Mobile data backup 101
Last update: January 25, 2024 Getting ready to change cell phones? Is your current phone showing signs of aging and may soon die on you? Here are various ways you can transfer data from one phone to another or save it in a secure location—and enjoy peace of mind, no matter what happens to your device. What is a data backup? Backing up a cell phone means transferring data (photos, contacts, call history, settings, etc.) from your device to a different location for storage. Different backup methods allow you to save different types of data. The purpose is to have an extra layer of security that allows you to recover the content on your phone and transfer it to a new device. It's important to choose the best method for your specific needs. 1. Cloud backup In addition to providing a convenient backup solution, the cloud lets you sync your content across multiple devices. Simply create an account on the platform of your choice, based on your mobile device: iCloud (Apple) Samsung Cloud Google Drive Then, depending on the platform, determine what you want to save to the cloud and how often. Pro tip: Find out how much free storage you get. It may be worthwhile to purchase a subscription for more storage capacity. 2. Backing up data directly on a computer A traditional backup technique is using a USB cable to save your phone’s data to a computer. Here’s how you do it: Connect your phone to your computer using the USB cable that came with your mobile device. This will give you access to your phone’s storage and allow you to transfer photos, videos and even songs directly from your cell phone onto your computer. The procedure is very similar to using a USB key. Once the USB cable is connected, your computer should recognize your phone as a new hardware device. Now you should be able to access the files on your cell phone. To complete the backup, simply save copies of your photos and videos onto your computer. Pro tip: This technique allows you to transfer photos, videos and music only. You won’t be able to transfer other information, such as your contact list. 3. Backing up data using transfer/backup software If you want more options for phone-to-computer backup, your best choice is a software solution. The new phone you purchased is the same brand as your previous device? The software allows you to transfer more content such as contacts, photos, apps and sometimes even more. It’s important to note, however, that transferable content varies from software to software. Most cell phone manufacturers have a program that you can install on your computer. The steps to follow can vary from one company to another, but the basic principle is the same. Download and install the transfer software. Apple Samsung LG Huawei Once the software is installed, connect your phone to your computer. Follow the instructions to back up your data or transfer content to a new phone. Essentially, using software is a better solution if you want to save more than just photos and videos. It also guarantees a faster transition when you switch phones of the same brand. Pro tip: Consider backing up your phone data every time you add new content that’s important to you. After all, data saved on your computer six months ago will not contain any new contacts or photos added since then. Make it a habit to back up your data regularly! We’ve seen some of the different ways you can transfer data from your phone to your computer. Have questions about this topic? Feel free to ask in the Community Forum!Making Calls over Wi-Fi
You’re on vacation and that’s the best time to talk… ideally without paying too much. You thought of everything before you locked the door behind you: luggage, snacks for the road, activities to keep the kids busy. You even downloaded your itinerary onto your cellphone (check!). But did you think of cellphone coverage and possible roaming charges outside the country? It’s no surprise that when you leave Canada extra charges can be added to your monthly bill (the notorious “roaming charges”). It used to be like the Wild West but now Canadian law limits the roaming charges carriers are allowed to bill, and carriers are also offering travel plans so you can use your cellphone abroad. But there are other alternatives! Obviously, you can use social media to stay in touch while on vacation as well as many other communication apps like Skype, Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp. But there’s another very simple option already on your cellphone and all you have to do is activate it. Did you know you can make audio and/or video calls over Wi-Fi rather than using your carrier’s mobile network? What’s great about Wi-Fi calls is that you can still use your phone number instead of a name or handle linked to a third-party app. So you can be reached at your usual number –even if you switch to airplane mode outside the country. You can also make a call to someone’s home phone –yes, landlines do still exist 🙂 Money Talks We’re not talking pennies here: with Wi-Fi, you can generally avoid long-distance charges.You don’t have to worry if your plan doesn’t include a ton of data because when you make a video call via the Wi-Fi Call feature you’ll be using data on the network you’re connected to, not your plan’s data. It’s Practical Because of Québec’s enormous size, it’s difficult to find consistent coverage that’s strong everywhere. Here’s where Wi-Fi calling comes in handy. You’re with your family at the cottage and your cellphone signal is weak. Thankfully, you have access to the Internet. If you happen to lose the signal then you’ll be switched automatically to Wi-Fi calling. Here’s another example for outdoor enthusiasts who like to get off the beaten path (and far from cell reception!). You may not have a cell signal but if the cottage or any other nearby site has Internet, you can still call your friends and family. In fact, Wi-Fi calls can be made anywhere Wi-Fi is accessible. You could make a Wi-Fi call in a restaurant, pub, hotel, hostel… It’s true that enabling Wi-Fi calling requires a bit of work but it’s easy enough if you just follow these instructions: https://www.videotron.com/en/support/mobile/calls-and-voicemail/wi-fi-calling Turn on Wi-Fi calling and “expand” your cellphone coverage. It’s simple, practical and inexpensive.WPA-compatible devices
This is the list ofconsumers’WPA-compatible wireless devicesusing Cell Broadcast distribution. Find all the details about the Alert Ready Service in our forum's article here. For an up-to-date list of consumers’WPA-compatible wireless devicesusing Cell Broadcast distribution, please visit our Alert Ready service page.How to protect yourself against SIM swapping
SIM swap, the latest fraud technique, happens when a hacker is able to transfer your mobile phone number to another SIM card in their possession thereby securing their exclusive use of your number and in doing so, part of your identity. Fraudsters can physically change it if they have access to your phone or do so remotely by calling your mobile phone provider to impersonate you and activate a new SIM card. How do you find out if you've been the victim of a SIM swap? A SIM card is the bridge between your mobile device, your number and your provider. You may have already had to ask to swap your SIM card yourself either because you lost your device or changed to another mobile service provider. Your phone number then was legitimately transferred to a new SIM card. However, if you’re the victim of fraud via a SIM swap, your mobile device could suddenly lose its connection to the cellphone network you’re subscribing to. So you won’t get any more calls, texts or emails because now the hacker is receiving them on their device. The fraudster can also reset your passwords and access your online accounts to use them as they please, especially when your phone number is used as an authentication factor or for recovering your accounts. How can you protect yourself from this type of fraud? To avoid making yourself an easy target for fraudsters, here are a few tips to improve security for your SIM card: Add a complicated PIN to lock your SIM card and keep it secret. Choose complex usernames and passwords that are different across all your accounts (emails, social networks, banks, government, etc.). Use two-factor authentication that is more secure than emails or texts, for example a security key or an app like Google Authenticator or Microsoft Authenticator. Make sure you’re not needlessly sharing personal details. Your birthday, phone number, card numbers, driver’s licence numbers, subscriptions numbers or any other number should remain confidential and should not appear in your emails or on social networks. Be vigilant when it comes to phishing attempts by email, text or phone. Never give out personal information through those means. What do you do if you’re the victim of SIM swapping? To report the fraud, contact the police and the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre. Warn your financial institution and have them block your credit cards to protect your accounts. You can also apply to credit assessment agencies to make sure this fraud is recorded in your file. Videotron cares about your safety. If you realize that hacker has swapped your SIM card, go to a store with your IDs so our representatives can quickly remedy the situation and replace your SIM card. Find a storeStay connected
Here are a few helpful articles during the confinement period. Helix, what does it offer exactly? Helix offers more than just entertainment. It adapts to your connected life to brighten it and make it easier in many ways, while allowing you to manage your services yourself. Discover everything Helix has to offer!... Helix offers more Wi-Fi calling, the perfect solution for flawless reception quality At a time where we’re spending a lot of time at home or where teleworking is starting to become the norm for companies and slowly winning over every generation, having impeccable mobile phone reception everywhere in your house is a necessity... The ideal solution Advice and Tips for Avoiding Internet Fraud In today’s environment, when most of us spend many hours on the computer for telework or entertainment, it’s important to remember best practices to avoid fraud and traps online... Advice and Tips Did you know that you’re in full control of your Videotron services? In the middle of this confinement period, where you have to stay at home as much as possible and limit non-essential travel, you have the ability to change or pay for Videotron services by yourself... How to be in control Tips for a Safe Return : Are you coming home from Florida, a trip down south or from studying abroad? We are with you as you are subject to the mandatory 14-day self-quarantine... How to adapt returning home from abroad Keeping busy to keep seeing the bright side : The COVID-19 pandemic that’s keeping use home is no reason to go around in circles... How to entertain yourself at home Teleworking : During this isolation period, the majority of employees who can still enjoy working are doing it from home – this is our case in the Videotron Web department. Some of us are available part time due to our family responsibilities, while others are giving more than they’ve got... Make the mostourof your workday from home. Rebooting your router When one or several of your devices is lagging, a simple device reboot, starting with your router, can help solve most problems... 5 solutions to enjoy the best home Internet speeds. Phishing attempts on the rise : The Canadian Centre for Cyber Security has unfortunately noticed an increase in phishing campaigns regarding the COVID-19 among businesses and individuals (our customers)... Vidéotron remains on alert and has taken action to stop these campaigns. Changing TV Channels 101 Say goodbye to the same old routine! Did you know that you can switch the channels in your cable TV plan whenever you’re craving something new?... Modify your channels directly on your TV in a few steps. Messaging apps: Messaging apps are incredibly popular. In fact, WhatsApp, Skype, Messenger and the like have been downloaded billions of times... What are thedifferencesand which is best for you? Audio app : While the status of traditional on-air radio is increasingly precarious, each day brings new applications and other online platforms designed for sharing audio content... Everything you need to know to listen to what you want. Kids & Screens: That’s what most of us say when we don’t want our kids to use our mobile devices... A few pointers to ensure kids use screens responsibly. Mobile phone during the pandemic : We’re all confined during the COVID-19 pandemic, your already useful phone is proving to be a valuable tool to keep you informed and connected to your work, family and friends... Make time fly, without going over your data Videotron is committed to supporting you every day and simplifying your life during these unprecedented times. Learn more.Top 3 back-to-school apps from Google
#1: Never lose your work again with Google Drive Google Drive is a virtual storage system that lets you sync and save documents via your Gmail account. You can later access your documents using the Google Chrome browser on any Windows, Apple or Android device. To access Google Drive from your computer, simply: Open Google Chrome Expand the apps menu from the upper-right corner of the page Click on Google Drive After entering your user name and password, you'll have access to your Drive. Use Google Drive to save documents or download them to your computer's hard drive. If you're using a tablet or smartphone, simply select the Google Drive app (installed by default on all Android devices, available for download from the App Store for all Apple devices). Besides always keeping all your work within easy reach, Google Drive lets you scan documents using the camera function on your tablet or smartphone. This scanning function works by converting photos of your documents into PDF files, which you can then save, share or print. Another great feature of Google Drive is the ability to collaborate on documents. The app lets you add collaborators who can view or edit files—a highly useful tool for team projects! Collaborators must also have a Gmail account and access to Google Drive. To add collaborators: First, save your document in Google Drive Access the document's settings Select “Collaborators” Add each collaborator's Gmail account #2: Taking notes has never been easier thanks to Google Keep Google Keep is an app developed by Google that is available for download via the Google Play Store and Apple's App Store. Google Keep offers a range of note-taking tools including text, lists, images and audio. Notes can be colour-coded, and you can add labels for easy organization. The app also lets you set up reminders for your notes. Reminders may be configured based on time (date and time) or even your location using geolocation. For example, you can create a note to remind yourself to pack your lunch before leaving home and set up a reminder based on your home address. As soon as you leave home, a notification will pop up on your phone. You can also add collaborators on Google Keep in a similar way to Google Drive. Your notes will then be available for viewing and editing in real time by any collaborator. This feature can be particularly handy for coordinating projects, or simply creating a joint grocery list with your spouse. #3: Never miss an event with Google Agenda Whether you use it for work, school or personal life, Google Agenda is a great way to stay organized. Got an important appointment coming up? Simply add it to your agenda, set up your personalized reminder and assign the event a colour that will make it stand out more. You can even enter an address and let Google Maps guide you to your destination. You also have the option of adding other people via their Gmail accounts. The event will then show up on their agendas. Finally, like all Google apps, Google Agenda is always accessible from your Gmail account on Google Chrome, no matter what device or platform you're using. No more excuses! Now is the time to get organized!
