How to Sync and Transfer Game Progress on Android Devices

Key Notes

• Cloud saves are not universally supported across all Android games.
• Wireless debugging is essential for manual file transfers post-Android 11.
• Explore alternative methods like Supercell ID for specific games.

Effortlessly Transfer Game Progress Between Android Phones

As mobile gaming becomes increasingly sophisticated, the need to transition your game progress from one Android device to another becomes paramount. This guide details the methods available, combining both cloud-based solutions and manual techniques for games lacking support for online saves.

Transferring Game Progress Via Cloud Sync

Firstly, it’s important to recognize that there isn’t a standard approach to cloud-saving for all Android games. While Google Play Games offers a cloud-save feature, not every game employs it. To verify compatibility, open the game page, tap About this game, then navigate to the More info section to check for the Uses Google Play Games label.

Step 1: Ensure Google Play Games is Installed

Both devices should have the Google Play Games app installed. Furthermore, ensure that both devices are logged into the same Google account.

Step 2: Sign Into Your Game Account

Upon launching the game, it may prompt you to sign in to Google Play Games. Some games might not prompt at start-up; if so, access the settings to find the Sign-in option to connect your Google account. Following sign-in, the game will sync your progress automatically, assuming you have an active Internet connection.

Manual Transfer of Game Progress Without Google Account

If the game doesn’t support cloud backup or if it wasn’t sourced from Google Play, you can opt for manual data file transfers. Note that this process is increasingly complicated on devices running Android 11 and above due to the introduction of scoped storage, which restricts apps from accessing each other’s data.

Step 3: Necessary Preparations Before Transfer

Before commencing, you must establish a few essential setups:

• Enable Developer Options on your device.
• Download the iAdb app.
• Install the ESuper File Manager.

While other file managers might suffice, ensure they can obtain permissions through wireless debugging. My attempts with native file managers and even Files by Google were unsuccessful, so obtaining a third-party file manager is advisable.

Step 4: Grant Access via Wireless Debugging

Accessing game progress files requires diving into the restricted Data folder, which necessitates the iAdb app to gain permissions first.

Launch the iAdb app, and navigate to Enable “Wireless debugging” under Developer options.

Toggle the switch beside Wireless debugging to enable it, then tap Pair device with pairing code to acquire a pairing code. Input this code when prompted to complete the pairing process.

Step 5: Transfer Game Data to Another Device

Before transferring game data, ensure that both devices have the latest version of the game matched, as version mismatches can complicate things.

Using ESuper File Manager, navigate to the path Internal Storage → Android → Data. From here, locate the game’s data folder, identifiable by the game’s title or developer name. Copy this folder to outside the Android directory structure.

Once copied, transfer the folder to the second device using Bluetooth, Quick Share, or by utilizing an SD card. Repeat the access process on the second device to transfer the game data into its respective Data folder, ensuring you install the game prior, via Google Play Store or APK method if sourced from a third-party site.

Additional Transfer Methods

While cloud and manual transfers are the most secure methods, other avenues exist. Notably, many games have their proprietary cloud-syncing systems. For instance, Supercell ID provides account management for several titles like Clash of Clans.

These alternative accounts allow you to log in using your Google account for seamless integration and downloads. In addition, should you possess a rooted phone, consider utilizing backup applications like Swift Backup for more efficient data transfers by creating precise game copies that maintain settings and progress.

Summary

In summary, transferring game progress between Android phones can be accomplished via cloud-syncing with Google Play Games, or through a manual file transfer method when cloud saves aren’t available. By following the outlined preparations and steps, users can ensure a successful transition between devices.

Conclusion

Whether through cloud-saving or manual transfer, transitioning your game progress on Android devices is straightforward with the right approach. Embrace these methods to retain your hard-earned game achievements during device upgrades or switches.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)