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What is the best back up phone app?
The best back up phone app is the one built into your phone: iCloud Backup on iPhone and Backup by Google One on Android, because only they restore settings and app data on a new phone. Add Google Photos or iCloud Photos for pictures. For a second, cross-platform copy, IDrive’s mobile app is a strong extra.
No third-party app can fully replace the built-in backup, because phones limit access to system data. So this ranking looks at the best combination: the system backup, a photo app and an optional second copy.
| App | Platform | What it saves | Restores a new phone? | End-to-end option |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| iCloud Backup | iPhone | Settings, app data, messages, home screen | Yes | Yes, with Advanced Data Protection |
| Backup by Google One | Android | Apps, contacts, call history, settings, SMS | Yes | Encrypted with screen lock |
| Google Photos | Android, iPhone | Photos and videos | Photos only | No |
| Samsung Smart Switch | Samsung, to PC or new phone | Most phone data | Yes, Samsung | Local copy |
| IDrive mobile app | Android, iPhone | Photos, videos, contacts, files | Partly | Private key option |
| Finder or Apple Devices app | iPhone to computer | Full device backup | Yes | Encrypted local backup |
How we compared phone backup apps
We judged apps on three questions: what data they save, how a restore works on a new or reset phone, and who can read the backup. We used each provider’s official documentation, checked in October 2026, and our own long experience restoring phones for people.
The restore question matters most. Many apps copy photos well but cannot bring back app settings or messages. Those are useful extras, not replacements.
Short verdicts
iCloud Backup
The best for iPhone. It restores your phone almost exactly as it was, including app layout and messages. Its main limit is iCloud storage, with only 5 GB free. Read our iCloud backup review for limits and privacy.
Backup by Google One
The best for Android. It restores apps, settings, contacts, call logs and SMS on a new Android phone. Google says backups are encrypted using your screen lock. Photos need Google Photos. See backup cloud Android.
Google Photos
The best photo backup across both platforms, with strong search and sharing. It handles only photos and videos. Our cloud photo backup ranking compares it with alternatives.
Samsung Smart Switch
The best for Samsung owners who want a local backup on a computer, or a direct transfer to a new Galaxy phone. It is free and saves most data types.
IDrive
A good second copy for photos, videos and contacts, across phones and computers in one account. It cannot restore system settings like iCloud or Google can. See our IDrive review.
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Get the checklistWho each app suits
- iPhone users: iCloud Backup plus iCloud Photos, with a monthly computer backup.
- Android users: Google One backup plus Google Photos.
- Samsung users: add Smart Switch to a PC before upgrades.
- Mixed families: Google Photos for everyone, plus each phone’s system backup.
- Privacy-focused users: iCloud with Advanced Data Protection, or IDrive with a private key.
What to check in any phone backup app
Check whether it restores data, not just copies it. Check the encryption model, the storage price after any free tier and whether it runs reliably in the background. Battery optimisation often stops third-party apps on Android.
For storage plans, see cloud storage for phone. For hardware, see phone backup storage. The back up phone hub covers the full setup.
Frequently asked questions
What is the top pick among phone backup apps?
The top pick is your phone’s built-in backup: iCloud Backup for iPhone and Backup by Google One for Android. Only these restore settings and app data on a new phone. Add Google Photos or iCloud Photos for pictures, and optionally a second copy with another app.
How did you compare phone backup apps?
We compared what each app saves, how restores work on a new or reset phone and who can read the backup. We used official documentation checked in October 2026 and our experience restoring phones. Restore ability carried the most weight in our verdicts.
Which option suits most people?
For most people, the built-in system backup plus the matching photo service is enough, as long as storage does not run out. Adding a monthly computer backup or a second photo app gives an extra copy for very little effort.
Can a third-party app back up my whole phone?
Not fully. iOS and Android restrict access to system settings and other apps’ data. Third-party apps can back up photos, videos, contacts and files, but only iCloud, Google’s backup or computer backups restore a phone almost exactly as it was.
Are free phone backup apps safe?
Apps from Apple, Google, Samsung and established backup companies are generally safe. Be cautious with unknown apps that request broad permissions, because they can access your photos and contacts. Check the developer, the privacy policy and recent reviews before installing.
Our Start Here guide shows the three steps every setup needs, in plain English. Cannot find a guide for your phone, app or drive? Request a guide and we will write it.
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