14 DAY TRIAL // The ability to backup and restore via ADB on Android might be going away soon as the feature is getting deprecated.
One of the great features on Android is the option to full backup a device with ADB and then use the same data to restore in on another phone or the same one after reinstall. It’s especially useful if you have root access, but it also works without it.
It’s a great way to ensure that you’re not losing any of the data if you have to reinstall the operating system or if you’re moving to a new phone. Things that are not usually covered by official backup apps, such as the calling list and settings for various applications, can be backed up with ease.
The feature is getting deprecated
Unfortunately, Google has yet to say anything about their intentions regarding the future of backup and restore, and the information was dug out by a user, according to a report on XDA.
A commit in the AOSP (Android Open Source Project) reads “Add deprecation warning to adb backup/restore.” For now, the tool is still available and is expected to run for a while, but deprecation means that it’s no longer receiving updates and patches.
The problem, in this case, is not the deprecation of a feature but the lack of communication. Users don’t know why this is happening. A perfectly good reason might exist that would invalidate all discussion, but for now, it’s only a warning message.
It’s also worth noting that it’s also possible that a particular tool is only deprecated to make room for something else that’s better and more comprehensive. In open source projects, tools are rarely removed just for the save of it.
For now, backup and restore still works, but don’t be surprised if, in the near future, you’re going to get some warning about it being deprecated.