How to Backup Android using TWRP | Handy Guide

If you are here, you want to backup Android using TWRP and you want to do it correctly, without guessing, filler explanations, or unnecessary theory. This guide is written for users who already have TWRP recovery installed and need a reliable way to create a full system backup that can be restored if something breaks.

This walkthrough focuses only on execution. You will see exactly which partitions to select, how to start the backup, where the files are saved, and how to make sure the backup actually works when you need it. There is no discussion about why backups are important or what Android is. The assumption is simple: you are about to modify your device, and you need a safe rollback option.

The steps in this guide apply to most Android devices commonly used in the U.S., including Pixel, Samsung, OnePlus, and Motorola phones, as long as TWRP recovery is properly installed and accessible. Storage paths, file sizes, and commands are explained in a way that works across Windows and macOS systems.

By the end of this guide, you will have a complete TWRP backup stored safely, know where it is located, and understand how to restore it without risking boot loops or data loss. If you follow the steps as written, you can proceed with ROM flashing or system changes confidently.

What a TWRP Backup Includes (Quick Clarification)

Before you start the process to backup Android using TWRP, it is important to be clear about what TWRP actually saves and what it does not. This avoids false expectations when you restore the backup later.

A standard TWRP backup, also known as a Nandroid backup, captures your device at a system level. When you select the default recommended partitions, TWRP backs up the Boot, System, and Data partitions.

• Boot includes the kernel and ramdisk required for the phone to start.
• System contains the Android OS files and system apps.
• Data includes installed apps and their internal app data, excluding most media files by default.

What TWRP does not back up automatically is just as important. Internal storage items such as photos, videos, downloads, and documents are usually excluded unless your device uses a merged data and internal storage layout. External SD cards are never backed up unless you manually copy them.

TWRP backups are device-specific. A backup created on one phone cannot be restored on a different model, even if it runs the same Android version. This backup is meant for recovery on the same device only.

Understanding this scope ensures you select the right partitions and do not assume personal files are protected when they are not.

Also Read: How to Install TWRP Using ADB and Fastboot

Before You Backup Android Using TWRP

Before you start the actual process to backup Android using TWRP, there are a few checks you must complete. Skipping these often leads to failed backups, corrupted files, or backups that cannot be restored later.

First, check your battery level. Your phone should have at least 50–60% battery before starting the backup. A TWRP backup can take several minutes depending on how much data is stored on the device. If the phone powers off midway, the backup will be incomplete and unusable.

Next, confirm available storage space. A full TWRP backup usually requires 8–15 GB of free space, sometimes more on devices with heavy app usage. In TWRP, go to Mount or Storage and verify whether the backup will be saved to internal storage or an external SD card. If space is tight, free up storage or switch to an external SD card before proceeding.

You should also check whether your device uses data encryption. If your data partition is encrypted and TWRP cannot decrypt it, the backup will either fail or skip important data. In TWRP, if internal storage shows random characters or 0 MB available, decryption is not working. This must be fixed before continuing.

Finally, make sure you are running a stable TWRP build for your exact device model. Using an outdated or unofficial build increases the risk of backup errors, especially on newer Android versions.

Once these checks are done, you are ready to boot into TWRP recovery and start the backup process safely.

Also Read: How to Remove TWRP with Stock Recovery on Any Android

How to Boot into TWRP Recovery

To continue and backup Android using TWRP, your device must be booted into TWRP recovery mode. There are two reliable ways to do this. Use the method that applies to your current situation.

Method 1: Using hardware key combination

Power off your phone completely. Once the device is off, press and hold the correct key combination for your device model. On most Android phones, this is Power + Volume Up or Power + Volume Down. Hold the keys until the recovery screen appears, then select Recovery Mode if prompted. Your device should boot directly into TWRP.

Because button combinations vary by manufacturer, if the phone boots normally instead of entering recovery, power it off and try the alternate volume key combination.

Method 2: Using ADB command (recommended if Android is booting)

If your phone can still boot into Android and USB debugging is enabled, this is the safest method.

1. Connect your phone to your computer using a USB cable
2. Open a command prompt or terminal
3. Run the following command: adb reboot recovery

Your device will immediately reboot into TWRP recovery without using hardware buttons.

Once TWRP loads, confirm that touch input works and that internal storage is visible. If TWRP opens correctly, you are now ready to start the actual backup process in the next section.

Also Read: How to Boot into TWRP Recovery on Any Android

How to Backup Android Using TWRP (Step-by-Step)

Once you are inside TWRP recovery, you can now backup Android using TWRP. Follow these steps exactly to avoid incomplete or unusable backups.

1. On the TWRP home screen, tap Backup. This opens the partition selection screen.
2. Select the correct partitions. For a full and safe backup, select:
   • Boot
   • System
   • Data
   • Do not select Cache unless you have a specific reason. Cache is temporary and does not help with restoration.
3. Check the storage location – At the top of the screen, tap Select Storage and confirm where the backup will be saved. Choose Internal Storageor Micro SDCard based on available space.
4. (Optional) Enable compression. You can turn on Enable Compression to reduce backup size. This saves space but slightly increases backup time. If storage is not an issue, you can leave this off.
5. (Optional but recommended) Rename the backup. Tap Backup Name and rename it to something identifiable, such as the ROM name or date. This helps later when restoring.
6. Swipe to start the backup – Swipe the Swipe to Backup bar at the bottom. TWRP will now begin backing up the selected partitions.

During the process, do not lock the screen, press buttons, or disconnect power. The backup can take anywhere from a few minutes to over ten minutes, depending on the data size.

When the process completes, TWRP will display Backup Complete without errors. If you see red error messages, the backup should not be trusted and must be redone.

At this point, your backup is successfully created. In the next section, you will see exactly where TWRP stores these backup files so you can verify and move them safely.

Also Read: How to Install TWRP Without PC | Flash Recovery from Your Phone

Where TWRP Stores Backup Files

After you backup Android using TWRP, the backup files are saved in a specific folder on your device. Knowing the exact location is important so you can verify the backup and move it to a safer place.

By default, TWRP stores backups in the following path on internal storage: /TWRP/BACKUPS/

Inside the BACKUPS folder, you will see a subfolder named after your device’s unique ID. Open that folder, and you will find one or more folders, each representing a backup you created. The folder name usually includes the date, time, and the name you assigned during the backup process.

If you selected an external SD card as the storage location, the same folder structure is used on the SD card: /sdcard/TWRP/BACKUPS/

Each backup folder contains multiple image files and metadata files. Do not rename or edit individual files inside these folders, as this can make the backup unreadable in TWRP.

To quickly confirm that the backup exists, return to TWRP, tap Restore, and check whether your newly created backup appears in the list. If it shows up, TWRP can read it correctly.

Also Read: How to Install TWRP Recovery From SD Card

How to Move TWRP Backup to PC or External Storage

After you backup Android using TWRP, it is strongly recommended to copy the backup off your phone. If internal storage gets wiped or corrupted, a backup left on the device becomes useless.

Method 1: USB transfer using MTP (simplest)

1. While still in TWRP, tap Mount
2. Enable MTP
3. Connect your phone to your computer using a USB cable

Your device will appear as a storage drive on your PC or Mac. Open it and navigate to: TWRP/BACKUPS/

Copy the entire device ID folder to your computer. Do not copy individual backup folders separately.

Method 2: ADB pull (recommended for reliability)

This method avoids MTP issues and is more stable for large backups.

1. Connect your phone to your computer
2. Open a terminal or command prompt
3. Run: adb pull /sdcard/TWRP/BACKUPS/ C:\TWRP_Backups

On macOS, replace the destination path with a valid folder location.

This command copies all TWRP backups to your computer in one operation.

Method 3: External SD card

If your phone supports an SD card, you can select Micro SD Card as the backup location before starting the backup. This automatically keeps the backup off internal storage and is often the safest option.

Once the backup is safely copied, verify that the folder structure remains intact. In the next section, you will learn how to restore your Android device using this TWRP backup if needed.

How to Restore Android Backup Using TWRP

If something goes wrong after flashing a ROM, kernel, or system mod, you can use your existing backup to restore the device. This section explains exactly how to restore a backup created when you backup Android using TWRP.

1. Boot your device into TWRP recovery. Use the hardware key combination or the adb reboot recovery command.
2. On the TWRP home screen, tap Restore. You will see a list of available backups. If no backups appear, the files are either missing or stored in the wrong location.
3. Select the correct backup. Choose the backup folder that matches the date or name you assigned earlier.
4. Select partitions to restore. For a full restore, select:
   • Boot
   • System
   • Data
   • Only restore specific partitions if you know exactly what you are doing.
5. Swipe to restore. Swipe the Swipe to Restore bar and wait for the process to complete.

Do not interrupt the restore process. The device may take several minutes, depending on the size of the backup.

Once the restore finishes, tap Reboot System. The first boot after a restore can take longer than usual. This is normal. If the device boots successfully, your system, apps, and data should be exactly as they were at the time the backup was created.

If the device fails to boot after a restore, return to TWRP and review the error messages. In the next section, we will cover the most common TWRP backup and restore issues and how to fix them.

Common TWRP Backup Errors and Fixes

Even when you follow the steps correctly to backup Android using TWRP, errors can still occur. Below are the most common issues users face and how to fix them without guesswork.

Backup fails midway or stops suddenly

This usually happens due to a low battery, unstable storage, or a faulty USB connection if MTP is active. Make sure the battery is above 50%, disable MTP during backup, and retry using internal storage or an SD card with enough free space.

Not enough storage available

TWRP will fail if it runs out of space during backup. Check available storage before starting. If internal storage is low, switch to an external SD card or delete old backups inside the TWRP/BACKUPS folder.

Data partition cannot be mounted or backed up

This is often caused by encryption issues. If TWRP cannot decrypt data, you may see 0 MB storage or random file names. Flash a compatible TWRP build for your device or format data (this will erase internal storage) before retrying the backup.

Backup completes but does not appear under Restore

This usually means the folder structure is broken. Make sure the backup is stored inside the correct device ID folder under TWRP/BACKUPS. Do not rename or move individual files inside the backup folder.

Restore fails or causes boot loop

This can happen if you restore a backup made on a different ROM base or Android version. Reboot back into TWRP and restore Boot, System, and Data together instead of partial restores.

Once these issues are addressed, TWRP backups are generally stable and reliable. In the next section, we will cover best practices that help prevent these errors from happening in the first place.

Wrapping Up: How to Backup Android using TWRP

At this point, you have successfully learned how to backup Android using TWRP, verified where the backup is stored, moved it off the device if needed, and restored it when required. The process is now complete from creation to recovery.

If your backup appears under Restore in TWRP and completes without errors, it is considered usable. This means you can safely proceed with ROM flashing, kernel changes, or system modifications knowing you have a working rollback option.

If you encounter issues later, return to the error section to diagnose the problem rather than recreating the backup blindly. Most restore failures are caused by storage, encryption, or partial restores, all of which are already covered earlier in the guide.

Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]

If you like what you read, give us a quick share on your social media platform and give us all the love and support. You can also connect with us on our Telegram Channel, Facebook Page, Reddit Community, and X to never miss out on tech updates.