Nandroid: Make full system backup from Android

With the so-called Nandroid backup, you create a complete image of the Android system. With this you can restore your cell phone completely later - for example, if something went wrong when flashing firmware.

System backup with Nandroid - the requirements

To create a complete nandroid backup of your smartphone (including all apps and settings), there are some conditions:

• Most importantly, your phone is rooted. If you do not have root rights and you do not root your smartphone, you should take a look at the five best backup apps. Some of them allow you to back up your data without root.
• Tip: If you have installed custom recovery, Nandroid backups can be better managed - for example with "ClockworkMod Recovery" or "TWRP".
• Since the Nandroid backup saves all data again as an image, it is important that you have enough memory available. It is ideal if you can insert an (empty) memory card. In case of doubt, you always have the backup at hand separately.

Create Nandroid backup from Android system

Since you want to backup all the memory, you need to do the Nandroid backup in Custom Recovery mode. To do this, you must first switch off your cell phone.

1. You can then start it in custom recovery mode. This is usually done by simultaneously pressing the Powers button and the volume down button. Especially with newer devices, the home button must also be pressed in some cases.
2. The smartphone starts the boot manager by selecting "Backup and restore" with the volume buttons and confirming with the power button.
3. The Nandroid menu will then open. Select "backup to internal sdcard" to start the backup. After the backup has been created, your smartphone restarts. The backup takes 10 to 40 minutes depending on the amount of storage.

Nandroid Online: System backup while using your smartphone

With the free "Online Nandroid Backup" app, you can also create a complete system backup while using your smartphone as normal.

1. To do this, install and start the Android app. Grant her Superroot rights.
2. Select "Custom Backup" at the bottom of the menu to choose what to save in the backup.
3. After you have done this, you can start the backup process with "Quick Backup".
4. While the Nandroid backup continues in the background, you can continue to use your smartphone as usual.

In the next practical tip, you will read how you can back up the system settings, your apps (and their data) as well as your calendar entries and SMS messages without a Nandroid backup. We also bring you closer to the powerful "Titanium Backup" tool.