Titanium Backup Tutorial
Using titanium backup can be very menacing at first, especially when you've just survived the rooting process. Here is an easy to follow tutorial on what you should know. Do note that some features may only be available in the pro version, which I strongly recommend. However, also know that there are alternatives to Titanium, and you are in no way obliged to pay for an app to have a good rooted experience. Lastly, know that this page only covers the basics. You should look into the settings yourself once you get the app. Don't change anything you aren't sure of!
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1. Backups
Obviously, the use of Titanium is for backups. One plus of having Titanium for root is that it backs up your data as well as your app, meaning all of your progress/settings are saved when you restore. To backup an app, go into the second tab (backup/restore), tap on an app, and press back up. You can also go into batch actions (top right button with check mark) and back up all of the apps in one go (pro version only)
A NOTE ON WHICH APPS TO BACK UP
As you can see, titanium also has color coding, giving you further details on each app. To see what all the colors/symbols mean, go to
Menu --> Help/licensing --> Legend
As a beginner, it is best that you simply stay away from all red apps (system apps). Chances are, if you are flashing a new version of the rom, it will be included. The green ones should NEVER be restored on different roms, but can be used on different versions of the same roms. It is essentially all of the rom settings in files. Yellow ones are typically text messages or wifi networks and can always be backed up or restored, as they are simply xml files. Regular apps (user apps) can always be backed up and restored.
A NOTE ON WHICH APPS TO BACK UP
As you can see, titanium also has color coding, giving you further details on each app. To see what all the colors/symbols mean, go to
Menu --> Help/licensing --> Legend
As a beginner, it is best that you simply stay away from all red apps (system apps). Chances are, if you are flashing a new version of the rom, it will be included. The green ones should NEVER be restored on different roms, but can be used on different versions of the same roms. It is essentially all of the rom settings in files. Yellow ones are typically text messages or wifi networks and can always be backed up or restored, as they are simply xml files. Regular apps (user apps) can always be backed up and restored.
2. Restoring
Restoring apps is just as easy as backing it up. Tap on the app you wish and press restore, or use batch actions. Please note that what I said above on what NOT to backup goes mainly for what you should NOT restore.
3. What is freezing?
Ever have an app that you don't want to have running but also don't want to uninstall? Freeze is the right function for you. This essentially "freezes" the app, meaning it will not function. You can always "defrost" the app if you need it. This is particularly useful when dealing with system apps that you aren't sure if you can uninstal or not. Do note that freezing something vital like system ui will screw up your phone...
4. System apps
System apps are located in the /system/app folder rather than /data/app and basically get priority and more permissions than user apps. Using titanium backup allows you to convert between user and system, as well as integrating updates into roms (moving updates of system apps into system) and uninstalling system apps. Please be cautious when using these options, but they should not produce negative effects. Do not that once you convert to system, avoid restoring it.
5. Stuff for recovery
If you open the menu, you can see the option to make "an update.zip" This is basically a zip that you can flash in recovery that will install Titanium Backup to your rom, and is useful if you are a constant flasher. In batch actions, you can also make an update.zip, though this one includes both the titanium apk and all the other apps you have selected. It is generally faster to restore your apps through recovery than through titanium backup, but note that to restore data, you need to reboot, give titanium root access, change your ID, then wait for the data to be restored separately.