This guide walks you through running an Android collection using the Hearsay Extractor, from entering your extraction code to completing the backup.
Complete these steps before starting your collection
Make sure the following setup steps are complete before beginning your Android collection:
Step 1: Open the Hearsay Extractor
Open the Hearsay Extractor application on your computer. Enter your extraction code and click Enter.
Step 2: Select your device type
The Device Extraction Assistant displays your device options. Select Android.
Step 3: Enable Developer Options
The Android Connection Assistant walks you through preparing your device for the collection. Follow the on-screen instructions to enable Developer Options on your phone. Click Continue when ready.
Need more help with Developer Mode? Click here for detailed instructions.
Step 4: Turn on USB Debugging
Go to Settings → Developer Options → enable USB Debugging and Stay Awake. Click Continue when ready.
Step 5: Disable Auto Blocker (Samsung only)
If you have a Samsung device, go to Settings → Security → Auto Blocker and turn it off. If you do not have a Samsung device, click Skip if not Samsung. Click Continue when ready.
Step 6: Connect your device to your computer
Plug your USB cable into your phone and directly into your computer. Use a cable that supports data transfer, not charging-only. Click Continue when ready.
Step 7: Set USB mode to File Transfer
Search USB configuration in your phone's Settings and select File Transfer or MTP. Click Continue when ready.
Step 8: Tap Allow when prompted on your device
A popup will appear on your phone asking to allow USB debugging from this computer. Tap Allow. Click Continue when ready.
Step 9: Connection steps complete
When all progress bars are filled and you see All steps complete, click Continue to proceed.
Step 10: Select a save location
The backup is saved locally to the location you choose. No data is shared or uploaded until you select and share it in a later step.
Choose where to save the backup:
Default Location — saves to your computer's internal storage. The available space is shown on the card.
Select Alternate Location — select an external drive or custom folder. Click Browse to pick a location.
When the storage check shows Sufficient storage available, click Start Backup to begin.
Step 11: Confirm if WhatsApp will be collected
If WhatsApp messages are needed, click Continue.
If WhatsApp messages are not needed, click Skip.
If you choose to collect WhatsApp messages, additional preparation may be required before the collection can continue.
If the custodian does not already have a 64-digit WhatsApp encryption key, follow How to prepare for an Android WhatsApp collection before proceeding.
Step 12: Check your phone
If your phone is asking for a passcode or to trust this computer, enter it now. The backup will start automatically.
Step 13: Wait while the backup runs
Once the timer and progress bar appear, the backup has started successfully. Keep your phone plugged in and do not disconnect it during the backup.
The collection time varies based on the amount of data on the phone, your computer's performance, the USB connection, and the save location. Plan for the process to take at least an hour, though it may be faster or slower.
Step 14: Continue to share conversations and unplug
When you see the message It is now safe to unplug your phone, the backup is complete. Click Continue to Share Conversations to proceed.
Turn off Developer Mode
After your backup is complete, turn off Developer Mode on your phone to restore your original security settings. Click here for instructions.
Next steps
Once your backup is complete, continue to one of the following articles based on how you'd like to share the data: