Header Banner
gadgethacks.mark.png
Gadget Hacks Shop Apple Guides Android Guides iPhone Guides Mac Guides Pixel Guides Samsung Guides Tweaks & Hacks Privacy & Security Productivity Hacks Movies & TV Smartphone Gaming Music & Audio Travel Tips Videography Tips Chat Apps
Home
Samsung

Important: Back Up Your Galaxy Note 3's EFS & IMEI Data for Emergency Restores

Aug 19, 2014 05:21 PM
File management interface on a smartphone displaying various file folders and binary files.

The options for customization are virtually endless when you're rooted and have an unlocked bootloader and custom recovery. However, there is always risk involved when flashing new mods or installing new ROMs. I always make backups in case something happens, but when I'm testing certain mods out, I sometimes get a damaged EFS partition.

If you're unlucky enough to have damaged your EFS partition, which is where all of your device's radio data is stored, you may be left without a cellular, Wi-Fi, or Bluetooth connection. Your only option is to make backups of your data and fire up Odin to perform a restore and start fresh.

However, XDA developer Dr.Ketan Hindocha is helping to make EFS recovery an easy process with his EFS Tool. This app makes backups of our Galaxy Note 3's EFS partition for safe keeping, and can restore them if it ever comes to that.

Prerequisites

Installing EFS Tool

First, go to the official thread on XDA to grab the latest version of the app, then tap on the "Download complete" notification to install the tool. If you want to support the developer, you can also choose to download IMEI (EFS) Tool Samsung N9005 from the Play Store instead for $1.50.

Application permissions request screen for BMEI Tool N9003 Free.
IMEI Tool M9033 Free app installation screen.
Application permissions request screen for BMEI Tool N9003 Free.
IMEI Tool M9033 Free app installation screen.

Hindocha also has apps available for the Galaxy Note 2 and Galaxy S5.

Backing Up with EFS Tool

Open the app and long-press the save icon next to Make Backup EFS, then grant superuser permissions when prompted and your EFS partition will be saved.

Important: Back Up Your Galaxy Note 3's EFS & IMEI Data for Emergency Restores
Important: Back Up Your Galaxy Note 3's EFS & IMEI Data for Emergency Restores
Important: Back Up Your Galaxy Note 3's EFS & IMEI Data for Emergency Restores
Important: Back Up Your Galaxy Note 3's EFS & IMEI Data for Emergency Restores

To find your backup, use any file manager and browse to the root directory of your SD card. You'll find a folder named MyEFS followed by a long string of characters. Transfer this folder to your desktop or cloud storage service for safe keeping!

File directory on a mobile device displaying various folders.
File directory view showing various file names and a folder labeled 'MyEFS'.
File directory on a mobile device displaying various folders.
File directory view showing various file names and a folder labeled 'MyEFS'.

Restoring with EFS Tool

Now that you have a backup made, to perform a restore, make sure you have the MyEFS folder in the root directory of your SD card. If your only copy is saved on your desktop, transfer the MyEFS folder to your SD card before you launch the tool.

In the app, tap and hold the refresh icon next to Restore EFS backup to restore your EFS partition. Remember to reboot your phone to complete the restore.

EFS Tool N900S interface with options for backing up and restoring EFS files.
Screenshot of an app interface providing options to make an EFS backup.
EFS Tool N900S interface with options for backing up and restoring EFS files.
Screenshot of an app interface providing options to make an EFS backup.

That's all there's to it. Tell us in the comments section below how the tool worked for you.

The next big software update for iPhone is coming sometime in April and will include a Food section in Apple News+, an easy-to-miss new Ambient Music app, Priority Notifications thanks to Apple Intelligence, and updates to apps like Mail, Photos, Podcasts, and Safari. See what else is coming to your iPhone with the iOS 18.4 update.

Related Articles

Comments

No Comments Exist

Be the first, drop a comment!