Step 1 · Installing
Your phone shows a couple of safety messages when an app doesn’t come from the Play Store. That’s completely normal — here’s exactly what to tap.
- Tap the app file you just downloaded (.apk) to open it.
- If it says it can’t install from this source: tap Settings, turn on Allow from this source, then tap Back.
- Tap Install.
- If Play Protect warns about an unrecognised app, tap Install anyway.Don’t see it straight away? Tap More details first, then Install anyway.
- When it finishes, tap Open.
Both warnings are just your phone being careful. Nothing is wrong — this app comes straight from Gary, not from an app store.
Step 2 · Setting up
About a minute. Have your setup QR image saved in your photos before you start.
- Open Phone Backup and tap Get started.
- Tap Load my setup QR and pick the QR image Gary sent you.
- Create a passphrase — a few words only you know.Or tap suggest to have a strong one made for you.
- Choose what to protect: all photos & videos or choose files & folders.
- Tap Back up, then Allow on the permission prompt so it can read your photos & videos.
- Done. Leave the phone on Wi‑Fi and charging for the first backup — you can lock it and walk away.
⚠️ Write your passphrase down and keep it somewhere safe. It is the only key to your backup — if it’s lost, your photos can’t be recovered by anyone, including Gary. There is no reset.
Your setup QR comes from Gary, privately.You’ll receive your personal setup QR/code directly from Gary — keep it to yourself. It’s your key to your own space.