AB File Documentation

Overview

Feature Value
File Extension .ab
Full Name Android Debug Bridge Backup File
MIME Type application/x-android-backup
Description A file format used to backup and restore content of an Android device.
Backup Type Full or partial application backup, including applications and user data.
Compression Optional, can be compressed using zlib (gzip)
Encryption Optional, can be encrypted with AES-256
Encryption Password Protection Yes, if encryption is enabled
Creation Tool Android Debug Bridge (adb) command-line tool
Command to Create Backup adb backup -apk -shared -all -f backup.ab
Command to Restore Backup adb restore backup.ab
Generated By Any Android device with developer options enabled
File Signature None specific; file header starts with "ANDROID BACKUP"
Major Usage Restoring application data and settings after a device reset or when switching to a new device
Accessibility Can only be created and restored using ADB tools
Restoration Compatibility Best restored on the same device or a device with the same OS version
Incremental Backup No, backups are usually full snapshots.
Limitations Some apps do not allow backup of their data due to security or privacy concerns.
Usability Typically used by developers or advanced users.
Interoperability Limited, primarily used within the Android ecosystem.