Latest news with #backup
Android Authority
15 hours ago
- Android Authority
Tired of Google Photos filling up your cloud? A new backup setting could help (APK teardown)
Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority TL;DR Google Photos could soon introduce a new feature allowing users to back up only their favorite photos and videos. This feature could provide a middle ground between full auto-backup and manual selection, saving storage space. Google Photos is a great photo editing and media management app. I have a Google One subscription, so I turn on Google Photos cloud backup on all my devices, which automatically backs up every photo and video I take. It's a handy way to ensure I always have a copy of my favorite memories, but it takes up a lot of storage. If you want to be more mindful of what you back up to Google Photos, Google could soon add a way to restrict backups to only favorites. Authority Insights story on Android Authority. Discover You're reading anstory on Android Authority. Discover Authority Insights for more exclusive reports, app teardowns, leaks, and in-depth tech coverage you won't find anywhere else. An APK teardown helps predict features that may arrive on a service in the future based on work-in-progress code. However, it is possible that such predicted features may not make it to a public release. Currently, Google offers two ways to back up photos in Google Photos. The most popular option is to turn on backups for all your photos and videos and forget about them, as everything will be backed up. This works out for users who either have a lot of available Google One storage or click so few photos and videos that they aren't bothered by the meagre 15GB free online storage. Alternatively, users can turn off auto-backup and selectively back up individual photos and videos. When auto-backup is off, Google Photos presents a 'Back up now' toast. Tapping on it backs up the media. This gives the user complete control over what to back up. AssembleDebug / Android Authority While the idea is neat, this level of control doesn't work well if you click a lot of photos and videos, as you'd have to individually select every single media to backup. To potentially solve for this, Google Photos v7.39 includes strings that indicate that users will soon be able to turn on cloud backups for only their favorites: Code Copy Text Automatically back up only your favorites Turn on favorites backup Keep your favorites safe by automatically backing up photos when you favorite them As the description makes it clear, users will soon be able to turn on online backups for their favorites. When the feature is turned on, any photos that they favorite will be backed up, while the rest of their photo library will not be backed up and remain on their device. The strings don't explicitly mention video within the scope for favorites backup, but logically, we can expect the functionality to extend to videos too. Google has yet to announce the ability to restrict backups to favorites within Google Photos. We'll keep you updated when we learn more. Follow
Geeky Gadgets
2 days ago
- Geeky Gadgets
How to Factory Reset Apple Devices: iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple Watch
When selling, gifting, or recycling your Apple devices, securely erasing all data is a critical step to protect your personal information. This process involves backing up your data, resetting the device, and managing associated accounts like Apple ID and iCloud. Following the correct steps ensures your personal information remains safe while preparing the device for its next user. The video below from AppleDsign gives us more details on how to erase your data on a r range of Apple devices. Watch this video on YouTube. Why Backing Up Your Data Is Crucial Before erasing your device, creating a backup is an essential precaution. Backing up ensures you retain access to important files, photos, and settings, even after resetting the device. Apple provides two primary backup options: iCloud Backup: This option automatically saves your data to the cloud, allowing for easy restoration on a new or existing device. It's a convenient choice for users who prefer wireless backups. This option automatically saves your data to the cloud, allowing for easy restoration on a new or existing device. It's a convenient choice for users who prefer wireless backups. Local Backup: For those who prefer offline storage, you can use Finder (on macOS Catalina and later) or iTunes (on Windows or older macOS versions) to create a backup directly on your computer. Without a backup, all data on the device will be permanently lost after the reset. Making sure your data is safely stored before proceeding is a vital step in the process. Steps to Erase Data on iPhone and iPad The process for securely erasing data on an iPhone or iPad is straightforward and similar for both devices. Follow these steps to reset your device to factory settings: Navigate to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset [Device] > Erase All Content and Settings . . Enter your device passcode and Apple ID password when prompted to confirm the action. Once the process is complete, the device will restart and display the 'Hello' or 'Welcome' screen, indicating it is ready for setup. It's important to note that this process removes all local data but does not delete information stored in iCloud. To ensure a complete reset, verify that your iCloud account is properly managed before proceeding. How to Erase Data on Mac Erasing data on a Mac involves a slightly different approach, depending on the macOS version installed. For devices running macOS Monterey or later, Apple has streamlined the process: Ensure your Mac supports the reset feature available in newer macOS versions. Go to System Settings > Transfer or Reset > Erase All Content and Settings . . Enter your Mac password and Apple ID credentials to confirm the reset. After the process completes, the Mac will restart, prompting you to pair Bluetooth devices and set it up as new. This method removes all personal data while keeping the operating system intact, making it ready for a new user without compromising security. How to Erase Data on Apple Watch Erasing an Apple Watch can be done directly on the device or through the paired iPhone, depending on your intentions: Direct Reset: On the watch, navigate to Settings > General > Reset > Erase All Content and Settings . This method retains the activation lock, making sure the watch remains paired to your iPhone. On the watch, navigate to . This method retains the activation lock, making sure the watch remains paired to your iPhone. Unpairing for Resale: Use the Watch app on your iPhone. Go to My Watch > All Watches > Unpair Apple Watch . Enter your Apple ID password to unpair and erase the device completely. Unpairing the Apple Watch removes the activation lock, making it ready for a new user while making sure your personal data is fully erased. Managing Apple ID and iCloud When resetting any Apple device, your Apple ID password is required to confirm the action. This security measure prevents unauthorized access and ensures your data remains protected. It's important to understand that erasing a device does not delete data stored in iCloud. To manage or delete iCloud data, log in to your account via a browser or another device. Additionally, unlinking the device from your Apple ID is a crucial step to ensure the new owner can set it up without issues. Preparing Devices for Resale, Gifting, or Recycling After securely erasing your device, there are a few additional steps to prepare it for its next owner: Remove from Apple ID: Use the Find My app or to unlink the device from your account. This step ensures the new user can activate the device without encountering activation lock issues. Use the app or to unlink the device from your account. This step ensures the new user can activate the device without encountering activation lock issues. Include Accessories: If possible, provide necessary items like chargers, cables, or original packaging. This enhances the value and usability of the device for the recipient. If possible, provide necessary items like chargers, cables, or original packaging. This enhances the value and usability of the device for the recipient. Clean the Device: Wipe down the device to remove fingerprints, dust, or smudges. A clean device improves its presentation and makes a positive impression on the new user. Taking these steps ensures a smooth transition for the next owner while safeguarding your personal information. By following these guidelines, you can securely erase all data from your Apple devices, protect your personal information, and prepare the device for its next user. Whether you're selling, gifting, or recycling, these steps ensure a seamless and secure process for everyone involved. Explore further guides and articles from our vast library that you may find relevant to your interests in Erase Data on iPhone. Source & Image Credit: AppleDsign Filed Under: Apple, Apple iPhone, Top News Latest Geeky Gadgets Deals Disclosure: Some of our articles include affiliate links. If you buy something through one of these links, Geeky Gadgets may earn an affiliate commission. Learn about our Disclosure Policy.
CNET
6 days ago
- CNET
Back Up Your iPhone the Right Way Before Installing iOS 26 Beta
I understand you're eager to install the iOS 26 public beta, now available, but don't rush headlong into the update. Once you understand the risks associated with running beta software, take a short amount of time right now to make a backup of your iPhone's current state to save hours and headaches later if something goes sideways later. CNET I'm not talking about any regular backup, though. Hopefully you already have your Apple Account settings configured to automatically back up the phone to iCloud, which is invaluable when you upgrade to a new iPhone, and just for everyday peace of mind. I'm talking about creating an archive that can save your hide in the unlikely event something goes wrong with the iOS 26 public beta update. Why an archive is essential before installing a new version of iOS You're probably accustomed to using iCloud Backup to maintain a regular fallback for your data. It works in the background (when you're asleep and charging your device) and involves the least amount of backup friction, as long as you have sufficient iCloud disk space available. Go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup and turn on Back Up This iPhone if it's not already active. However, when it comes to moving to a full release version of iOS, such as from iOS 18 to iOS 26, an iCloud Backup introduces a problem: You cannot restore from that cloud backup if you revert back to iOS 18. And unfortunately, iCloud keeps just the most recent backup -- you can't pick and choose from previous backup iterations. If you try to use an iOS 26 cloud backup to restore back to iOS 18, you'll get an error. (Making an archive is also an important step when you install iOS betas.) This is why you need to archive a backup on your computer. iOS warns you if you try to restore from an iCloud backup made under the iOS beta. Jeff Carlson/CNET Should you encrypt the local backup? Before you create this archived backup, you should decide if you want to enable one of the options, Encrypt local backup. For security, this feature scrambles the data to prevent someone with access to your computer from accessing it. This option also preserves sensitive information in the backup such as saved passwords and personal data in the Health and Fitness apps. The downside is that it requires you to create a separate password for the backup. If you forget or lose that password, the entire backup is useless. And so you should write this password down somewhere you can easily retrieve it. In the context of creating an iOS 18 backup as a fallback for installing the iOS 26 beta, you'll have to decide if that's an acceptable trade-off. Create a local iPhone archive on your Mac Making this type of backup requires only disk space and some patience: Plug the iPhone into your Mac. Open a new Finder window (choose File > New Finder Window, or press Command-N). In the sidebar at left, select your iPhone under Locations. If you want to encrypt the data, click the Encrypt local backup checkbox and set a password. In the General tab, click Back Up Now. Click Manage Backups. Right-click (or Control-click) the backup you made and choose Archive. Create an archive backup of a connected iPhone on the computer (MacOS shown here). Screenshot by Jeff Carlson/CNET Taking the extra step of marking the backup as an archive protects it from being overwritten by the next local backup or automatically deleted if the Mac is low on space. Set the backup as an archive. Screenshot by Jeff Carlson/CNET Create a local iPhone archive on Windows The iTunes app is still the main conduit for working with a connected iPhone under Windows. Open iTunes and do the following: Plug the iPhone into your Windows computer. Open the Apple Devices app and click the iPhone button at the top left. Click General. If you want to encrypt the data, click the Encrypt local backup option and set a password. Click Back Up Now. Click Manage Backups. Right-click the backup you made and choose Archive. Taking this extra step protects the backup from being overwritten by the next local backup or automatically deleted if the computer is low on space. With an archive in place, you can start using the iOS 26 beta secure in the knowledge that should anything warrant a retreat to iOS 18, you can quickly get your iPhone back into service. For more, here is what you can do with the iPhone 16 camera button and your monthly reminder to clear your iPhone cache.
Geeky Gadgets
22-07-2025
- Geeky Gadgets
iCloud Backup for iPhone: What You Need to Know
Backing up your iPhone to iCloud is a crucial step in protecting your personal data and making sure it remains accessible when needed. Whether you are upgrading to a new device, troubleshooting an issue, or simply safeguarding your information, iCloud provides a seamless and efficient way to store your photos, contacts, app data, and more. The video below from Apple explains how iCloud backups work, how to manage your storage effectively, and how to troubleshoot common issues, making sure your data stays secure and recoverable. Watch this video on YouTube. Automatic Backups: A Reliable and Convenient Option iCloud's automatic backup feature offers a hands-free solution to keeping your data secure. Once enabled, your iPhone will back up daily under specific conditions: the device must be locked, connected to a power source, and connected to Wi-Fi. This ensures your data is consistently updated without requiring manual intervention. To enable and confirm automatic backups: 1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone. 2. Tap your name at the top to access your Apple ID settings. 3. Select iCloud, then navigate to iCloud Backup. 4. Ensure the toggle for iCloud Backup is switched on. This feature is particularly beneficial for users who prefer a low-maintenance approach to data protection. By automating the process, you can rest assured that your information is regularly backed up without disrupting your daily routine. Monitoring Your Backup Status Regularly checking the status of your iCloud backups is essential to ensure your data is being protected as expected. This simple step can help you identify and address potential issues before they become problematic. To check your backup status: 1. Open Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup. 2. Review the status indicators, which provide quick insights into your backup's condition: Green Dot: Indicates that the backup was completed successfully. Indicates that the backup was completed successfully. Gray or Red Dot: Signals an issue, such as backups being disabled, insufficient storage, or a lack of Wi-Fi connectivity. If you notice a gray or red dot, take immediate action. For example, reconnect to Wi-Fi, enable backups in your settings, or free up iCloud storage space to resolve the issue. Regular monitoring ensures your data remains secure and up to date. Manual Backups: When Extra Control Is Needed While automatic backups are convenient, there are situations where a manual backup is more appropriate. For instance, before installing a major software update or troubleshooting a technical issue, creating a manual backup ensures you have the most recent version of your data stored. To perform a manual backup: 1. Open Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup. 2. Tap Back Up Now to initiate the process. 3. Ensure your iPhone is connected to Wi-Fi and a power source during the backup. Manual backups provide an added layer of control, allowing you to secure your data at specific moments when it is most critical. This flexibility can be particularly useful in situations where you need immediate reassurance that your information is safe. Effective Management of iCloud Storage iCloud offers 5 GB of free storage, but this may not be sufficient for users with extensive data. To prevent backup failures due to insufficient space, it is important to manage your iCloud storage effectively. To review and optimize your storage: 1. Navigate to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > Manage Account Storage. 2. Examine the size of your backups and decide which apps or data to include. For instance, you might exclude large files or apps that are already stored elsewhere. 3. Delete old backups from devices you no longer use to free up space.
Fox News
17-07-2025
- Fox News
Is Google Drive safe for backup? Pros and cons
Google Drive is one of the world's most popular cloud storage services, trusted by millions for its convenience and integration with other Google products. However, when considering it as a backup solution for your important data, it's essential to weigh both its strengths and limitations. We'll explore the pros and cons of Google Drive, focusing on security, privacy, functionality and its suitability as a backup tool. Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide - free when you join my Google Drive employs robust security measures, including 256-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) for data at rest and in transit. Additionally, users can enable two-factor authentication and manage sharing permissions to protect their files. However, like all cloud services, Google Drive is not immune to security threats. Phishing attacks targeting Google accounts remain common, and attackers may exploit weak passwords or compromised credentials. Furthermore, some third-party integrations request extensive permissions, which could be misused if not carefully managed. While Google has experienced security incidents in the past, such as the 2018 Google+ data breach, these have not directly impacted Google Drive. It's important to note that most major cloud storage providers face similar risks, and Google provides tools to help users mitigate them. To stay safe, you should regularly audit account access, and use strong passwords. By taking these steps, you can significantly reduce your exposure to security risks. Google Drive scans files for malware and policy violations using automated systems. While this process helps protect users, some privacy-focused individuals may feel uneasy knowing that their files are subject to automated review. Google is transparent about these practices and states that no human reviews your content unless required by law. If you require higher levels of privacy, you can use additional client-side encryption before uploading files to Google Drive. This ensures that only you hold the decryption keys, further protecting your sensitive information. Like most cloud storage solutions, Google Drive relies on an internet connection to sync and access files. However, you can make files available offline using Google Drive's desktop app or by enabling offline mode in your browser. Planning ahead ensures you can access important documents even during internet outages or while traveling. Google Drive imposes a daily upload limit of 750 GB per user. If you need to back up large amounts of data, you may find this limit restrictive, as uploads will pause once you reach the cap and resume the next day. While some competitors may not have explicit daily limits, they often enforce fair use policies or bandwidth restrictions. Be sure to compare providers based on your specific backup needs. It's important to recognize that Google Drive is primarily designed for file storage and synchronization, not as a comprehensive backup tool. It lacks some advanced backup features, such as scheduled backups, full system image recovery, and granular file versioning for all file types. However, you can enhance its capabilities by using third-party backup software that integrates with Google Drive, allowing for more automated and reliable backups. Google Drive offers strong security, seamless integration with other Google services and generous free storage. While it has some limitations as a dedicated backup solution, it remains a reliable choice for everyday file storage, sharing and collaboration. By understanding its strengths and potential risks, and by taking proactive security measures, you can use Google Drive safely and effectively. If you need advanced backup features or require strict privacy controls, consider supplementing Google Drive with specialized backup software or exploring alternative cloud storage providers. Ultimately, the best solution depends on your unique requirements and how you choose to manage your data. Google Drive stands out for its convenience and integration with other Google services. However, it's important to understand both its benefits and its limitations. With a few smart security steps and the right backup strategy, you can make the most of what Google Drive offers. Remember, the best storage solution is the one that fits your needs and gives you peace of mind. Are companies doing enough to protect your sensitive data in the cloud, or should you be demanding stronger safeguards and more transparency from your cloud storage provider? Let us know by writing us at Sign up for my FREE CyberGuy ReportGet my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive deals delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you'll get instant access to my Ultimate Scam Survival Guide – free when you join my Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
