What is the difference between Backup and Import/Export?

Modified on Thu, Nov 30, 2023 at 3:21 PM

Sunbeam phones offer a variety of ways to transfer and backup information. Here is a brief explanation on the difference between the backup tool and the separate import/export features found within the settings.

Import/Export

This is best for exporting information for use on non-Sunbeam phones. For example, contacts and calendar use a standard format that most other phones will accept. Unfortunately, there is no standard file type for notes and messages, however the exported files for notes or messages are in a Json file format and the text can be seen by opening the file using Notepad on a computer.

Import/export is also great for creating backups of specific file types without doing a full back up everything. When importing a file, all existing information is kept that already exists on the device. If you are importing contacts, you will have the option to merge any duplicates. For notes and messages, you will have duplicates if the information on the phone is not deleted first.

The import/export can be accessed in the settings of each feature: Contacts > Menu > Settings for contacts. Messaging > Menu > Settings for messages, etc.

Backup tool

This is best for creating a "snapshot" of your phone at a specific time or to transfer all your information to another Sunbeam phone. Backup files include information specific to Sunbeam phones, for example your speed dials, favorites, and call history can be included. Restoring a backup will revert any information on your phone back to the data included at the time of the backup. This eliminates any problems with duplicates, but it will delete any information added since the backup.

Backups created using the backup tool are fully encrypted for privacy and security. Backup files can only be opened on a Sunbeam phone by doing a restore. For your convenience, an automatic scheduled backup can be set to back up your information to an SD card. Scheduled backups only run if the phone has at least 30% battery and is plugged into a charger.