Link Safe

Basic app data is saved using the built-in Android tools mentioned earlier. However, to make sure a certain app or game’s data is fully backed up and accessible from your PC, use the free Helium tool (bit.ly/1JSANwB).

First install the app on your Android device, then follow the instructions to install the companion PC program (bit.ly/1beoWgq). Once this is done, tap Settings in the Helium Android app, then ‘PC download’. A long URL that starts ‘http://192’ will then appear on screen. Type this into your PC’s browser, select the apps you want to back up, then click Start Backup.

This generates a backup file that you can store safely on your PC’s hard drive. If your phone or tablet is later wiped and you need to restore your app data, drag the Helium backup file back into the Restore window using the same URL as before, and follow the instructions on your phone. Helium’s restore process is powerful but doesn’t require that you root your phone or tablet. Never use an app that does require rooting it makes your device vulnerable to hacking.