An unfortunate reality is that cell phones, like all electronic devices more complex than a table lamp, are prone to catastrophic failures. In some cases, a factory reset and / or device data wipe may be of some use. In other cases, when things like this happen, in one way or another you are destined to lose everything you have on your phone. Here's how to get prepared for those moments.
Steps
Step 1. Know your phone
Play with it, fiddle a bit between the various functions, as they say in the jargon: "read the instructions". Since 2000, mobile phones have been able to do much, much more than just a phone call. For this reason, understanding the telephone is the first step to "enter his mind"; without this, you are lost.
Step 2. Find the way to connect the mobile to the computer
USB ports, bluetooth and, in some cases, infrared rays will do just fine. Some phones will need specific cables; all you have to do is buy the right cable if it wasn't in the box when you bought the phone. If you can't do it one way, try another; if there is no way, perhaps it is time to buy a new phone. Returning to the instruction manual, look for how to connect the mobile phone; if you don't find anything, try checking one of the pages listed below. If you still haven't found a solution, contact the phone company to find out if they can help you; if that doesn't work either, contact the phone manufacturer or do some internet research.
Step 3. Ask the manufacturer for the software for your phone
Remember that your telephone operator does not manufacture the telephone: the operator's contribution is the creation of additional software that allows the telephone to work on its network in the desired way and various branded products but, as a general rule, the operator is NOT responsible for the phone software (that said, most carriers provide software support for popular brands like Blackberry, HP, and any device that uses Windows Mobile). Most mobile phone manufacturers have developed software that allows you to backup your device and the vast majority of these can be downloaded for free from the operator's website. Search for your mobile model on the manufacturer's website - usually found in the support links (some of these are listed below). If your phone manufacturer has this type of software, think carefully before buying / downloading anything from third party developers.
Step 4. Install the software
This requires basic computer knowledge (click on web links and double clicks) and a little patience. It is advisable to go for a nice cup of coffee, as this part may take a few minutes to wait. Do not panic if, during installation, the program stops for a while: this is normal.
Step 5. Follow the onscreen instructions
The software installation process will guide you through the steps required to get your computer and phone to “talk”. If you follow these instructions you can't go wrong.
Advice
- Android users have many applications available that make this process really simple. Some are more complex but also more complete like MyBackup Pro (https://www.tomshw.it/cont/ Articolo/otto-applicazioni-per-il-backup-su-android-my-backup-pro-gratuita-3- 67-euro / 54282 / 5.html), others are simpler and work with a single click such as Dropmymobile (https://www.dropmymobile.com/en/).
- IOS users can rely on iCloud. Also for this reason, there aren't many other backup apps on the App Store.
- Many mobile phone operators have services to back up at least some data contained in the phone: in general, these are the contacts in the address book. Contact your manager for more information on the services they offer.
- Always read the documentation that comes with your phone and / or software.
- Don't be afraid to tinker with the software a bit, it's the best way to discover its full potential. Usually, it's not just for backing up your phone to your computer: for example, Nokia PC Suite allows you to send and receive text and picture messages, manage files or use your phone as a modem for your computer.
- These steps are also useful for transitioning from one platform to another (for example, from Nokia to Samsung). How to "do" this is left as an exercise, but the general rule is to install both software packages, backup the old phone, export the data from the old software and then import it into the new phone software (the software itself will take care of to load them on the mobile phone).
- Android users can safely ignore these steps; your contacts and calendar entries are already saved on Google's servers. Just have activated the synchronization features (Home -> Menu -> Settings -> Accounts and Synchronization - or Synchronization on previous versions of Android 2.0).
Warnings
- If you use a USB port, remember that many phones need a specific cable and that not all cables are the same: sometimes they can be deceptive. Always make sure you have the right cable for your phone (also because these cables can be expensive).
- Not all phones can be backed up, either because the software is not designed for this feature or simply because they cannot be connected to a computer. In both cases, the best solution is to copy all the contacts to the sim card (if you have a GSM carrier) or, in the worst case, get a pen and a sheet of paper and start writing.
- Not all mobile phones will take the complete data set from the backup. Also, when transferring between different brands / models of phones, some data may be lost. That's what is expected - cell phone manufacturers have no interest in cooperating with each other up to this point. Contact your phone manufacturer for more information.
- Many phones charge when connected to a computer, but others do not (Nokia devices manufactured before 2009 are among them, as Nokia preferred to use a different and separate connection for battery charging). Keep the charger close at hand just in case.
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Always read the documentation that comes with your phone and / or software.
This point is very important so it is worth repeating.
- Not all bluetooth systems are the same. There are some that are not designed to perform certain functions. This may depend on the mobile phone, the bluetooth adapter (ie the dongle) that is connected to the computer or, if the bluetooth system is integrated into the PC, the chipset and / or the computer drivers. Make sure you read your device specifications carefully.
