Android backup settings can be accessed through your device's Settings menu, with the exact path varying slightly depending on your manufacturer (Google Pixel, Samsung, etc.) and Android version. The most common location is under System > Backup or Google > Backup, where you can enable automatic backups to Google Drive, manage existing backups, and select which data types (apps, contacts, settings, etc.) to include. For Samsung devices, backup options are also available under Settings > [Your Samsung account] > Backup and restore.

Key findings from the sources:

• Standard path: *Settings > Google > Backup or Settings > System > Backup* ^[1][6]
• Samsung devices: *Settings > [Samsung account] > Backup and restore* ^[5][9]
• Backup by Google One: Search for "Backup" in Settings to find this option ^[4]
• Data included: Apps, call history, contacts, device settings, and SMS (photos/videos require Google Photos) ^[1][8]

Locating and Configuring Android Backup Settings

Accessing Backup Settings on Stock Android and Google Pixel Devices

The backup settings for most Android devices (including Google Pixel) are integrated into the Google account sync system, accessible through the device's main settings. The process is designed to automatically sync critical data to Google Drive, ensuring it can be restored when switching devices or after a factory reset. Users can customize which data types are backed up and monitor storage usage directly from these settings.

• Primary navigation path:
• Open the Settings app on your Android device.
• Tap Google (or Accounts and Backup on some devices), then select Backup ^[1].
• Under Backup by Google One or Account storage, toggle Backup to Google Drive to enable automatic backups ^[6].
• The backup status will display the last backup time and the Google Account used ^[1].

• Data types included in automatic backups:
• App data (varies by app; not all apps support backup) ^[1].
• Call history and device settings (Wi-Fi passwords, display settings, etc.) ^[2].
• Contacts (synced separately via Google Contacts) ^[3].
• SMS messages (on some devices; not universal) ^[8].
• Exclusions: Photos/videos (require Google Photos), files in internal storage (require manual backup) ^[3][8].

• Manual backup trigger:
• While backups typically occur automatically when connected to Wi-Fi and charging, users can force an immediate backup by tapping Back up now in the backup settings ^[1].
• Backup size is limited by your Google Account storage (15GB free; upgrades available via Google One) ^[8].

• Troubleshooting access issues:
• If the Backup option is missing, use the search bar in Settings and type "Backup" to locate the menu ^[4].
• Work profiles or company-owned devices cannot use Google Backup due to enterprise policies ^[1].

Backup Settings for Samsung Galaxy Devices

Samsung devices offer dual backup systems: Google Drive integration (as above) and Samsung Cloud, which provides additional options for Samsung-specific data like Secure Folder content and Samsung Notes. The backup settings are accessible through both the Samsung account menu and the Accounts and Backup section in Settings, with options to sync data to Samsung’s servers or Google Drive.

• Primary navigation paths:
• *Settings > [Your Samsung account name at the top] > Samsung Cloud > Backup and restore* ^[5].
• *Settings > Accounts and Backup > Backup and restore* (alternative path) ^[9].
• Within this menu, users can toggle Auto back up for Samsung Cloud or select Google Account backup for Drive integration.

• Samsung-specific backup features:
• Samsung Cloud backs up:
• Call logs, messages, and Secure Folder data (not included in Google Backup) ^[5].
• Samsung Notes, Calendar, and Internet bookmarks ^[9].
• Device settings and home screen layouts.
• Smart Switch: Samsung’s proprietary tool for transferring data between devices (wired/wireless), accessible via *Settings > Accounts and Backup > Smart Switch* ^[5].
• Selective restore: During device setup, users can choose which data types to restore from Samsung Cloud or Google Drive ^[3].

• Storage management:
• Samsung Cloud offers 15GB free storage (separate from Google Drive), with options to purchase additional space ^[5].
• Users can delete old backups to free up space via *Samsung Cloud > Manage storage* ^[5].
• Google Drive backups (if enabled) share the same 15GB limit as other Google services ^[8].

• Manual backup options:
• For files not covered by automatic backups (e.g., downloads, music), Samsung recommends:
• Using My Files app to copy data to an SD card or external storage ^[5].
• Connecting to a Windows/Mac PC via USB for manual file transfers ^[6].

• Restoration process:
• During initial setup or after a factory reset, Samsung devices prompt users to restore from Samsung Cloud or Google Drive ^[5].
• For mid-use restores, navigate to *Settings > Accounts and Backup > Restore data* and select the desired backup source ^[9].