Last Updated on April 6, 2017 by Mathew Diekhake
We dabble in tons of guides which customize your Android device here on the website. As you well know, many of those guides come from different manufacturers. Each manufacturer has a separate internal system and how the smartphone, phablet or tablet works. In Samsung’s case, only the Sammy brand has something called the EFS folder (Encrypted File System) which stores data like the IMEI number (International Mobile Equipment Identity). Should this folder become corrupt after flashing official firmware or rooting your device, it is very difficult to gain that number back. That’s why all Samsung smartphone and tablet owners should check out ways to back up the EFS folder. It’s often overlooked by people creating how-to guides on the web. Usually we see recommendations to back up the data such as phone contacts, pictures all of your music on the device etc, but nothing comes more important than this little folder containing your vitally important codes and information.
Over the years there have been a few different ways to store this data. There are even ways which works for specific devices. In fact one of the most common ways to research the folder is by going for specific device names because it’s easier. We’ve shown you guides like backing up the Samsung Galaxy S3 EFS with One-Click tools. We also know other Sammy devices such as the Note 4 with unique methods. Now there’s one applications you can download and install which backs up the numbers you are wishing. Before we start with the guide let’s run you through everything you need and learn what the IMEI number is on your device.
The IMEI number is always available from your Settings applications where you can look at the phone or device details. Basically, if you do lose this number because it’s accidentally wiped, it means you are not assigned to any mobile network of any kind. That’s a huge hindrance. Sometimes you just have to take the technology good with the bad. Sammy devices come with a ton of upside and give people heaps of flexibility with different launchers, widget options, home screens, bloatware and services, but the downside is instability with this file. If you own the HTC One M8, Sony Xperia, iPhone 6 or any other device, you don’t have to worry about the file.
Even though it’s a great idea to back up the same folder on most occasions, the application we have here for you today requires root access. It’s set up that way because it requires access to the system partitions. You can save the file with a few different file extensions such as .img, .tar.gz and just .tar. There’s one upside to having this beauty work with rooted system internals and that’s it works with AOSP and CM custom ROMS and not just stock Android like many of the other options.
You don’t have to do anything from the computer after installing the application. All the options are inside including save as compressed backup, save as tar archive and save as a stock partition image. You can even Restore the EFS from inside the same part of the app, remove ads, translate, donate and backup the partitions. Since the app is free it does come with ads. You can the option to remove them if you are willing to pay a fee. Those with more money and enjoy the program can give direct to the developers. It’s not like a charity where the middle man is taking most of the money.
How to back up and restore a Samsung smartphone or tablet EFS folder easily
- The first thing: download the Samsung EFS application from the Google Play store on your computer.
– we choose the computer desktop or C:// drive because it’s the safest way to transfer a file to a mobile device. - Log in to your user account so you can download and install free apps from Google Play if you haven’t already.
- Wait until the app finished downloading.
- Check the icon for how much time is remaining.
- Click the app icon from the phone display and enter the same.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to finish making copies.