How to back up and move your budget app to a new phone
Short answer: make a backup file in your budget app on the old phone first, move that file to the new phone, then import it in the app. Relying on the phone's system backup or simply reinstalling often leaves your expense history behind, which is why reviews like "backup data is not fetching & all my data gone" keep appearing.
1. Why expense records vanish when you switch phones
Most expense trackers store records in a database inside the phone. Android's built-in backup varies by app and has size limits, so the app can reinstall on a new phone with no data in it.
Account sync breaks when you get logged out, forget the account or the service changes. Either way, without a file you own, there is nothing to restore from.
2. Checklist before you switch
Do this before you reset or trade in the old phone.
- Open the backup or export menu in your budget app on the old phone
- Create a backup file (JSON or the app's own format) for restoring
- Also export CSV so you have a copy you can open in Excel
- Move the files to the new phone via Google Drive, email or USB
- Install the app on the new phone, import the backup and check that this month's totals match
3. CSV and backup files do different jobs
CSV is a table you can open in Excel or Google Sheets, but it often leaves out categories, budgets and repeating records. The app's backup file restores all of that. Use the backup file to move phones, and CSV for archiving and analysis.
4. How it works in Coinjot
Coinjot keeps every record on your phone with no account. Save a backup file (JSON) in settings, import it in Coinjot on the new phone, and your records, categories and budgets come back. CSV export opens in Excel too.
Nothing is stored on a server, so just remember to make the file before you switch. Records deleted by mistake stay in the trash for 30 days.
An expense tracker that never loses your records
Get Coinjot on Google Play