In a significant enhancement for users of the Health Connect app, Google has introduced a backup and restore feature in its latest update. This addition addresses a long-standing gap in the app’s functionality, allowing users to safeguard their health and fitness data more effectively.
New Backup and Restore Feature
Previously, users had no means to back up or restore their health data, which could be a concern given the sensitive nature of this information. With the new update, users can now export their health and fitness data to Google Drive or other cloud storage providers. This feature is particularly beneficial for those who may lose their devices or are transitioning to new ones, ensuring that valuable insights from their wellness journeys remain intact.
Health Connect serves as a centralized hub for health and fitness data, acting as an intermediary that facilitates communication between various health apps. It does not function as a fitness tracker itself but provides a secure storage solution for data aggregated from multiple applications. This design prioritizes user privacy, as Health Connect does not upload data to the cloud without explicit user permission.
The newly added backup and restore menu can be found within the Health Connect settings. Users can enable scheduled exports of their data, choosing to back up their information on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. The exports are stored in a ZIP file at a location of the user’s choosing, allowing for easy access and management.
However, early testing of this feature has revealed some hiccups. Reports indicate that exported files may be empty, regardless of whether users have data stored in Health Connect. This issue could be a temporary bug associated with the initial rollout of the backup feature, and updates from Google are anticipated to address these concerns.
Initially spotted on a Pixel device running Android 15 QPR2 Beta 1, the backup and restore feature has since been made available on a wider range of devices, including those running Android 14 and later, following a recent Google Play System Update. The latest version of the Health Connect app, compatible with devices running Android 9 or later, also includes this feature, making it accessible to a broader audience.
As users explore this new functionality, feedback is encouraged to help refine and enhance the experience further. The introduction of the backup and restore feature marks a notable step forward in the evolution of Health Connect, aligning with the growing emphasis on data security and user control in the digital health landscape.
