Frequently Asked Questions

How do I backup my device contents?

When you sign in to the IDrive app, you will have the option to backup all your device contacts, calendar events, photos, videos, music, SMS, call logs, and other files to your IDrive account by tapping on 'Backup Now'.

You can customize the selection based on your requirement and tap 'Backup Now'.

For subsequent backups, tap 'Backup' under Cloud Backup from the home screen and choose the contents for backup.

How do I backup contacts from my device?

To backup contacts from your device,

1. On the IDrive app home screen, tap 'Backup' under Cloud Backup.
2. Select 'Contacts' and tap 'Backup Now'.

All backed up contacts will be available in 'My Device Backup' folder.

How do I backup photos/videos from my device?

To backup photos/videos from your device,

1. On the IDrive app home screen, tap 'Backup' under Cloud Backup.
2. Select 'Photos' or 'Videos' to backup.
3. Tap 'Backup Now'.

To backup specific photos/videos,

1. On the IDrive app home screen, tap 'Backup' under Cloud Backup.
2. Tap the 'Photos'/'Videos' folder.
3. Select photos/videos you wish to backup.
4. Tap 'Done' and then tap 'Backup Now'.

All backed up photos/videos will be available in 'My Device Backup' folder.

Note: You may tap the Photos/Videos folder and select desired items from your device for backup. You can also view the backup progress.

How do I backup calendar events from my device?

To backup calendar events from your device,

1. On the IDrive app home screen, tap 'Backup' under Cloud Backup.
2. Tap 'Add-ons' -> 'Calendar' and then tap 'Backup Now'.

All backed up calendar events will be available in 'My Device Backup' folder.

How do I backup SMS from my device?

To backup SMS from your device,

1. On the IDrive app home screen, tap 'Backup' under Cloud Backup.
2. Tap 'Add-ons' -> 'SMS' and then tap 'Backup Now'.

All backed up SMS will be available in 'My Device Backup' folder.

How do I backup my music files from my device?

To backup music files from your device,

1. On the IDrive app home screen, tap 'Backup' under Cloud Backup.
2. Tap 'Add-ons' -> 'Music' and tap 'Backup Now'.

All backed up music files will be available in 'My Device Backup' folder.

How do I backup call logs from my device?

To backup call logs from your device,

1. On the IDrive app home screen, tap 'Backup' under Cloud Backup.
2. Tap 'Add-ons' -> 'Call Logs' and tap 'Backup Now'.

All backed up call logs will be available in 'My Device Backup' folder.

How do I backup other file types, such as my SD card, from my Android device?

To backup other file types,

1. On the IDrive app home screen, tap 'Backup' under Cloud Backup.
2. Tap 'Add-ons' -> 'Other Files' and tap 'Backup Now', to backup all the files from your SD card.

To backup specific files,

1. Tap the 'Other Files' folder and then navigate to the files.
2. Select the files using .
3. Tap 'Done' and then tap 'Backup Now'.

All backed up files will be available in 'My Device Backup' folder. When you select the 'Other Files' folder, you should see all of your backed up data here with the exception of Photos, Videos, and Music. These will be located in their respective folders.

How to upload files from third-party applications to IDrive Online?

To upload files from third-party apps to IDrive Online,

1. Select any third-party application like Google Photos, File Manager, Dropbox, etc.
2. Long press to select the files and tap or 'Export'.
3. Select 'IDrive Online' app from the list of applications that appear.
4. Tap 'Upload'.
5. The files will be uploaded to 'My Device Backup'.
6. You can also create a folder within 'My Device Backup' and add the newly uploaded files to it.

How does 'Auto Camera Upload' work?

With 'Auto Camera Upload', you can automatically backup all the photos and videos from your device gallery to your IDrive account. Additionally, all live captures are also automatically backed up. On your first sign in, the 'Auto Camera Upload' option is set to 'OFF'.

To enable it,

1. On the IDrive app home screen, tap 'Backup' under Cloud Backup.
2. Drag the 'Auto Camera Upload' slider to switch it ON.

All the photos and videos automatically backed up are stored in 'My Device Backup' > 'Photos'/'Videos' folder in your IDrive account.

Does battery optimization impact the app’s performance?

If battery restrictions are on, the apps you use less often will run less while you're not using them. Remove any background restrictions and battery optimization for IDrive in the device settings, to ensure optimum performance.

To remove battery optimization for the app,

1. Tap
2. Go to 'Settings' and tap 'Unrestricted Battery Usage'. This will redirect you to the app settings of your device.
3. Search for the IDrive app and remove it from the battery optimized list.

Note: The 'Unrestricted Battery Usage' option is available only on Android 12 and above.

I am facing issues with backup. How do I fix this?

If your device is not being backed up, try troubleshooting the issue with the steps given below:

• Update the IDrive app with the latest version from the Play Store.
• Check app permissions and verify the IDrive app has the required permissions.
• Check your internet connection. Backup may be slower if the internet strength is weak.
• Check the device battery level. Backup may also be affected by low battery levels.
• Remove any background restrictions and battery optimization in the device settings.

You can also send error report from the IDrive app. Navigate to the menu > 'Settings' > 'Report Problem' and send the error report. Our support team will assist you.

Are mobile backups incremental?

Photos, videos, and music files are uploaded incrementally. That means that after the initial backup is done, following backups will upload only newly added or modified files. Contacts, Calendar, SMS, Call logs, and Documents (Other files) are not incremental and will re-upload each time a backup runs and creates versions. So, for example, Call Logs can be easily restored from a backup that took place on a certain date.

Can I perform automatic data backups?

You can allow IDrive to perform automatic data backups by enabling the 'Backup on Charge' or schedule backup feature.

To enable backup on charge,

1. Tap .
2. Go to 'Settings' and tap 'Auto Upload'.
3. Tap 'Backup On Charge'.
4. Select the required data to backup and tap 'Done'.

IDrive automatically backs up the selected data when the phone is connected for charging. IDrive performs this automatic backup once every 24 hours.

To schedule data backup,

1. Tap .
2. Go to 'Settings' and tap 'Auto Upload'.
3. Tap 'Schedule Backup'.
4. Select the required data to backup and tap 'Next'.
5. Set the parameters and tap 'Save'.

What is Cloud Drive and how does it work?

Cloud Drive links all of your devices such that whenever a file is updated, it is available on all linked devices. For syncing files, Cloud Drive creates a unique folder on every linked computer and provides separate cloud storage. You can sync files using the Cloud Drive folder on linked desktops, or directly via IDrive.com and download them on the mobile apps.

How do I sync files from my mobile?

To sync files from your mobile,

1. On the IDrive app home screen, tap > 'Cloud Drive'.
2. Tap .
3. Tap 'Photos or Videos' or 'Other Files'.
4. Select photos/videos from Gallery or files from your storage devices.
5. Tap 'Upload'.

How do I download synced files?

To download synced files,

1. On the IDrive app home screen, tap > 'Cloud Drive'.
2. Tap corresponding to file/folder to download.

To download multiple files/folders,

1. On the IDrive app home screen, tap > 'Cloud Drive'.
2. In the 'Thumbnail' view, long press any file or folder.
3. Select the files/folders using .
4. Tap .

How do I access my synced files and folders?

To access your synced files,

1. On the IDrive app home screen, tap .
2. Tap Cloud Drive.
3. Navigate and tap the file you want to view.

How do I restore an earlier version of a synced file?

To restore an earlier version of a synced file,

1. On the IDrive app home screen, tap > 'Cloud Drive'.
2. Browse and open the file.
3. Tap ; the 'Versions' screen is displayed.
4. Tap the version you want to download.

How do I unlink a device from my account?

Unlinking a device, signs you out of the IDrive application on the particular device.

To unlink a device,

1. On the IDrive app home screen, tap > 'Settings'.
2. Tap 'Manage Devices' under 'Security'. The list of linked devices appears.

The list of linked devices appears.

3. Tap corresponding to the device you wish to unlink. Tap 'Yes' on the next prompt.

What are the file/folder operations that I can perform through my device? *

You can perform all file/folder operations like cut, copy, rename, delete and create a new folder through your mobile device.

Read Note

Can I access my IDrive account on my mobile?

Yes, you can access your IDrive account on your mobile.

To access,

1. Download and install the IDrive app on your mobile.
2. Sign in to the application using your IDrive credentials. If you do not have an IDrive account, sign up for a new account.

Note: In case, you have a private encryption key set for your IDrive account, you must enter your private key to access your account.

You can browse, search and access all backed up files/folders in your IDrive account.

Can I access my mobile backup data through the web?

Yes, you can access your mobile backup data through the web by signing in to your IDrive account via any web browser. Select the folder with your phone name. Now, you can access Calendar, Contacts, Photos, Videos, SMS and Call Logs backed up to your IDrive account.

What is Timeline? How can I access Timeline?

Timeline displays all the photos and videos backed up from multiple mobile devices, sorted by date and location. However, to categorize your photos according to location, ensure Location is turned on in the device settings and also in the camera application while taking pictures and recording videos. Using Timeline, you can share, download, and delete your photos/videos, backed up with IDrive. To view a list of your photos and videos, on the IDrive app home screen, tap 'Timeline'.

Can I edit backed up files on my mobile?

You can only edit the text files backed up to your IDrive account from your mobile. However, you can view all the other file formats.

Can I create and edit text documents through the IDrive app?

Yes, you can create text documents (.txt files) and even edit existing text files using the IDrive app.

To create text documents,

1. On the IDrive Online app home screen, tap 'Access and Restore' > 'My Device Backup'. Or tap > 'Sync'.
2. Tap .
3. Tap 'Create Text File'.
4. Add your text in the created file, and tap .
5. Enter a name for the document and tap 'Save'.

To edit text documents,

1. In 'My Device Backup' or ‘Sync’ tab, navigate to the desired text document and tap it open.
2. Tap and select the latest version.
3. Tap 'IDrive Text Editor'.
4. Make the edits needed and tap .

The changes will be saved as a new version. Tap a file to view the list of all the versions. You can share or delete the text document by tapping or respectively.

How do I search for files in my IDrive account from my mobile?

To search files in your IDrive account via your mobile device,

1. On the IDrive app home screen, tap 'Access and Restore'.
2. Select 'My Device Backup' or any other mobile device folder.
3. Tap and select 'Search'.
4. Enter the complete or part of the file name in the search bar and tap Enter.

What is Offline View and how do I add files to Offline View?

Offline View allows you to view your files even when there is no internet connectivity.

To add files to Offline View,

1. On the IDrive app home screen, tap 'Access and Restore'.
2. Select 'My Device Backup' or any other mobile device folder.
3. Tap 'Edit' from and choose files using .
4. Tap and select the 'Add to Offline' option.

Can I use my Apple ID to sign in to IDrive desktop application and web interface?

The IDrive mobile application allows you to create an account using your Apple ID. However, in case you want to use the same account for signing in to the IDrive desktop application or web interface, you need to set the password using the 'Forgot password' option. This is because IDrive only stores your Apple ID and not the password. Hence by using the 'Forgot password' option you can create a password for your IDrive account (if you already don't have one).

How do I share my contacts?

To share your contacts,

1. On the IDrive app home screen, tap 'Access and Restore'.
2. Select 'My Device Backup' or any other mobile device folder.
3. Tap the 'Contacts' folder and long press a contact.
4. Select multiple contacts to share by using .
5. Tap .
6. From the apps list that appears, choose the app to share the link with.

Note: The Share option is available only for IDrive accounts with default encryption.

How do I share my photos/videos?

To share your photos/videos,

1. On the IDrive app home screen, tap 'Access and Restore'.
2. Select 'My Device Backup' or any other mobile device folder.
3. Tap the 'Photos'/'Videos' folder and long press any file / folder.
4. Select photos/videos to share by using .
5. Tap .
6. From the apps list that appears, choose the app to share the link with.

Note: The Share option is available only for IDrive accounts with default encryption.

Where are my shared links located?

IDrive provides a centralized location for all your shared links. To manage the shared links,

1. On the IDrive Online app home screen, tap > 'Share'.
2. You can view the list of files that you have shared with others.

How do I restore any device contents?

To restore your device contents,

1. On the IDrive app home screen, tap 'Access and Restore'.
2. Tap corresponding to the folder you wish to restore.

How do I restore photos/videos to my device?

To restore photos/videos to your device,

1. On the IDrive app home screen, tap 'Access and Restore'.
2. Select 'My Device Backup' or any other device folder.
3. Tap corresponding to the 'Photos'/'Videos' folder to restore all your photos/videos.

To restore specific photos/videos,

1. Tap 'Photos'/'Videos' folder and long press a file/folder.
2. Select photos/videos to restore by using .
3. Tap 'Restore'.

How to restore calendar events to my device?

To restore calendar events to your device,

1. On the IDrive app home screen, tap 'Access and Restore'.
2. Select 'My Device Backup' or any other device folder.
3. Tap corresponding to the 'Calendar' folder to restore all your calendar events.

To restore specific calendar events,

1. Tap 'Calendar' folder and long press a calendar event.
2. Select calendar events to restore by using .
3. Tap .

How do I restore contacts to my device?

To restore contacts to your device from your IDrive account,

1. On the IDrive app home screen, tap 'Access and Restore'.
2. Select 'My Device Backup' or any other device folder.
3. Tap corresponding to the 'Contacts' folder to restore all your contacts.

To restore specific contacts,

1. Tap 'Contacts' folder and long press a contact.
2. Select contacts to restore by using .
3. Tap .

Note: To restore earlier versions of your contacts from your device, tap 'Contacts' > 'Version' and choose the desired version.

How do I restore SMS to my device?

To restore SMS to your device,

1. On the IDrive app home screen, tap 'Access and Restore'.
2. Select 'My Device Backup' or any other device folder.
3. Tap corresponding to the 'SMS' folder to restore.

To restore specific SMS,

1. Tap 'SMS' folder and long press a message.
2. Select messages to restore by using .
3. Tap .

Note: You must make IDrive the default messaging app to restore SMS.

How do I restore call logs to my device?

To restore call logs to your device,

1. On the IDrive app home screen, tap 'Access and Restore'.
2. Select 'My Device Backup' or any other device folder.
3. Tap corresponding to the 'Call Logs' folder to restore.

To restore specific call logs,

1. Tap 'Call Logs' folder and long press a log.
2. Select logs to restore by using .
3. Tap .

Note: If you are using Android KitKat, make IDrive the default messaging app in order to restore your SMS.

How do I restore music to my device?

To restore music to your device,

1. On the IDrive app home screen, tap 'Access and Restore'.
2. Select 'My Device Backup' or any other device folder.
3. Tap corresponding to the 'Music' folder to restore.

To restore specific music files,

1. Tap the 'Music' folder and long press a music file.
2. Select the music files to restore by using .
3. Tap .

How do I restore other file types to my device?

To restore other file types to your device,

1. On the IDrive app home screen, tap 'Access and Restore'.
2. Select 'My Device Backup' or any other device folder.
3. Tap corresponding to the 'Other Files' folder to restore.

To restore specific other files,

1. Tap the 'Other Files' folder and long press a file.
2. Select files to restore by using .
3. Tap 'Restore'.

Where does IDrive store my restored files on my device?

The files and folders restored from IDrive are stored in Internal storage > Download > IDrive_download folder on your device.

How do I create a new folder? *

To create a new folder,

1. On the IDrive app home screen, tap 'Access and Restore'.
2. Tap 'Menu'.
3. Select 'Create New Folder'.
4. Enter a name for the new folder and tap 'Ok'.

How do I rename a file? *

To rename a file,

1. On the IDrive app home screen, tap 'Access and Restore'.
2. Select 'My Device Backup' or any other device folder.
3. Long press a file and select by using .
4. Tap and select 'Rename'.
5. Change the name of the file and tap 'Ok'.

Read Note

Note: Default folders and device names cannot be renamed.

How to cancel an upload while it is in progress?

To cancel an upload while it is in progress,

1. On the IDrive app home screen, tap 'Backup' under Cloud Backup.
2. Go to the file/folder being uploaded.
3. Tap next to the filename, to cancel the upload.

How do I delete files?

To delete a particular device and its contents,

1. On the IDrive app home screen, tap 'Access and Restore'.
2. Long press a device folder, and then tap 'Delete'.
3. Tap 'OK'.

To delete a particular file,

1. On the IDrive app home screen, tap 'Access and Restore'.
2. Select 'My Device Backup' or any other device folder.
3. Select the folder which contains the file to be deleted.
4. Long press the file and select using .
5. Tap and select 'Delete'.
6. Tap 'OK'.

Note: Default folders cannot be deleted.

Why does the IDrive mobile app need to access my personal information?

The IDrive mobile app requires access to your information to backup and restore your data efficiently. Access to certain information also allows IDrive to provide simplified features for your improved use. To access this information a list of permissions has been defined. These permissions are described as follows:

Will IDrive save or share my information?

No, IDrive will never save your information or share it with any third party.

Can I use the IDrive mobile app without giving access to the required permissions?

No, Play Store requires that you accept all the requested permissions for an app during the installation or when updating. Android doesn't allow individual or optional permissions.

Therefore, all permissions must be accepted for successful download and use of the app.

Note: For Android 6.0 and above, users will not be asked to accept any permission during installation of an app. However, while performing backup, restore, or any other action user will need to accept the required permissions.

What is two-factor authentication?

The two-factor authentication provides additional security to your account and helps in preventing unauthorized access. Once two-factor authentication is enabled via web, in addition to your password, you will need to enter a verification code sent to your email address or phone number or Time-based OTP authenticator app, while signing in to your IDrive account. Read more on how to enable two-factor authentication for your IDrive account.

How do I sign in to my IDrive account once two-factor authentication is enabled?

To sign in to your IDrive account after two-factor authentication is enabled,

1. On the IDrive Online application sign in screen, enter your username and password and tap 'Sign in'.
2. If you have selected Email address or Phone number as the preferred method of receiving one-time verification code, enter the same and tap 'Verify'.
3. If you have selected Time-based OTP Authentication as the preferred method of receiving one-time verification code, enter the one-time code generated by the Time-based OTP Authenticator app in your mobile device and tap 'Verify'.