How to data migrate from Nexus 4 to Nexus 5

[indaglop]

Hey Hope this is the right sub-forum for my question...

After looking at some tutorials and threads on the topic of data migration, I'm still confused. Maybe I can get some help here?

I want to "migrate" my app (user) data from my Nexus 4 to my Nexus 5. For Google apps that's simple: backup/sync transfers user data between devices when reinstalling. But I also want the data from the non-Google apps. Please note that my phone isn't rooted. I've already tried MyBackup Pro, but on a non-rooted phone it doesn't copy user user data.

My questions:

(1) Did anyone try the "Helium" app. Does that one backup/transfer user data on a non-rooted phone?

(2) I heard you can make a complete backup of your phone's storage through the ADK. Would that be helpful for my needs?

(3) Ideally I would like to migrate all user data, but if that's not possible, what I really would like to save is my old text messages and my old Whatsapp conversations. If all else fails, perhaps there's a solution only for those two items?

 

[Thom]

Welcome to Android Forums. I moved this thread from Android Lounge to the forum dedicated to the Nexus 5.

... Thom

 

[indaglop]

Welcome to Android Forums. I moved this thread from Android Lounge to the forum dedicated to the Nexus 5.

... Thom

My apologies :/ Wasn't sure where to post...

 

[charliecc]

I don't think (someone please correct me if I'm wrong) there are any easy methods for achieving this unrooted. I think this is THE ONLY area iOS is better than Android.

WRT sms, SMS Backup worked fine for me - https://play.google.com/store/search?q=sms%20backup&hl=en

Other apps you can usually copy their directories across from your old device, doesn't work for everything though.

If only Google gave the option to back up all app data to the Cloud.

 

[jj14x]

Hey Hope this is the right sub-forum for my question...

After looking at some tutorials and threads on the topic of data migration, I'm still confused. Maybe I can get some help here?

I want to "migrate" my app (user) data from my Nexus 4 to my Nexus 5. For Google apps that's simple: backup/sync transfers user data between devices when reinstalling. But I also want the data from the non-Google apps. Please note that my phone isn't rooted. I've already tried MyBackup Pro, but on a non-rooted phone it doesn't copy user user data.

My questions:

(1) Did anyone try the "Helium" app. Does that one backup/transfer user data on a non-rooted phone?

(2) I heard you can make a complete backup of your phone's storage through the ADK. Would that be helpful for my needs?

(3) Ideally I would like to migrate all user data, but if that's not possible, what I really would like to save is my old text messages and my old Whatsapp conversations. If all else fails, perhaps there's a solution only for those two items?

Helium claims to be able to backup app data and SMS, so it should be able to do everything you listed. Personally, I haven't used it, so can't confirm. Try it out - nothing to lose.

Regarding complete backup, even if it were possible on unrooted phone, how would that help? You can't restore the entire system image for N4 to N5.

 

[mrdeucie]

I have this issue with my current Nexus 5 and my old Nexus 4. I wish the Nexi still used UMS. With the MTP protocol I always have trouble managing files on my Nexus devices, e.g., I will try to rename a folder, but it will not stick, I will ask an app to make a back up of the data, but it doesn't create the folder on the device, I will try to transfer some files, but it won't allow all of them to transfer, etc.

 

[jj14x]

I have this issue with my current Nexus 5 and my old Nexus 4. I wish the Nexi still used UMS. With the MTP protocol I always have trouble managing files on my Nexus devices, e.g., I will try to rename a folder, but it will not stick, I will ask an app to make a back up of the data, but it doesn't create the folder on the device, I will try to transfer some files, but it won't allow all of them to transfer, etc.

Interesting - I perform the 3 activities you mentioned, on a fairly regular basis, and have never had a problem. Can you provide more specifics on this?

 

[mrdeucie]

Interesting - I perform the 3 activities you mentioned, on a fairly regular basis, and have never had a problem. Can you provide more specifics on this?

I'd be happy to. What kind of information are you looking for?

 

[jj14x]

I'd be happy to. What kind of information are you looking for?

• Renaming folder - how do you try to do it? What is your OS on your computer?
• App backup data - what app are you using? Where are you trying to backup the data to?
• Transfer files - from where to where? Using? Any error message?

 

[mrdeucie]

See responses below.

• Renaming folder - how do you try to do it? What is your OS on your computer? On Windows 7 I create a new folder in Windows Explorer in the internal storage folder and name it. It reverts to New Folder, then when I right click it to change the name again it reverts back to New Folder.
• App backup data - what app are you using? Where are you trying to backup the data to?No app. I am copying the files to my Windows 7 machine and trying to copy them back.
• Transfer files - from where to where? Using? Any error message? from Nexus 5 to Windows 7 Machine and vice versa using USB cable. Error message I think is usually "unspecified error" or "Cannot copy X", The device has either stopped responding or has been disconnected. Options from here are either "OK," "Stop copying," or "Skip this file." Once I click away the error I can still navigate within the folders on my phone, so it has not disconnected.

 

[jj14x]

See responses below.

All 3 sound like USB issues.

For troubleshooting, could you try the following?

• Disable USB debugging in dev options (if you had enabled it)
• Remove drivers, and reinstall from Google USB Driver | Android Developers

Hopefully this will fix it.

Does this happen every time? or does it work occasionally?

Edit: are you rooted? stock or custom ROM?

 

[mrdeucie]

All 3 sound like USB issues.

For troubleshooting, could you try the following?

• Disable USB debugging in dev options (if you had enabled it)
• Remove drivers, and reinstall from Google USB Driver | Android Developers

Hopefully this will fix it.

Does this happen every time? or does it work occasionally?

Edit: are you rooted? stock or custom ROM?

Thanks for the suggestions. I will try this. Sometimes it works sometimes it doesn't.

My Nexus 5 is stock and coming off a fresh wipe.

 

[jj14x]

Thanks for the suggestions. I will try this. Sometimes it works sometimes it doesn't.

My Nexus 5 is stock and coming off a fresh wipe.

Sounds like a USB issue - maybe try a different computer (or even a different USB port on your computer). Hopefully the issue gets resolved.

 

[indaglop]

Hey guys (and girls). Thanks for your answers.

After some of you recommended Helium, I tried it (actually paid for it since I need the cloud backup option), but was kind of skeptical... but... It actually works!!!

After so many attempts I didn't expect that. None of the other solutions worked on my unrooted phones, but Helium does. Thanks again for pointing me towards it!