Google Health Connect gets a backup function for health data

by · Android Headlines

Google has rolled out a highly anticipated feature for Health Connect, addressing a major limitation in the app’s functionality. Health Connect is a centralized platform for syncing data from health and fitness apps. It now offers a backup and restore tool to preserve health data when switching devices.

Health Connect gets a backup function for health data

Until recently, one of the major drawbacks of Health Connect was its lack of a backup tool. Users could not transfer their health data to new devices, risking the loss of vital health and fitness information. That changed with the news in late September 2024, when Google began testing the feature. Now, users can back up their health data and transfer it across devices.

The new tool allows users to schedule regular exports of their health data. Data can be saved as a ZIP file, and users can back it up daily, weekly, or monthly. The exported data can be stored on Google Drive or any compatible cloud storage provider. However, privacy concerns prevent manual exports or local device storage options.

Users who switch devices can use the backup feature to restore their previous health data. If a user disables the backup feature in the future, their existing data remains intact, ensuring no loss of information. The only alternative method for transferring health data to a new device is through a direct cable connection during the initial device setup.

Potential bugs with the new feature

Despite the promising update, the backup and restore feature is not without its issues. Some users, including Android Authority’s Mishaal Rahman, reported problems with the data export function. In testing, the ZIP file generated was empty, suggesting the feature is still being refined. The bug could be resolved through a future Google Play System update.

To access the new backup and restore tool, users should navigate to Settings > Security and Privacy> Health Connect > Manage data. If the option is not immediately visible, it may take a few more days for the feature to reach your device, depending on the rollout schedule.