In this guide, we’ll show you how to generate and restore a Nandroid backup on a TWRP-enabled device. The Android ecosystem provides a plethora of choices. The possibilities are unlimited thanks to its open-source nature. Every manufacturer sells the device with a locked bootloader by default to prevent customers from tinkering with the device’s operating system.
Many computer enthusiasts, on the other hand, take it a step farther and venture into uncharted terrain. All that is required is an unlocked bootloader. Thereafter, you can install a variety of custom ROMS, flash a custom recovery like TWRP, root your device with Magisk or try tons of modules or frameworks.
However, each side has two coins. The above-mentioned modifications are in the same boat. Directly altering the device’s system partition and the root directory is always dangerous. Even a minor mistake can result in a boot loop or even worse, a bricked device. In a typical situation, you may just use your device’s built-in backup and restore feature. All of these functions, however, will be useless if your gadget does not even startup.
So, what else is there to do? There is, however, a relatively simple approach for dealing with such situations. Right from the TWRP recovery itself, you could create a whole device backup, including data, boot, and even the EFS partition (which contains your IMEI). Let’s have a look at the relevant measures.
How to Create and Restore Nandroid Backup on any TWRP Supported device
TWRP’s backup is referred to as the Nandroid Backup. The nice feature about this backup is that it may be accessible even if your device does not boot up to the operating system. There are a few requirements that must be completed if you want to do the same.
First and foremost, your device’s bootloader should be opened. A functioning TWRP recovery should also be installed on your device. Aside from that, make sure you have a significant quantity of free storage on your device. With that in mind, below are the steps to creating a Nandroid backup with TWRP Recovery.
How to Create a Nandroid Backup via TWRP Recovery
1. To begin, boot your smartphone into TWRP Recovery mode. Use the hardware key combinations for your device or the ADB commands shown below. To do so, go to the platform tool folder and open the command prompt window (part of Android SDK and Platform Tools). Connect your device to your computer via USB (with USB Debugging enabled) and run the command below:
adb reboot recovery
2. Select the Backup option from the TWRP Recovery menu.
3. After that, choose which partitions you want to back up. It is strongly advised that you choose all of the accessible partitions. Despite the fact that the Data partition will be rather large, it will contain all of the systems and preinstalled app data. As a result, it’s a good idea to choose that as well.
4. You could also move the backup to a different location. Internal Storage is selected by default. Select Micro SD Card or USB OTG from the Select Storage option to alter it (if supported).
5. You can also change the name of the backup that is about to be produced if you want. Simply select the Auto-generate keyword from the drop-down menu underneath the Name box and type in the appropriate name.
6. So, once you’ve selected all of the partitions, swipe right on the Swipe to Backup icon at the bottom. You will now have to wait for quite some time, as the backup procedure may take some time depending on the size of the partitions (especially the Data partition takes a lot of time).
7. After that, you’ll get the message <Backup completed in x seconds>. After that, you can return to System mode on your device.
So that was everything you needed to know about creating a Nandroid backup with TWRP Recovery. It is strongly advised that you save a copy of this backup to an SD Card or a pen drive (if you have a USB OTG cable). This is because if your device becomes stuck in a boot loop or bricked, accessing the internal storage and hence the backup may be problematic.
Restore Nandroid Backup via TWRP
Let’s look at how to restore this Nandroid backup using TWRP recovery now that the backup has been successfully produced.
1. To begin, use physical key combinations to boot your device into TWRP recovery mode. Alternatively, you may boot into fastboot mode, then use the Volume key to select Fastboot and the Power key to confirm the selection.
2. Select Restore from the TWRP Recovery menu. Choose your selected backup under Select Package to Restore. Tap on Select Storage and choose the desired storage if the backup is stored on an SD card or USB.
3. Now double-check that you’ve selected all of the partitions for restoration. After that, simply swipe right on the Swipe to Restore option and wait a few moments.
4. It will take some time to perform the Nandroid Restore with TWRP recovery. After that, you can return to System mode on your device.
Conclusion
You’ve now successfully learned how to generate and restore a Nandroid backup using TWRP Recovery by following the steps above. Creating a Nandroid backup should be at the top of your to-do list as soon as you unlock the device bootloader and install TWRP. If you ever find yourself in a boot loop or with a broken device, simply follow the procedures above to restore the Nandroid backup and get your device back up and running!
