Temporary Cloud Backup is a new service by Samsung. It is rolling out to Samsung Galaxy smartphones and tablets with One UI 6 or later.
The backup solution looks like many other cloud-based backup services on first glance. Samsung users may use it to back up data on cloud servers. What makes this different is that the storage is temporary.
The data is stored for up to 30 days in the cloud. Samsung claims that there are not any storage size restrictions. The only limitation, in fact, is that individual files may not be larger than 100 Gigabytes, which most users should not run into.
All the backing up and transferring happens on the user’s device. A second device, for instance a PC, is not required.
The backup feature is ideal for securing data before handing devices over to others, for instance for repairs.
The idea behind the feature
Samsung explains that the service is ideal for securing data before replacements or repairs. Devices that need to be repaired are often inaccessible for a period of time.
If they need to be send in, there is a slim but existing chance that the package gets lost during transit.
Temporary Cloud Backup is integrated into Maintenance Mode. Samsung introduced Maintenance Mode in the Samsung Galaxy S22. It protects personal data and information when activated.
When users activate the mode, a separate user account is created that others may access when repairing Samsung devices. Samsung users find the mode under Settings > Battery and Device Care > Maintenance Mode.
Samsung explains:
Maintenance mode protects your privacy while someone else is using your phone, such as when you’re sending it for repairs.
Personal data, including a user’s photos, documents and messages, is restricted in Maintenance Mode. User-installed apps become unavailable as well. While apps may be downloaded and installed in the mode, they are removed from the device along with any “data or accounts” when the owner of the device exits Maintenance Mode.
Temporary Cloud Backup complements Maintenance Mode. It pushes a backup of the user’s personal data to the Samsung cloud. From there, it can be retrieved at any time during the 30-day period.
Temporary Cloud Backup
The new backup feature serves several purposes. Repair and maintenance are two of the main applications, but it is also helpful for new devices.
The integrated Setup Wizard of Samsung devices includes an option to restore data backed up at Samsung’s Cloud using the temporary backup feature. Users may use it to move their files between devices.
The feature is attached to Maintenance Mode and the device’s Reset function.
The backup app displays the available options. These include backing up apps, calls and contacts, messages, secure folder data, settings and more.
The process requires an active wireless connection. Samsung’s device displays the transfer progress during the operation.
Samsung informs owners of the data before the 30-day limit is reached. This should give them enough time to restore the data before it is deleted automatically.
Closing Words
The full rollout is starting this fall for all Samsung Galaxy smartphones and tablets with One UI 6. The first devices will be the Galaxy S and Z series in Korea.
Temporary Cloud Backup and Maintenance Mode are two useful features. Maintenance Mode blocks access to personal data during repairs and maintenance operations. Cloud backup saves the data so that it can be restored at a later point; this is also useful when sending in devices.
Now You: how do you handle data on your devices during repairs?