As with any computer program, updating any of the Angry Birds apps has some inherent risks. No matter what platform your own — iOS, Android, Intellivision — when you update an app a lot goes on behind the scenes. 99% of the time, everything works as desired, but sometimes things don’t. The goal of this guide is to help you in the event something goes horribly wrong. In some cases, these backup methods can ALSO be used to transfer your progress to another device. This way you don’t have to start from scratch. That said, as of now transferring progress only really works when the devices are the same (e.g. iOS to iOS, for example).
Universal Precaution: Do not remove (cut) any files! Here and throughout, we always say “copy”, which is what you should be doing: Select the files desired and copy/paste them to your desired backup location.
We don’t know the process for absolutely every device, but we will gladly add information if you have it! Leave a comment below.
Table of Contents
- General Information
- iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch
- Windows PC
- Mac
- Android
- Windows 8 Store
- Chrome and other Web Apps
General Information
Before delving into the specifics for each platform, we should begin by announcing the stars of the show: the .lua files! These nifty little encrypted files contain all of your progress, including stars, scores, feathers, and unlocked levels. The availability and exact location of these files vary by both app and platform, which is why we have so many sections below.
When manually backing up your progress, the following files are what you’ll be copying:
- highscores.lua
- settings.lua
- {purchases}.lua (if applicable, such as Space and Star Wars)
- highscores_<hash>.lua and settings_<hash>.lua (if applicable via Rovio Accounts; learn more!)
In general, we do not encourage transfers across different operating systems. Between like systems (iOS to iOS, Android to Android, PC to PC) poses absolutely no risk, but between platforms can be risky since not all information is compatible. Many users report no problem, but we are aware of several problems in doing this, so proceed at your own risk. The only 100% verified transfer between distinct platforms is iOS <–> Mac.
Update for Rovio Accounts: A “Cloud Sync” system has recently been unveiled in the Angry Birds universe. This system is called Rovio Accounts and does exactly what most users want: Automatic online storage of your progress! Unfortunately, no system is perfect, so we still recommend manually backing up your data. We outline how to do that in the release post for Rovio Accounts.
iPad, iPhone, and iPod Touch
Update (12 August 2014): Our iOS backup & transfer guide has been updated to reflect changes made over the past few years. It’s an awesome resource for any Apple aficionado addicted to Angry Birds. There’s a brand new video which walks you through the basics of backing up and transferring your progress manually.
As always with iOS devices, we encourage you to backup via iTunes before messing around with data files on your own. If you are looking to recover data, we have a tutorial for how to restore your device using iTunes.
Note: Transferring between the “Standard Definition” and “High Definition” versions of iOS apps works perfectly fine, though you must purchase the apps separately.
Windows PC
The following are directions on how to backup the Angry Birds apps from download.angrybirds.com. Again, you’ll want to copy the following files: highscores.lua, settings.lua, and {purchases}.lua if applicable. The more important question is “where” the heck are these files? The filepath may differ a little based on your version of Windows, but the typical paths are:
Windows XP = C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\Application Data\Rovio (or Rovio Entertainment Ltd)\
Windows Vista or 7 = C:\Users\{username}\AppData\Roaming\Rovio (or Rovio Entertainment Ltd)\
Windows 8 = see below
Some of these folders may be hidden, so typing manually into the address bar should help when necessary. Alternatively, you can change your folders settings so that hidden files and folders become visible.
Once you’ve accessed the correct directory copy the contents to another folder. This will act as your backup. If you want to be extra safe you can also copy the files to an external drive or use a service like Dropbox.
Disclaimer: The data files for iOS and PC are indeed different than Windows. If you try to transfer files from iOS to PC or vice-versa, things may not work correctly. The most obvious reason is that iOS keeps track of things like achievements and in-app purchases, while PC keeps track of whether you have activated the full version or not. These concepts are not inter-compatible.
Mac
The data files for Mac have moved around in recent updates, so we apologize if things have moved again. As with the previous versions, the files of interest are highscores.lua, settings.lua, and {purchases}.lua if applicable. Depending on your version of OS X, the files should be located in the following paths:
On Mac OS 10.6.6, Snow Leopard:
ABo, Rio, Seasons, Space, Star Wars: ~/Library/ApplicationSupport/com.rovio.mac.{app}/
On Mac OS 10.7, Lion:
ABo and Rio: ~/Library/ApplicationSupport/com.rovio.mac.{app}/
Seasons and Space: ~/Library/Containers/com.rovio.mac.{app}/Data/Library/ApplicationSupport/ com.rovio.mac.{app}/
Mac and iOS: You should be able to transfer data between Apple systems without much difficulty. The Mac data files and iOS data files are compatible with each other. If this interests you, the iOS transfer guide has a video at the end regarding Mac, though again the filepath may be a bit different and you should include settings.lua in your process. There may be some side-effects with some iOS-exclusive things, such as achievements and the Mighty Eagle.
Android
Update (28 May 2013): We have just published a brand new, extremely detailed and comprehensive guide for backing up progress on both rooted and non-rooted Android devices, valid through the Jelly Bean operating system and possibly beyond! The article is a bit lengthy and the process may be a bit challenging depending on your device, but it’s certainly worthwhile if you need to backup or transfer from your Droid. Click here for the guide!
Windows 8 Store
Unfortunately, no admins here have a Windows 8 computer. In fact, Slim may be the only one who has PC versions of Angry Birds, though we of course support all users. Some users have reported issues when running Rovio’s standalone games (from download.angrybirds.com) on Windows 8 devices. Instead, most games are available via the Windows 8 Store. Backing up your progress here is as easy as locating the data files:
Space: C:\Users\{user}\AppData\Local\Packages\1ED5AEA5.AngryBirdsSpace_p2gbknwb5d8r2\RoamingState
Star Wars: C:\Users\{user}\AppData\Local\Packages\1ED5AEA5.AngryBirdsBlack_p2gbknwb5d8r2\LocalState
Chrome, Google+ and other HTML5 Mini-Games
There are a lot of variants for these directions, so we initially point you toward our Chrome backup and sync guide. That post is extraordinarily specific and comprehensive for backing up Chrome, broken down both by web browser and by operating system. Fortunately, most of the other web apps — such as “Angry Birds Volcano” and “Pistachios” — store their data in precisely the same way. Follow the applicable filepath as found in the Chrome backup guide. Instead of looking for a file resembling “chrome.angrybirds.com”, look for files resembling the web app you are interested in. For a few examples, here are a few filenames for web apps using the Chrome browser (where # means the numbers may vary a bit):
Volcano = http_fazer##-dot-latest-dot-angrybirds-fazer.appspot.com_#.localstorage
Pistachio = http_angrybirds-pistachios.appspot.com_#.localstorage
Important!
Many of the newest web based versions of Angry Birds actually use Flash, instead of HTML5. These versions don’t store your progress locally — or at least not in a way that is accessible. Rather, your progress is stored in the cloud, so no backup should be necessary.
thanks that took care of all my worries
Very helpful article! Thanks!
I’m guessing this article is the one you were talking about yesterday @amslimfordy? ;)
And Slim said me ABN already has this. :) So my idea wasn’t so bad. (suggested this on forum)
Thanks for this!
@AMSlimfordy — Wow, this is it! Thanks.
Not being greedy (this would clearly be enough of a present), but since you’ve been so mysterious recently, is there more to come?
Haha, thanks guys. This was a quick side project. I have much bigger things in store.
Good guide @slim fantastic job
Thank you AMslimfordy, I’m now can resume my progress for Angry Birds games.
Well done slim!
Lol at the Intellivision reference!
What about those of us who are still playing on a TRS80?
I’m sure 1.8 MHz is plenty :)
Very Nice.
iOs to Mac files transfer are compatible btw.
Oh good, I remember there was an issue at one time — I think Rovio forgot to encrypt a Mac file or something? I’ll update this post in a few, unless you have a chance before me.
@sal9 that answers a question that i have wanted to know for a long time, thank you. have you done this yourself and have you also gone in reverse, meaning from mac to ios? appreciate the info.
@DonnMega I haven’t done a reverse transfer. The reason being that there is more data saved on an iOs device with the achievements, mighty eagle, space eagle and the danger zone episode than on the mac versions.
It’s to all platform?
I’m a Symbian user. Can add this platforms?
X:\Private\
20030E51 ABO
20030E52 ABS. You will se many file *.lua with date, that is Wreck The Hall level file. 2011-12-31 is new year egg.
20030E53 ABS FREE
20030E54 ABO FREE
2003B21F ABR
2003B220 ABR FREE
Note:backup_registration.xml is not required, just copy highscore.lua & setting.lua files.
Thanks for the help. I’ll try to add this soon. As we said, we can’t know how every platforms works, especially since we don’t have every platform ;) We rely on the community for a lot of our material.
additional info.
X:/ mean where you install that game, C:/ phone memory, E:/ memory card.
In order to see private folder on phone, you will need ‘cracking’ your OS (some like jail brake on iphone), and using third party software to explore it.
For install on memory card, just plug to computer card reader and show hidden and system file and folder.
These folder name is correct if using official, signed software, if install with un-sign folder name is different.
it even works between symbian and ios. copied all progress from nokia n8 to ipad.
Hrm, interesting.
yea i was surprised too. copied settings and highscores.lua of course i lost my mighty eagle purchase because this one’s registred within settings.lua. but no big deal tho. only flaw i noticed was in ABS sound wasn’t working anymore so i copied the original settings back to ipad. all i had to do was play the golden eggs again but they were already unlocked.
You can get your Mighty Eagle back by simply going through the process of purchasing it again. You won’t be charged for it again.
ok thanks, i’ll try that sometime.
Hi
I am having trouble locating these files on my Nokia N8. There is nothing in the private folders, but have found games files under /Resource/apps/ these files are *.rsc or *aif.mbm, I cannot find any angry birds related *.lua files. Any advice on where to look? or what else to look for? Where did you find your lua files?
@amslimfordy Very nice article! Clear enough for anyone to follow, even me:)! I wonder if angry birds sync is still coming. That will be so very helpful, especially for those of us who play on several devices.
Agreed! Makes it easier to manage the devices though I am still waiting for AB Sync too.
Good to know how to backup on every platform! I am a Android user so I use this app.
thx slim!! good article!
so how exactly do i create an i tunes backup? the link above only shows the vid where you can restore the backup on your iphone! does itunes automatically create a backup when i connect with ipod?
When you open iTunes, there’s a button called “Sync” or “Backup”.
There’s both actually…and it is a good idea to do both…but backup is what you really want….
and where exactly is thís button located? i hate itunes cause i think its difficult and confusing so i hardly ever use it. do i need the newest i tunes version? does a jailbroken device change anything?
It’s always best to use the newest version of iTunes. Connect your iDevice and open iTunes. On the left-hand side near the middle, you should see your iDevice name (e.g., “Andreas’ iPhone”). Click that, and the button should be in the bottom-right of the next screen.
Jailbroken devices can backup, sync, and restore with iTunes just fine. Just do not update your OS/firmware. Doing so will remove your jailbreak.
clicking on my iDevice name works fine! then on the next screen there is the button synchronise (bottom right), refresh/update and rebuild (all three are translated word by word with dict.leo.org)
the next screen is built up in three sections
1. ipod (kapacity, name, version,.)
2. Version with the two buttons refresh/update and rebuild
3. options
which button is the right ?! *confused*
Should be the “Sync” in the bottom-right corner. (If you make changes to your preferences and such, it would read “Apply”).
yes it is the sync button! when i clicked it it sais in the “activity field” in the top middle. creating Backup step 1/5…..
and if i would (theoratically) loose my progress, how could i backup my ipod with the backup i made with clicking sync? sorry if i am annoying :)
I believe so.
Wow, I didn’t even know that these files existed! Big thanks for helping me out!
@amslimfordy Very informative especially about PC and iOS devices for file exchange.
For Android.
Me funciona todos los comandos excepto el de angrybirds Space.
Estan seguros que el pat
cd /data/data/com.rovio.angrybirdsspace/files
es correcto?
No, we have not received confirmation of that one yet. Just ABo/Seasons/Rio so far.
Here u have the location:
data/data/com.rovio.angrybirdsspace.premium/files if is ABSPremium
and
data/data/com.rovio.angrybirdsspace.ads/files if is ABS with ads, the “normal” version
this is for the apps from the google play
@amslimfordy
i think u should see that post too
hope it helps
Brilliant!
About the Windows XP directory. It’s located on C:\Documents and Settings\{username}\Application Data\Rovio\
The Local Settings\Application Data folder does not contain Rovio folder.
Thanks for the help.
Thank you for publishing this, I change computer and do not want to lose my performance. Angry Birds Nest is the best!
Thank you for the info. re backing up AB. I read that the directions for Windows PC are for AB apps from downloadangrybirds.com. Keeping in mind I have very little knowledge about the internal workings of computers, could you please tell me:
1. I downloaded ABO from a store bought CD-ROM. (So far, 2 updates have been done with no problems/loss of scores.) Do the instructions apply to the disc downloads as well as the online downloads?
2. What size external drive will I need to backup all 4 of my games with enough to handle future updates/extras etc. – I now also have the CD-ROM discs for Seasons, RIO and Space?
3. I haven’t put Seasons, RIO or Space onto my computer yet – is there anything I should know about re possible problems when loading these?
4. Finally and probably the dumbest question of all for you – if I save my games onto an external drive, is it saving the whole game? i.e. If I buy a new computer, download from the CDs all my games again and then plug in the disc, will it load my scores back onto the game OR is this “external drive backup” actually saving the whole game itself and if so, am I allowed to do so legally re copyright etc.?
1: I’m honestly not sure about the CD-ROM versions. My preliminary thought would be that it is actually the same thing as the “download.angrybirds” version. That is to say, I think when you are prompted for an update, I would guess it is using precisely the same server. So my prediction would be that all PC instructions will work for the CD-ROM version.
2: Very small. My folder of PC backups is around 210 KB, which is all of the .lua files we mention above.
3: There’s nothing special about the other versions in terms of data files. Just make sure you keep them in separate folders, since they have the same filenames.
4: We are just backing up the files pertinent to which levels are unlocked and what scores you have on those levels. You would have to install the app as if starting from scratch, then copy these .lua back to “resume” your progress.
Thanks SpeedySlim. :)
Good post,I had totally lost my progress in angry birds original because my computer crashed.thanks.I have a Doubt,the suppose i have angry birds original 2.0.0 and i have backed up my progress for it then if my computer crashes and after reinstalling windows i install angry birds 2.1.0 then if i put the save files will it work?
I believe, the files should still work, though I will share your concern and say it is not ideal. IF you were to do this, I would recommend opening/closing the app between each step of the process.
I will test and let you know,because if it doesn’t you will have to backup your data after every update to your game!
Not a bad idea anyways.
It works, but it will be better IMO to backup our progress after every update.
this post may come in handy someday…
backed mine up… thanks for creating the post
@AMslimfordy & @BirdLeader – For iOS you indicate that you need to backup the following files:
{date}.lua (Angry Birds Seasons only)
Actually, you don’t need to do that. The only time they are needed is in a version of Seasons that has the latest Season as an Advent Calendar. If one is needed and is not present, it is simply re-downloaded from Rovio. Once a new version comes out for the next Season, these files are no longer needed and can in fact be deleted.
Very true. But we don’t plan on rewriting this post very often, and we always prefer to err on the side of caution. Even with Seasons having north of 80 .lua files using this method, you’re still under 200 KB, so I don’t see it as an issue. Plus, we say “encourage” instead of “need”.
So why don’t you update it to accurately reflect it when you make any changes, such as when you add Symbian as you indicated you would. Personally, regardless of how much or how little space they take, I’d rather only have to deal with 3-5 files, than 80+. As it stands now, you can delete every one of the dated .lua files (assuming you have the most recent update, and even if you didn’t it’d simply be re-downloaded again if needed).
We prefer to be over-cautious. You can do as you wish. We will leave the post as-written regarding {date} files.
It’s not about being over-cautious, but understanding how the process works. That’s why you need to have an active Internet connection to play the Advent Calendar ones when they are released, but not after you’ve updated to a newer release that has a more recent Season (assuming that the new Season itself isn’t an Advent Calendar).
I understand. But what if a user checks this log during an Advent Season? There are enough complaints when Rovio requires the Internet connection to play Advent levels, let alone if they need to re-connect for not transferring these files. I don’t think we will get any complaints about the existing instructions from other users. You have made your opinions perfectly clear here, and in your forum post about “pointless” data files. You can delete whatever files you want, and you can complain that Rovio doesn’t automatically delete them. But I see absolutely no harm in keeping them, regardless of their “pointlessness”. So, since there is a possibility that Rovio does another Advent Season, and since it is possible that a user who dislikes the required Internet connection in the first place may check this post during said Season, we will continue to “encourage” people to back up such files.
Aren’t you overlooking the fact that the files themselves won’t even be there to begin with unless they had an internet connection, regardless if they like it or not? There mere fact that they are there, they played the level during an active Internet connection. After the next Season release, they are formally incorporated into the game and placed in their normal level structure.
I understand how it works. But I feel as though the situation I described still works.
When an Advent Season is released, we say that you must have an active Internet connection the first time you play a level. Therein, we get hundreds of complaints about this in the first place. If a player transfers their data say 10 days into the Season, and doesn’t transfer those {date} files, they’d only be able to play those first 10 levels again after reestablishing an Internet connection. On the other hand, if they DO transfer the {date} files, they can pick up precisely where they left off.
Then might I suggest adding this enlightening information to the info page and let the users determine for themselves. After all, it is an instructional/information/educational page, and it would be the responsible thing to include as much information as is known about what you are talking about rather than just being selective on what you trying to educate. That’s all I’m suggesting…
I appreciate the suggestion, but encouraging users to simply backup files that may be useful to them is far simpler. Given the diverse backgrounds and language barriers that we come across on this site, simple, unique, comprehensive instructions are beneficial.
I guess when I see something that calls itself “Ultimate”, I expect comprehensive…LOL Don’t get me wrong, I see your point…How about a “Layman’s Guide”, or “Quick Guide”…? :-)
How is it not comprehensive?
1. Complete; including all or nearly all elements or aspects of something: “a comprehensive list of sources”.
2. Of large content or scope; wide-ranging.
Hey, how ’bout those daily space eagles…? ;-)
Please, I am not looking to start a war of words…that wasn’t my intention (hence the LOL in my last post)….
But since you asked, to me comprehensive means just that…COMPREHENSIVE…all inclusive….everything…as much as can be explained…you are opting to leave stuff out (for reasons you explained)…I was just trying to create a little humor via play on words to show no hard feelings and that everything is cool. Didn’t mean to start additional dialog and apologize if you took it as being argumentative…didn’t mean for it that way.
Comprehensive ≠ All-Inclusive though.
Good.I think i can try it.Very helpful though.
Just be very careful when using this program, and make sure that you transfer the better scores over to the device with worse scores, so your better scores don’t get erased. This happened to me a while back when I stumbled across this post somewhere else. The only good thing is that I have screen shots of all the levels I spent lots of time on, so at least I got that. Gamecenter even erased my Mighty Hoax chapter 1 score which was the record as far as I know. So frustrating. It took me sooo long to build that up.
Somebody has the levels from Golden Beachball (ABR) on PC and tested it? I am worried because I don’t want to lose this data.
by Amphoth3ra.
That’s stored in the PC settings file. It works OK.
Thanks! =)
by Amphoth3ra.
I’m Android OS. I use Angry Birds Backup app. I save to the phone but dropbox too and can even “restore” to my Android tablet. The dropbox feature is awesome!
if it can’t be open your data in PC, you can use this:
%UserProfile%\Application Data\Rovio\Angry Birds Rio for WinXP
%UserProfile%\AppData\Roaming\Rovio for Win7
you don’t need to type your user profile
Sorry ,I can Speak English :)
sorry it’s for ABR ,%UserProfile%\Application Data\Rovio for all ^_^
Titanium back up works for android also. You can back up all your apps, then, when you get a new phone, search for your files in the directory on the menu.
i dont know to moderators, why they dont approve my comments, its like 3rd time already, maybe they dont want me here in this website, sucks to be in this scenario, freedom of speech is blocked.
Freedom of speech does not really apply here.
Maybe your comment was deemed irrelevant or inappropriate, not sure.
You will always be welcomed here as long as you respect some very basic rules.
I don’t see any comments by you in either the Spam or Trash.
and where can i see the Spam or Trash.
i guess its just recism.
wrong spelling is wrong.
Only admins can see spam and trash. All I am saying is that your “previous comments” are nowhere in the system, so perhaps there was an Internet issue between your posting and the site receiving.
Excuse me, but are you calling me a racist?
i said “i guess”, meaning maybe.
if racism is the deal, maybe thats why u got offended?
if that wasnt the case, you should not have reacted and stayed neutral.
i dont know who manages the comments, so i dont know if that is you or not.
Please respect people who are trying to help you.
It looks to me like your typo meant to say “racism”. I don’t know your race, nor do you know mine, so racism is completely illogical
You accused us — and indirectly me, since I am the chief moderator of this site — of deleting your comments. All I said was that there were no previous comments by you according to our system. No one deleted them, the system didn’t mark them as spam. There is no record of you ever posting previous comments.
You’re claim and reasoning are completely ridiculous.
Please show some consideration to those lending you a helping hand.
Hi, quick question,
If I copy my progress from standard version to HD version, ie iPhone to iPad, will any new high scores show up in both devices ?
It will transfer your entire progress from sd to hd.
Whatever you had on your iPad will be overwritten.
Sorry I understand that bit, let me try again, I don’t think my question was clear.
Say for instance I transfer my progress. I then get a new high score on SD. Will that score automatically show up on HD or would I have to transfer my progress again?
oh, it won’t, that would be awesome though. Everyone’s dream here @abn :-)
You would have to manually transfer those files to keep both devices in “sync”.
Got it, thanks for a speedy reply!