Backing up the Samsung Galaxy S4

Backing up your Samsung Galaxy S4 is important if you don't want to lose personal data and media files due to software malfunctions, or if you lose or misplace your device. You can back up your Galaxy S4 by storing your data on Google's servers, or by moving files to your SIM card, an SD card, or your computer.

Steps

Method 1 of 5: Back up applications to Google's servers

Step 1. Tap on the menu and select "Settings"

Step 2. Tap on "Account" and scroll to and tap on "Backup and Restore"

Step 3. Put a check next to "Back up my data"

Google will automatically sync and back up all your favorites, applications, and other phone data to Google's servers.

Method 2 of 5: Backup contacts to SIM or SD card

Step 1. In your "Contacts" go to the "Settings" menu

Step 2. Tap "Menu" and choose "Import/Export Contacts"

Step 3. Tap "Export to SIM card" or "Export to SD card" depending on your preference

Step 4. Tap "OK" to confirm that you want to export your contacts

Your contacts will then be copied and backed up to your chosen source.

Method 3 of 5: Back up media to an SD card

Step 1. Tap "Apps" on the home screen of your Samsung Galaxy S4

Step 2. Tap "My Files" and then "All Files"

Step 3. Tap "Menu" and select "Select All"

Step 4. Tap "Menu" and choose "Copy"

Step 5. Tap on "SD card"

Step 6. Tap on "Copy Here"

All media files on your device will now be copied to your SD card.

Method 4 of 5: Backup media to Windows PCs

Step 1. Connect the Galaxy S4 to your computer using a USB cable

Step 2. Wait for your computer to recognize the Galaxy S4

The "Autoplay" pop-up window will appear on the screen when Windows recognizes your device.

Step 3. Select "Open device to view files with Windows Explorer"

Step 4. Click on your device in the left sidebar of Windows Explorer

Step 5. Select the files you want to back up and drag them to the desired location on your computer

Step 6. Disconnect your Galaxy S4 from the computer and USB cable when you are done moving files

Method 5 of 5: Backup media to Mac OS X

Step 1. Navigate to the official Samsung Kies website at

Step 2. Select the option to download and install the software for Mac OS X

You need the Samsung Kies software to be able to move files between your device and computer.

Step 3. Connect the Galaxy S4 to your computer using a USB cable

Step 4. Run the Samsung Kies application on your computer if the program is not already open

Step 5. Click the "Backup / Restore" tab in Samsung Kies

Step 6. Check "Select All Items"

Step 7. Click on "Backup"

Your media files will be saved to your computer via Samsung Kies.