Complete EFS Partition Backup & Restore for Android Users

Prerequisites

Here’s what you’ll need before you get started:

• Rooted Device: Make sure your device is rooted.
• Unlocked Bootloader: Your phone’s bootloader must be unlocked.
• TWRP Recovery: Install TWRP custom recovery on your phone.
• ADB and Fastboot Installed: You’ll need these tools installed on your computer.
• USB Debugging: Enable USB debugging from your phone’s Developer Options.

Compatibility:

The methods in this guide work for most Android devices like OnePlus, Xiaomi, Samsung, and others. However, you should always check for any device-specific instructions.

Backing Up EFS Partition via TWRP Recovery

If you already have TWRP installed, this is one of the easiest ways to back up your EFS partition. This partition holds important data like your IMEI number and other network-related settings.

Boot into TWRP Recovery

To start, you’ll need to boot your phone into TWRP recovery mode:

• Turn off your device.
• Hold the Power + Volume Down buttons until the TWRP screen appears.

Backup the EFS Partition

Now that you’re in TWRP, it’s time to back up your EFS partition:

• Tap on Backup in the main menu.
• Choose the EFS partition. On some phones, this might be labeled as modemst1 and modemst2.
• Swipe to back it up.

Save the Backup

Once the backup is complete, make sure to store the file in a safe place, like cloud storage or an external hard drive. This way, if something goes wrong with your phone, you have a fallback plan.

Download links needed:
TWRP for your device
ADB and Fastboot tools

Backing Up EFS Partition via ADB Commands

If you’re not using TWRP, you can back up your EFS partition using ADB commands. It’s just as effective, especially if you’re comfortable with basic commands.

Connect Your Device to Your PC

Start by connecting your phone to your computer. Make sure USB Debugging is turned on.

Backup EFS Partition with Commands

Open a command prompt on your computer and type:

adb devices

This checks if your device is connected. Once it’s detected, enter the ADB shell:

adb shell

Now, back up the EFS partition by running these commands:

dd if=/dev/block/mmcblk0p10 of=/sdcard/modemst1.bin bs=512
dd if=/dev/block/mmcblk0p11 of=/sdcard/modemst2.bin bs=512

These commands will create two backup files: modemst1.bin and modemst2.bin.

Transfer the Backup to Your Computer

To keep your backup safe, transfer the files to your computer by typing:

adb pull /sdcard/modemst1.bin
adb pull /sdcard/modemst2.bin

Make sure to store these files in a secure location, like your PC or cloud storage.

Download links needed:
ADB and Fastboot tools

Restoring EFS Partition

If something ever goes wrong and you need to restore the EFS partition, don’t panic. Here’s how to do it.

Restoring via TWRP Recovery

• Boot your device into TWRP Recovery by holding Power + Volume Down.
• Tap on Restore and select the EFS backup you created earlier.
• Swipe to restore.

Restoring via ADB and Fastboot

If you’re more comfortable using ADB commands, you can restore the EFS partition with Fastboot:

• • Boot your phone into Fastboot mode by holding Power + Volume Up.
  • Connect your phone to your computer and run the following commands:

  fastboot flash modemst1 modemst1.bin
  fastboot flash modemst2 modemst2.bin
  

• Once it’s done, restart your phone, and it should work as usual.

Download links needed:
ADB and Fastboot tools

Final Thoughts

Backing up your EFS partition might not be the most exciting task, but it’s definitely one of the most important things you can do to protect your phone. Think of it like saving your work before a power outage—you may not need it often, but when you do, you’ll be glad you took the time.

Take a few minutes today to back up your EFS partition, and save yourself from unnecessary trouble down the road.