February 2015
I had to do a Factory Reset and I backed up my data using my Google account. I had understood (perhaps incorrectly) that my home screen layouts would be restored too so that my phone would basically be the same as before the Reset. I am also missing the SwiftKey app... it was reinstalled in my apps but not enabled. My system sounds/vibrations are all changed too.
Should I have used a different methodology to perform my backup/restore?
Solved! Go to Solution.
February 2015
There are different ways to backup your device but it depends on the software provided by the manufacturer. For example, if your device is a Samsung, they are providing Kies 3 software to backup and restore their devices via the computer and it has more features than backing up to Google account. What brand is your device?
February 2015
Yeah, Im on Samsung.
Does Samsung Kies backup the home screens as well as system sound selections?
February 2015
What can I backup and restore from my device by using Kies 3?
You can create a backup of contacts, call logs, videos, photos, messages, memos, email account information, ringtones, other files and much more. You can view the complete list of content that can be backed up by using Kies 3 in the window that will appear once you click Backup/ Restore tab.
February 2015
I dont want to install Kies until I know for sure what it does and doesnt back up.
I'll research it. If not as good as MyBackup Pro, i'll stick to MyBackup Pro which allows me to schedule weekly dumps to DropBox.
February 2015
What Google Backs Up Automatically
By default, Google backs up most types of data you care about and associates it with the appropriate Google service, where you can also access it on the web.
This isn’t an exhaustive list, but it should give you some idea of what’s backed up automatically. The most important things are backed up automatically, so you don’t need to worry about losing your email, contacts, apps, or even saved Wi-Fi passphrases.
What Google Doesn’t Back Up
Now that we’re covered what Google does automatically back up, let’s take a look at what they don’t:
This isn’t an exhaustive list, either. Much of this will depend on the individual apps you use and whether they back up your data or not.
February 2015
Thanks for the clarification.
At this point, I've decided to give MyBackup Pro a try.
Lots of positive reviews and probably most extensive backup app available (includes home screens).
February 2015
I never tried MyBackup Pro but looking at the general specs and what it does it seems to meet your needs. Unfortunately this is an app you have to pay for and I just don't like paying for apps. However, it doesn't cost much and it could save you headache, I'm also against headaches, so good luck, I hope this app works well for you