Backblaze Android App FAQ Backblaze Android App FAQ

Backblaze Android App FAQ

Christopher Christopher

Frequently Asked Questions

 

Q: What is Backblaze on Android?

A: Backblaze on Android is an app you install on your Android device that allows you to access Backblaze’s cloud storage platform.

 

Q: What kind of Android device and what version of Android do I need?

A:  You will need an Android 9 Pie device or later to run the Backblaze app

 

Q: Does Backblaze on Android work on tablets?

A: Yes, Backblaze on Android will work on most 7” and 10” screen Android tablets. 

 

Q: Where do I get Backblaze on Android?

A: You can download the app from the Google Play Store.

 

Q:  Do I need Backblaze Online Backup in order to use Backblaze on Android?

A:  Yes. Backblaze on Android only works if you have data backed up to your Backblaze online backup account from your Mac or Windows computer.

 

Q: How much does Backblaze on Android cost?

A: Backblaze on Android is part of the Backblaze Online Backup service. There is no additional charge to download, install and use the Backblaze app on as many Android devices as you wish.

 

Q: What files can I access using Backblaze on Android?

A: You can access the files that have been backed up from your Mac or Windows system and stored by Backblaze.  The file size limit for any given file that can be downloaded by Backblaze on Android is 5GB, with no for B2 download and uploads

 

Q: Why is there a 5GB size limit?

A: The limit is there to minimize the impact of Backblaze on Android on the device as well as on bandwidth limits and caps. 

Q: Can I have multiple mobile devices access a single Backblaze account?

A: Yes. Simply sign in from each device using your standard Backblaze credentials.

 

Q: Can I have one mobile device access multiple Backblaze accounts?

A:  Yes. Simply sign in to each account using your standard Backblaze credentials.

 

Q: How secure is the connection between Backblaze and the device?

A: All communication, between the device and the Backblaze datacenter where your data is stored occurs over an HTTPS (encrypted) connection.

 

Q: Is my password stored on the Android device?

A: You decide. In the Backblaze app settings, you can choose to save your password or not. If your password is saved, your Backblaze account password is stored encrypted on the device. If your password is not saved, the Backblaze password is not stored and must be entered each time you sign in to the app.

 

Q: If I have a Passphrase (Private Encryption Key) on my Backblaze account, do I need to input it each time I log in to the Backblaze app?

A: Yes, the Private Encryption Key is intended to keep your data as secure as possible. You will need to enter the key every time you wish to view or restore files from a backup with the key enabled.

 

Q: How secure are my downloaded files on my Android?

A: Like most Android apps, if you download a file using Backblaze, the file will be stored in your “Downloads” folder and can be accessed by other apps. You can delete downloaded content, and we recommend you do so if you do not wish that content to be accessible by other apps or people. 

 

Q: Can I change my Backblaze account settings such as my password with Backblaze on Android?

A: Not at this time, but you can use a browser on your device to access your Backblaze account and make changes as desired.

 

Q: Can I use Backblaze on Android to request a restore? 

A: Not at this time, but you can use a browser on your device to access your Backblaze account and the restore request.

 

Q: Can I use the Backblaze app to back up an iPhone? 

A: No, but you can back up your iPhone by following this guide: https://www.backblaze.com/blog/how-to-back-up-your-android/

 

Q: Can I still use Backblaze on Android if I stop using the Backblaze Online Backup service?

A: No.  Once your subscription to Backblaze Online Backup expires, you will no longer be entitled to use Backblaze on Android to access your files.

 

For information about the B2 Capabilities of the Android App please see our B2 Mobile App Overview.