install
• Restore app permissions and special data, such as accessibility and battery settings
• Back up and restore external data and expansion files on Android 11 and later

Shizuku can't back up app data. That still needs root. The Shizuku guide shows how to set it up.

• On your phone: Backups go to the SwiftBackup folder on internal storage. Local backups are free.
• SD card or USB drive: Tap the storage at the top of the Home screen to switch. Some older Android versions need root for this.
• In the cloud: Google Drive, a NAS or another cloud service. Cloud backups of apps need Premium.