Memory and storage
Back up and restore data on your phone
Accidents can happen – so set your phone to back up your settings and stuff to your Microsoft account.
You need a Microsoft account to back up your phone.
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On the start screen, swipe left, and tap
Settings > backup . -
If asked, sign in to your Microsoft account.
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Select what to back up and how.
Your downloaded apps may not be included in the backup, but you may be able to re-download them from Store, as long as the app is available. Data transmission costs may apply. For more info, contact your network service provider.
If you ever need to restore your settings to your phone, add your Microsoft account to your new phone, and follow the instructions shown on your phone.
Check and increase available memory on your phone
Want to check how much memory you have available?
On the start screen, swipe left, and tap
Settings > phone storage .
To check the details of your phone memory, tap phone .
If you're running out of space, first check for and remove things you no longer need:
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Text, multimedia, and mail messages
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Contact entries and details
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Apps
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Music, photos, or videos
Delete an app from your phone
You can remove installed apps that you no longer want to keep or use, to increase the amount of available memory.
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On the start screen, swipe left to the apps menu.
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Tap and hold the app, and tap uninstall . You may not be able to remove some apps.
If you remove an app, you may be able to reinstall without buying again, as long as the app is available in Store.
If an installed app depends on a removed app, the installed app may stop working. For details, see the user documentation of the installed app.