Helium is an app sync and backup solution for Android. It used to be called Carbon, but trademark disputes with a Twitter app having the same name eventually forced the developers to change its name to Helium. It allows Android users to backup and sync their apps without rooting.
If you have a single Android device, you probably don't have many reasons to use Helium. However, if you own multiple devices, you will definitely love this app. 

Root access

Helium works using a backdoor method. It does not require a rooted phone to function correctly. But if you grant it the root access, there are some advantages. Keep in mind that this is risky and you may end up wiping your phone during the process. However, if you do root your device properly, you can use multiple ROMs. 

Setting it up

Configuring Helium is a bit challenging. They do provide the instructions, but it can still be difficult for a novice user. To use this app, you have to connect your device to a computer that runs Helium desktop. After setting up Helium, you can back up your apps. You can also restore them from your local storage or connected cloud storage. If you have more than one device attached to your Google ID, these devices can share the backups. The best thing about Helium is that it does exactly what it says.
Perhaps the only annoying thing about Helium is its backdoor method of working without rooting. It won't work if you restart the device and then you have to plug it into your computer again and repeat the initial setup process. This can be a bit of a hassle.  If you grant it the root access, you will not have to go through this. Helium is simpler than Titanium Backup, but the latter has more advanced capabilities. 

Cloud backup

Helium can back up to the cloud and to the device, but you will need to use the premium version to restore your data from the cloud. However, there are ways to get around this problem. You can, for instance, copy your files and apps from Dropbox and then paste them in the Helium folder on your device. Using the same method, you can restore data from different devices. 
Helium is a great app for all Android users who want to back up their apps and make game progress transfers wirelessly.
Although Helium App Sync & Backup works with some unrooted devices, it is mainly designed for rooters. To check whether it works with your device, you have to review the developer options in the settings menu. Can you turn on the USB debugging feature? If you can't, you can't use Helium on your device. After turning on USB debugging, you have to download the Helium desktop app. Save app files
A very impressive feature of Helium is that it allows you to save individual app files. You can also backup full apps, but if you don't want to, you can save individual files like game saves. You can schedule backups. The ability to back up your files and apps to the cloud is quite helpful. However, only three cloud options - Google Drive, Dropbox and Box - are supported.
This is undoubtedly a nice app. You can save your backup on an SD card or to cloud services. Note that only the premium version supports cloud services. 

The verdict


Setting up Helium is a bit difficult and that is the biggest drawback of this app. It is meant for people who don't want to back up their files themselves. Helium is not the best backup app on Android, but it is definitely good. 

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