Back up your Galaxy shortly before installing a One UI update, then confirm the backup completed and check which data it includes. Samsung Cloud and Smart Switch are the main Samsung-supported options, but available categories and menus can vary by model, region, carrier, and software version. No single backup method is guaranteed to capture everything.
Choose a backup destination
| Method | Destination | Best fit | What to check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Cloud | Samsung account cloud | You want to start a backup from the phone | Use Wi-Fi where possible. The available categories vary; review them on your device. Samsung Canada’s instructions recommend Wi-Fi because mobile-data charges may apply. |
| Smart Switch desktop | Computer | You have a computer and want a local copy | Requires the Smart Switch desktop program and a USB connection. Supported data varies by device and software version. See Samsung’s Smart Switch guidance. |
| Smart Switch external storage | SD card or USB storage | You want a portable local copy | Check that your phone and Smart Switch offer this option before choosing or buying storage. Compatibility is not universal. See Samsung Australia’s instructions. |
| Google One | Google account cloud | You already use Google backup | Samsung lists Google One as an option, but exact steps and coverage depend on the controls shown on your device and account. See Samsung UK’s overview. |
Back up with Samsung Cloud
Samsung Canada’s guide, updated September 11, 2026, gives this route. The labels or screens may differ on your Galaxy, so use the closest matching options shown on the phone.
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- Open Settings and tap Accounts and backup.
- Under Samsung Cloud, tap Back up data.
- Review the categories available on your phone and select what you want included.
- Tap Back up now.
- Keep the phone connected until the screen reports that the backup is complete. Prefer Wi-Fi; Samsung says mobile-data charges may apply.
Starting a backup manually is the practical choice just before an update. Samsung says automatic Samsung Cloud backup requires the device to be charging, its screen off, and Wi-Fi connected. Those are conditions for automatic backup, not a reason to assume a recent backup already exists.
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To a computer
- Install or open Samsung Smart Switch on the computer.
- Connect the Galaxy phone to the computer with its USB cable.
- Follow the Smart Switch prompts to make a backup, and wait for the program to indicate completion before disconnecting.
Samsung documents Smart Switch for backing up and restoring Galaxy data, but that does not guarantee that every app, protected item, or setting can be restored. Samsung notes that some call log, email-setting, and internet-setting transfers may not be supported in particular operating-system combinations. Follow the prompts for the specific phone and software version.
#1 Best Overall
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
To an SD card or USB storage
Smart Switch can also use an SD card or USB storage where the phone and app support it. Open Smart Switch and check the available backup destinations on your device before relying on this method. For USB storage, confirm that the phone supports the connection and drive; do not assume every USB-C drive works with every Galaxy model.
Check what the backup actually covers
Samsung Cloud offers selected categories rather than a guaranteed, complete image of the phone. Samsung says availability can vary by country, carrier, model, and operating-system or phone version. The categories shown on your handset are the useful guide to what that backup is set to include; confirm them before starting.
Rank #2
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
An older Samsung Singapore guide says files larger than 1 GB cannot be backed up to Samsung Cloud and that contacts and calendars set up with a Google account are not synchronized to Samsung Cloud. Those are service-specific caveats from that guide, not universal current limits. Check the current options and handling on your own device.
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A successful cloud or Smart Switch backup also does not establish that every app’s private data is recoverable. If an app contains important information, check whether it offers its own export or backup feature rather than assuming the phone-level backup includes it.
Rank #3
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Verify the backup before updating
- Run the backup shortly before installing One UI instead of relying only on an older automatic backup.
- Look for a completion message or timestamp in Samsung Cloud or Smart Switch.
- Review the selected categories so you know what was included.
- If the data is especially important, consider keeping both a cloud and a local copy. Samsung documents multiple options, but does not require using two.
- During an active Smart Switch transfer, do not disconnect the USB cable. Samsung warns that disconnecting during transfer can risk data loss or device damage.
Use Google backup if it is already part of your setup
Samsung lists Google One among the backup methods available to Galaxy users. The controls and coverage are not established here in enough detail to give a universal Google menu path or promise which items are included. Check the backup controls available on your phone and Google account, and verify that the backup has completed before proceeding.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist¹ with Galaxy AI.² Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more³
- FAST. POWERFUL. AI-READY: Power through your day with AI-accelerated performance from our fastest, smoothest and most powerful Galaxy processor yet, built to keep up with everything you do
- IMMENSELY IMMERSIVE: No matter where you are or what you’re watching, your favorite videos and more come to life with the vibrant display on Galaxy S26
- FIT EVERYONE IN THE SHOT: Group selfies are easier on your Samsung phone with a wider front camera⁴ that captures more of the scene, so no one gets left out of the moment
Rank #4
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
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