Helium Backup for Windows

Rootless Android Backup — Overview

Helium (previously known as Carbon) is a backup solution for Android that doesn’t require root access. It lets you preserve media and personal data — photos, videos, emails, notes, app data and more — and makes it straightforward to restore that content on other devices that have the app installed. If your phone is rooted, Helium still works, but root is not a prerequisite.

Most users can expect to back up roughly 80–90% of their device’s content using the free features, with the option to include or exclude individual items during the backup process.

User Experience & Workflow

The app offers a clean, two-tab interface designed to be intuitive for newcomers. Backups can be sent to cloud storage so that you can retrieve data across multiple devices, and you can also restore directly to another Android device. Scheduling is supported, so regular automated backups are possible and you don’t need to worry about manual intervention.

If you prefer starting a backup from a desktop, the Chrome companion app can be used to initiate the process on your phone.

Backup Options and Controls

• Choose whether to include APK packages (full app files) or only an app’s internal data.
• Pick and deselect individual files and folders to tailor each backup.
• Set up scheduled backups to run automatically at intervals you choose.

Platforms, Download Sources & Compatibility

• macOS, Linux, and Windows desktop clients can be used with the companion tools.
• Chrome (recommended) can act as the desktop bridge to start backups.
• APK installers are available for direct download if you prefer installing the app without a desktop.

Keep in mind that some Android handsets may not be fully supported due to manufacturer restrictions or device-specific bugs, which can prevent Helium from functioning correctly on those models. In general, the app is designed to transfer and restore data between devices even when they are not on the same local network.

Limitations and Practical Tips

• The exact percentage of recoverable content depends on device model and Android version; some items may be excluded by system limitations.
• If you encounter problems, check whether your device’s OEM has disabled features that Helium relies on.
• Use the Chrome companion or desktop client when prompted for the most reliable setup experience, and enable scheduled backups to minimize data loss risk.