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!How to recycle your small electronic devices
It sits motionless in your trembling hand: never again will it vibrate to announce an incoming call. You stare at it intensely, but there's no response. It's gone. The time has come to say goodbye to your very first cell phone. It witnessed your first awkward text messages when you were a teen, and was always there for you in the pocket of your favourite pair of jeans. But what to do with the device, now that it's departed? Throw it in the garbage? Certainly not! Instead, do your bit for the environment and offer your device a second life through the We Recycle program. It's easy: simply drop off your device at any Videotron point of sale or SuperClub location. How does it work, exactly? Here's everything you need to know about the program. What devices are accepted? Cell phones (including accessories) Digital receivers and cables Routers Modems Video game consoles (including accessories) Tablets and e-readers Miscellaneous accessories (Internet keys, remote controls, etc.) These are all products sold at Videotron and SuperClub locations. However, we’ll also recycle devices not initially purchased from us ( amazing!). It's important to note that once an item has been dropped off for recycling, it can no longer be claimed. But don't stress: your old cell phone is in good hands! What if your old phone still works, but your heart is set on another model? Exchange your old phone at a Videotron location and you may be eligible for a discount on the purchase of a new device. The discounted amount depends on the condition of the old device you’re returning. Important things to know You are responsible for your personal data—it's personal, after all. Recycling your old electronic devices is a great initiative, but don't forget that you're responsible for erasing any personal data. Take the time to do this properly. The following page offers helpful information if you decide to recycle your cell phone: https://www.videotron.com/en/support/mobile/troubleshooting/frozen-slow-cellphone#restoring-factory-settings It's in the bag! Each device should be placed in the same bag as the accessories that go with it. This quick step will make the sorting process much easier. It's simple, free and great for the planet! Now you're all set to recycle your devices! If you need more information, please visit our Support page.Lost in the clouds?
In a previous article, I talked about saving data on your mobile device by connecting to a computer. But the truth is that not everyone has a computer or always remembers to back up their data. Enter the cloud. Saving your data to the cloud is a very popular choice that requires very little effort on your part. This article explores the cloud services offered by Apple and Google and aims to give you a better idea of how they work. Pro tip: Never forget that you are the only person who has control of the data you save on the cloud. Contrary to what you may have heard, nothing is automatically shared with other people or on social networks. If you’re still not sure what the cloud is all about, read this article by my colleague Michel Baril. In short, the cloud is an online storage space that you can access via your Apple or Google account. iCloud by Apple If you have an iPhone, you’ve probably already heard of iCloud. Offered by Apple, this service allows you to save all kinds of things, including your contacts, photos and appointments in your calendar, as well as your notes, reminders and favourite sites on Safari. All this is connected to your Apple ID (which is the email address you use for Apple services). If you have other Apple products, such as an iMac or iPad, iCloud will allow you to access your content and synchronize it across all your devices. New data is backed up automatically whenever your iPhone is plugged in and you are connected to a Wi-Fi network. This function is really handy when you consider that phones tend to get plugged in daily, often before we go to bed. It’s also important to note that this service gives you 5G of free storage, meaning you can store a decent amount of data without paying. If you reach the limit, you can always delete unwanted data, like old photos and videos, to make more room. Alternatively, data can be saved to your computer. And, of course, Apple offers various monthly packages to increase your cloud space. Pro tip: Does everyone in your family have an iPhone? If so, you may want to consider the Family Sharing feature, which lets family members share any music, app, book or movie purchases with each other. That way, you don’t have to pay for content more than once! You can also share photos and calendars, which is great for managing the family schedule. Parents, rest assured that you decide which features you want to share. You’re also the one who authorizes any purchases! Google If you’ve got an Android device, you can get cloud backup from Google. To access this service, simply create a Google account (if you already have a Gmail account, you’re good to go). Google’s Android service lets you save the same type of data as the Apple service, like contacts, calendars and photos. However, the backup method differs from phone to phone. For an optimal backup and syncing experience, make sure you save your data to your Google account. Here are a few examples to give you a better understanding: When you add a contact, make a point of saving it to your Google account, not to your phone’s memory. This option should appear when you enter your new contact information. When you add an event to your calendar, follow the same principle by selecting your Google account. For photos, go to your phone’s Google Photos app and activate back-up and syncing. Any photos you take after that will automatically be backed up when you connect to a Wi-Fi network. These are just three of an infinite number of possibilities for saving data on the Google cloud. If you want to learn more, start by exploring the various backup apps available—they can really make managing your data much easier. Pro tip: Want to explore the many possibilities that Google offers? Go to google.ca and click on the square menu in the top right corner of the page. You’ll find tons of features, many of which will be compatible with your mobile phone! In short, don’t forget that you decide what gets saved onto the cloud, and that you can adjust these preferences at any time. Whether you just want to keep your contacts safe and sound or back up all your content, the one thing you absolutely must do is remember your passwords. Without them, you won’t be able to access your data. Using the right backup service is a sure way to get the most from your digital devices. Now, get saving!Stay cool this summer by protecting your phone
Heat, water and sand are a vacationer’s best friends, but the same isn’t true for your cell phone. Summer holidays are typically a high-risk time for electronic devices. Here are a few tips for keeping your precious companion working properly while you put your feet up and relax. Mobile phones are just like you (and me) in that they find it hard to perform their best in extreme temperatures. All suppliers recommend keeping devices out of temperatures exceeding 35°C. Otherwise, the battery life could be permanently reduced. Fortunately, the mercury rarely rises above this point in Quebec. But don’t forget that devices can quickly overheat if they are left inside a car or on a sunny pool deck. IP what? Most mobile devices are resistant to liquids and solid substances like dust or sand—to a certain degree. It’s just hard to know exactly how much they can withstand. There’s a strong chance that your phone can handle getting wet if a sudden rainstorm strikes on your walk home. But will it survive a plunge into the toilet bowl (it happens to the best of us) or a cool dip in the pool? To find out, check your device’s ingress protection (IP) rating. Issued by the International Electrotechnical Commission, this rating indicates a device’s environmental protection from: Solid object ingress Water ingress (does not apply to all liquids) Many of the more popular recent devices offer maximum protection (IP6) against solids. Where water is concerned, these phones usually offer at least IP7 rating, which indicates that the device can survive immersion in up to a metre of water for 30 minutes. Scuba divers who can’t stand to be separated from their phone will appreciate IP8 protection, which the Samsung Galaxy S10 offers. If your device doesn’t meet the latest standards, consider getting a high-quality protective case for it. There are also accessories that offer advanced protection for your phone by covering its various access ports. This prevents sand, dust and water from getting in. There are even touch films to seal your device off from the elements. We all know that phones should be kept far away from the pool or beach, but sometimes it’s easier said than done. Despite your best efforts to keep your mobile device out of danger, there’s always a possibility that something could happen. If you’re absent-minded or clumsy, additional protection might be worth considering.
