Test whether a backup can actually restore your files
Choose representative files, restore them to a separate place and verify content and access.
Follow the method ↓
The answer in 30 seconds
A green backup status does not show whether the right files were included or whether you can recover them after losing a device. A small restoration test provides evidence without risking the working copy.
Select a few important files of different types, restore them into a new folder, open them and document the time, version and account needed for recovery.
Examples to adapt
Restore one older and one recent photo and check resolution and date.
Open a restored version and confirm it is not an empty placeholder.
Check whether account recovery depends on the phone that was lost.
Follow the method
- 1Choose samples
Pick files from different folders and dates, including one you know changed recently.
- 2Restore separately
Use a new folder or spare device; do not overwrite your only good copy.
- 3Open and compare
Verify content, file size, version and any application needed to read it.
- 4Record gaps
Note missing folders, recovery credentials and the time a full restore might take.
A checklist to keep
Use these checks to record what you found. The grid supports a decision; it does not make one for you.
| Check | What to examine | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Sample | Does it represent important data? | Choose |
| Destination | Is it separate from the original? | Set |
| Version | Is it the expected date? | Compare |
| Access | Can the file be opened? | Test |
| Gap | What is missing? | Record |
Free, no sign-up. UTF-8 text with semicolon-separated columns.
What to check
A synced folder may mirror a deletion rather than provide recovery.
An untested encrypted backup can fail if its key is unavailable.
A single successful file does not prove every folder is covered.
Common questions
How often should I test?
Repeat after major device or backup changes and at an interval matched to the importance of your data.
Should I overwrite current files during a test?
No. Restore a sample separately so the test cannot destroy the working copy.
Sources and documentation
Documentation consulted on . Examples are illustrative; interfaces and results may change.