What's the Deal with NBU Files from Google Android Apps?

I’ve recently come across NBU files related to some Google apps on my Android device, and I’m not quite sure what to do with them. These files seem to have something to do with app backups, but I’m struggling to find solid information on how to manage them.

Here are a few questions I have:

  1. What exactly are NBU files?

    • I see they might be backups, but how are they structured? Are they just simple text files, or do they contain binary data?
  2. How can I access the data in these files?

    • Is there a specific tool or application I can use to open or convert these files? I’ve tried a few file viewers, but they don’t seem to work.
  3. Can I recover lost data from NBU files?

    • If I’ve lost app data, is there a way to restore it using these files? What’s the best practice for ensuring that I can recover important information if needed?
  4. Are there any potential risks involved in handling NBU files?

    • Should I be concerned about data loss or corruption if I’m experimenting with these files?

I’d love to hear from anyone who has experience with NBU files from Google apps. Any tips, tools, or tricks you can share would be incredibly helpful! Thanks in advance!


Additional Context:
I’m mainly trying to back up my app data for safe-keeping, especially my contacts and settings from these apps. I really want to ensure that I don’t lose anything important.

Looking forward to your insights!

NBU files are basically backup files associated with Android applications. They hold data like app settings, user data, and sometimes even game progress. They’re crucial for restoring your app in case of a reinstall!

That’s interesting! So, if I delete an app, can I just restore the NBU file to get everything back?

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Yes, you can restore from NBU files after deleting an app. Just make sure you have the file backed up before deletion. It makes life so much easier!

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That’s super helpful! But is there any risk in handling these files? I’ve read that sometimes they can get corrupted.

That’s a valid concern! Corruption can happen, especially if the backup process is interrupted. It’s always a good practice to keep multiple backups if possible.

I’m done with losing data. It’s like a bad break-up when you lose your game progress. :joy:

Haha, totally get you! The emotional rollercoaster of losing your game data can be real. Stay safe with those backups!

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To add, not all apps use NBU files, and some may have their own unique formats. It’s good to understand your specific app’s data management processes.

That makes sense. How can I check if an app uses NBU files or another format?

You can usually find this information in the app’s documentation or support pages. Sometimes, app developers have forums where they discuss data management too.

Also, some Android tools let you see app data types directly. Just tread carefully, as messing around with these files can cause issues!

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Right, sometimes I feel like a mad scientist trying to recover stuff! :joy: But it’s never a fun situation when things go wrong.

True! So much trial and error. Reflecting on it, it might be worthwhile to share NBU tips in a dedicated thread.

That’s a fantastic idea! Sharing experiences can really help us all. I’d love to read about others’ stories with NBU files!

I’ve been trying to open NBU files and I found that NBU Explorer is a pretty good tool for it. It allows you to view and edit the contents easily!

That’s great to hear! I’m also looking for something that can convert NBU files to a more usable format. Anyone know if that’s possible?

I’ve successfully converted NBU files to CSV using NBU to CSV Converter. It really simplifies data manipulation!

That sounds useful! Is it free, or do you need to pay for it?

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NBU to CSV Converter is free, but there are premium features if you need more advanced capabilities. It’s worth trying the free version first!