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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchTo set up a new Samsung Galaxy, connect it to Wi‑Fi and follow the on-screen wizard. When prompted to copy apps and data, use Smart Switch to transfer from your old phone or choose an available Google or Samsung Cloud backup. The best route depends on where your data is stored and whether you have already finished setup. Keep the old phone until you have checked the important data and apps on the new one.
Before you start
Keep your old phone nearby and charged, and make sure you can sign in to the Google or Samsung account used for any backup. If you plan to transfer by cable, charge both phones first: some wired transfer setups cannot charge the phones while transferring.
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- Confirm that any cloud backup you need has finished on the old phone.
- Check the ports on both phones before choosing a cable. A compatible data cable or OTG adapter may be needed, depending on the devices.
- Decide which matters most: direct transfer from the old phone, restoring an existing backup, or using a computer or external storage as an intermediate backup.
Set up the Galaxy for the first time
- Turn on the new phone and choose a language when prompted.
- Connect to Wi‑Fi and follow the terms and other prompts. Screens and wording can vary by model, carrier, software version and market.
- When the wizard offers a prompt such as Copy apps & data, choose the source that matches your old phone or backup. For phone-to-phone transfer, select the old phone type and follow the Smart Switch prompts.
- Sign in to the Google account associated with the backup if you want to restore Google-backed data and use Google Play and Google apps.
- Choose a screen lock method offered on your phone, such as a PIN, pattern or password, and configure a biometric option if desired. Add a Samsung account if you want to use account-dependent Samsung services.
Some supported Galaxy models also offer quick setup by scanning a QR code. Samsung says this route can help authenticate Wi‑Fi and Samsung or Google accounts and begin a transfer, but it is not available on every device. Follow the option shown on your phone rather than expecting identical screens on all Galaxy models.
Choose a transfer or restore method
| Method | Best fit | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Smart Switch wireless | You have both phones and prefer not to use a cable. | Keep the phones close and accept the connection and permission prompts. The time required depends on the amount of data and the connection. |
| Smart Switch by cable | You want a direct connection, especially for a large transfer. | Samsung recommends a wired connection for large amounts of data because it is relatively faster. A compatible cable or OTG adapter may be required, and both phones should be charged first. |
| Google device backup | The old phone has a current Google backup. | Sign in to the relevant Google account and select the backup when prompted during setup. Samsung’s US guidance places this restore flow in setup on a new or reset device. |
| Samsung Cloud | You have an applicable Samsung Cloud backup, usually from another Galaxy. | Restore the available content from the Samsung account. What appears depends on the backup and account. |
| Smart Switch on a PC or Mac | You want to make a computer-held backup before restoring. | Use Smart Switch to back up the old phone, then connect the new one and choose Restore. You can select all or particular categories. |
| Smart Switch with external storage | You have compatible external storage and want a local backup path. | Samsung documents restoring from external storage. Compatibility varies; not every Galaxy supports microSD, and USB storage support can differ. |
Transfer apps and data with Smart Switch
Smart Switch can move many common categories, including contacts, calendar items, messages, photos, videos, music and documents. The exact categories and settings available depend on the source phone and transfer method. Samsung’s Smart Switch transfer guidance distinguishes between Galaxy-to-Galaxy transfers and transfers from other Android or iOS devices.
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- 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
- On the new Galaxy, choose the Smart Switch transfer option during setup and select the old phone type.
- Choose wireless or cable if those options are offered. For wireless transfer, follow the pairing prompts and keep the phones close. For a cable transfer, connect the phones using a suitable data cable and adapter if required.
- Allow the requested access on the old phone, then review the categories Smart Switch offers to copy.
- Select the categories you want and start the transfer. Leave the phones connected or nearby as directed by the app.
- When it finishes, check the new phone’s key categories and open important apps to confirm their contents and sign-in status.
Samsung does not give a universal transfer-time estimate in its setup guidance. The time depends on the content and connection, so avoid relying on a fixed duration.
Restore a Google backup during setup
If your old phone backed up data to Google, sign in to the same Google account on the new Galaxy and select the available backup when the setup wizard offers it. Samsung’s US instructions say this Google device-backup restore path is available during initial setup on a new or reset phone, rather than as the same restore flow in ordinary Settings.
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- 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.
If you have already completed setup and need this specific restore route, a reset returns the phone to the setup wizard but erases current local data. Do not reset unless you have verified a backup of anything already on the new phone and deliberately decided to erase it.
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Restore a Samsung Cloud backup
If a Samsung Cloud backup is available for your account, look in Settings > Accounts and backup for the restore option. Depending on the phone and software, choose Restore data, select the available backup, and choose the content to restore. The backup and the account determine what can be restored.
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- 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
What may not transfer
A transfer is not necessarily a full clone of the old phone. Smart Switch’s supported content varies by source platform and category. Samsung’s guidance notes that some settings and app data are available only when transferring from a Galaxy; an Android-to-Galaxy or iOS-to-Galaxy transfer may not include the same items.
- Do not assume an app’s private data, settings or logged-in state will move just because the app itself is installed.
- Check important apps individually, especially those that store essential information or require their own backup or account sign-in.
- Before erasing or trading in the old phone, verify contacts, photos, messages and other critical content on the new Galaxy.
If the Galaxy is already set up
You can still use Smart Switch after initial setup to transfer data from another phone. Samsung Cloud restores are also available through the account and backup settings when a suitable backup exists.
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- 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.
Google device-backup restoration is different: Samsung’s US guidance places it in the setup wizard, so returning to that flow requires a new or reset device. Samsung’s QR quick setup is also part of the initial setup route; if the phone is already configured, returning to it requires a factory reset. Because a reset deletes local data, use it only after verifying a backup and deciding that the reset is necessary.
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- 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.
When a transfer or activation does not work
- Smart Switch does not connect: Check that both phones are powered and follow the on-screen connection and permission prompts. For cable transfer, verify that the cable supports data and that any required OTG adapter fits both devices.
- The transfer is slow: There is no universal speed or completion time. Samsung recommends wired transfer for large data volumes as relatively faster, but the actual time depends on the amount of data and connection.
- A category or app is missing: Check whether that data type is supported for the old phone’s platform and transfer method. Restore or sign in within the app itself if its content was not included.
- Calls, SMS or voicemail are not working: These services can depend on carrier activation or provisioning. Contact your carrier for help with calling, messaging, voicemail or eSIM issues.
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