Bakcups/Syncs#

What is a Backup?#

A backup is a copy of your phone data like messages and photos stored somewhere else so it can be restored later. For example, you can make another phone “the same” as your current phone by transferring the backup data to the new phone so you can view everything on the new phone like all your messages from before. Android phones use Backups by Google One to sync apps, photos, and messages to your Google Account. Information and data will be stored within Google Drive. Depending on what is selected, users can view photos and videos on Google Photos as well as a summary of apps installed. Users cannot directly view app data and messages through Google Drive.

What is a Sync?#

A sync is when your phone and another device “talk to each other” to keep things the same on both sides. For example, if your phone is synced with another computer, then if you add a new photo on the phone, then it will also appear on the computer.

Why are Unauthorized Backups or Syncs Dangerous?#

Backups contain highly sensitive data such as messages, photos, and videos. Anyone signed into the Google account can view, modify, or delete data in the backup device. These unauthorized backups/syncs can happen in various settings such as when plugged into a computer you don’t control or using public or shared machines.

Steps to Check for Unauthorized Google One Backups#

1. Open the Settings app
2. Look for and tap on Google services
3. Select Backup
4. Turn Backup by Google One off for the ones you don’t recognize

Steps to Check for Unauthorized Google Messages Syncs#

1. Open the Google Messages app
2. At the top right, tap the account icon
3. Tap on Device Pairing
4. Review the list devices paired
5. If you see one that you don’t recognize, click the X icon next to the device’s name
6. Confirm and tap on Unpair
7. Alternatively, below the list of paired devices**, tap on Unpair all devices to remove all paired devices