Backups of All Important Data

Creating a data backup - A short roadmap

This roadmap describes how to create a backup of your apps, personal data and system on a Volla device to prevent data loss and enable recovery.

(Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version))

1. System

The system settings (Settings → System → Backup) offer various backup paths with the SeedVault application to back up system settings and optionally apps that allow it. SMS messages, contacts and calendar entries should also be backed up, but it is advisable to back up contacts and calendar entries separately due to their importance.

The backup file should be stored externally (e.g. SD card, USB storage device, cloud). Once set up, a backup is performed as soon as the storage medium is connected.

You can find instructions on how to set up SeedVault here: Instructions SeedVault.

Backing up apps and personal files can take up a lot of storage space, depending on the number of apps and files.

For security reasons, the Volla Phone does not offer root access, which is why it is not possible to create a 100% complete system image. The steps described above are a practical way to easily set up the system again in the event of a recovery.

2. Apps

Many apps offer internal backup functions (export or backup function) for data and settings. Check all apps used and utilise these functions. Especially the contacts (vcf. file) and calendar app (ics file). Store the backups created in the user directory.

Recommended folder structure

• Create a main folder, e.g. "PhoneBackups".
• Create subfolders for each app, e.g. "Contacts", "FairEmail", etc., and save the backup files there.
• Copy the "PhoneBackups" folder regularly to an external medium (e.g. SD card, PC, external drive, cloud).

List of installed apps

Regularly create a list of all installed apps. We recommend the app "AppList" or "AppListBackup" from the F-Droid Store, which lists all installed apps in a text file. Save this file externally as well.

3. Personal data

All folders created in the file manager under "Internal" should be regularly copied to the PC via USB connection. Optionally, the "/android" folder including subfolders can be backed up to preserve temporary files and app data. Please note: Android folders are often not visible in the phone's file manager, but are visible via USB connection on the PC.

Personal files and folders can be backed up in the following ways:

3.1 Backup via USB connection to PC or laptop

Requirements

• Volla device with USB debugging enabled (developer options, optional but helpful).
• USB data cable, compatible with the device.
• PC or laptop (Windows, macOS or Linux).

Steps

1. Establish USB connection:
   • Connect the Volla device to the PC/laptop via USB cable.
   • Pull down the notification bar, tap on the USB option (e.g. "Charge only") and select "File transfer" (MTP).
2. Detect device on computer:
   • Windows: Open the file explorer. The device appears under "This PC".
   • macOS: Use "Android File Transfer" or alternatives such as "Commander One". The device is displayed as a drive.
   • Linux: Open the file manager (e.g. Nautilus, Dolphin). The device is recognised as an MTP device.
3. Copy files:
   • In the file explorer, navigate to "Internal memory" or "SD card". Typical folders are "DCIM" (photos), "Downloads", "Documents".
   • Select the desired folders/files and click on "Copy" on the right. Go to the target folder on the PC, click on "Paste" on the right.
4. Save':
   • Wait until the copying process is complete. Check that all files in the destination folder are complete.
   • Safely disconnect the device (Windows: "Safely remove hardware"; macOS/Linux: Eject icon).

Advantages and disadvantages

• Advantages: Fast, no additional software required (except for macOS).
• Disadvantages: Wired, manual steps required.

3.2 Backup via file manager app on USB stick

Requirements

• Volla device with USB OTG support.
• USB stick and OTG adapter if necessary (e.g. USB-C to USB-A).
• Pre-installed file manager app.

Steps

1. Connect USB stick:
   • Connect the USB stick (via OTG adapter if necessary). The device recognises it automatically.
2. Open file manager:
   • Start the file manager app.
3. Select and copy files:
   • Navigate to "Internal storage". Typical folders: "DCIM", "Downloads", "Music".
   • Select the desired folders/files (long press for multiple selection). Tap on "Copy" or "Move".
4. Transfer to USB stick:
   • In the file manager, switch to the USB stick (often "USB Storage" or stick name). Create a destination folder if necessary.
   • Tap on "Paste" or "Copy here". Wait until the process is complete.
5. Safely remove:
   • Go to "Storage" in the settings or use the eject option in the file manager before removing the stick.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Advantages: No PC required, direct to physical memory.
• Disadvantages: OTG support required, manual steps.

3.3 Backup via KDE Connect app in the WLAN

Requirements

• Volla device with "KDE Connect" app (F-Droid).
• Computer (Linux, Windows, macOS) with "KDE Connect" installed.
• Both devices in the same WLAN network.

Steps

1. Installation and setup:
   • Android: Download "KDE Connect" from the F-Droid store and open the app.
   • Computer: Install "KDE Connect" (Linux: e.g. `sudo apt install kdeconnect`; Windows/macOS: via official website).
2. Connect devices:
   • Open "KDE Connect" on both devices. On the computer, the Volla device appears under "Available devices". Click on "Request pairing".
   • Accept the notification on the Volla device. The devices are connected.
3. Send files:
   • Open "KDE Connect" on the Volla device, tap on the computer name.
   • Select "Send files", navigate to folders/files (e.g. "Internal storage" > "DCIM", "Downloads").
   • Select the files, tap on "Select". The transfer begins.
4. Destination on the computer:
   • Files end up in the "Downloads" folder (e.g. `/home/user/Downloads` under Linux). Adjust the storage location in the "KDE Connect" settings.
5. Verification':
   • Open the destination folder and check that all files have arrived.

Advantages and disadvantages

• Advantages: Wireless, simple, bidirectional.
• Disadvantages: WLAN required, speed depends on network.

General rules for backups

• Security: Protect sensitive data (e.g. encrypted USB sticks, secure WLAN).
• Regularity: Schedule regular backups.
• Testing: After each backup, check that the files are complete and functional.

Install backup on device

Target device:

1. Import system backup on new setup (you will be asked)
2. Transfer backed up data from the computer to the Volla Phone, e.g. via USB
3. Re-import contacts, calendar data, app settings etc. via the respective app.
4. Some apps may not have been installed in step 1 and must be installed manually.