A backup of your Android to a computer is free and uses no data: connect the phone by USB, choose “File transfer”, and copy the DCIM, Pictures, Download and WhatsApp folders to the laptop. Then save your contacts as a file. It works the same on Infinix, Tecno, Samsung, Vivo, OnePlus and other Android phones.
A computer copy pairs well with an online one; see how to back up your phone for the full plan.
Copy photos and files by USB
- Unlock the phone and plug it into the laptop with a data cable (some cheap cables only charge).
- Swipe down, tap the USB notification and choose File transfer (may be called MTP or Transfer files).
- On Windows, open File Explorer > This PC > your phone > Internal storage. A Mac can’t open Android phones on its own; you need a free app such as OpenMTP.
- Copy these folders to a new folder on the laptop, named with the date:
- DCIM (camera photos and videos)
- Pictures (screenshots, edited photos)
- Download and Documents
- Android/media/com.whatsapp/WhatsApp/Media (WhatsApp photos, videos and voice notes)
Folders look empty? Unlock the phone, re-select File transfer, or try another cable or USB port.
Large photo collections can take a while. Leave the laptop plugged in.
Save contacts as a file
Contacts don’t live in a folder you can copy. Export them: 1. Open the Contacts app > menu or Fix & manage > Export to file (Samsung: Manage contacts > Import or export contacts > Export). 2. Choose the account and save as a .vcf file. It usually lands in Download. 3. Copy the .vcf to the laptop with the other files.
If your contacts already sync to Google, they’re also safe online; check with backing up contacts to Google.
Brand PC tools
Some brands offer a desktop app that also saves messages, call logs and settings: – Samsung: Smart Switch for PC or Mac does a full backup by USB. – Xiaomi, Redmi and Poco: Xiaomi’s own PC suite (it only works with Xiaomi phones). – Huawei: HiSuite. – Infinix, Tecno, Vivo and others: there’s no well-supported official PC backup tool, so use the USB copy above plus Google backup for settings and app list.
WhatsApp chats need WhatsApp’s own backup (Settings > Chats > Chat backup) first; the chat database then sits in the WhatsApp folder you copied.
Keep the copy safe
- Two places, not one. Copy the folder to an external drive or flash disk too. Laptops get stolen and hard disks fail.
- Avoid cyber café and office PCs. Your photos, IDs and M-Pesa screenshots stay on that computer after you leave. If you must use one, copy to your own flash disk and delete from the PC.
- Repeat monthly, or before any repair, factory reset or phone swap.
Quick answers
Connect by USB, choose File transfer, and copy DCIM, Pictures, Download and the WhatsApp folder to the computer. Export contacts as a .vcf file and copy that too.
The same way: USB in File transfer mode and copy the folders. Infinix has no widely used PC backup app, so add Google backup for settings.
In the Contacts app choose Export to file, save the .vcf, then copy it to the computer.
