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How to Transfer Data from an Old Android Phone to the Galaxy Z Fold8

Use Smart Switch to transfer supported content from an old Android phone to your Galaxy Z Fold8 during setup or afterward, and learn what to verify.
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Use Samsung Smart Switch to copy supported data from an Android phone to a Galaxy Z Fold8. You can do it during the Fold8’s first setup or afterward, using a wireless connection or a compatible USB data cable. Choose what to transfer, then check important apps and files once the new phone is ready.

Before you start

  • Charge both phones and keep them close together while they connect and transfer.
  • Turn on and unlock the old Android phone. Install or update Smart Switch on it if prompted.
  • For wireless transfer, connect both phones to the same Wi-Fi network and enable Bluetooth on the old phone when asked; Samsung says Bluetooth helps the phones discover each other.
  • If you prefer a cable, use one that supports data transfer and fits the old phone’s port. Samsung’s guidance does not specify one universal cable for every Android phone.

Prompts and menu wording can vary by device and software version. Follow the instructions shown on both screens.

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Transfer during the Fold8’s first setup

  1. Turn on the Galaxy Z Fold8 and begin its setup.
  2. When asked which device to copy from, choose Galaxy or Android.
  3. Keep the old phone unlocked and follow the connection instructions. Samsung’s Fold8 guide directs you to scan the QR code displayed on the new phone.
  4. Choose wireless or USB cable transfer, depending on what is available and suitable for your devices.
  5. At the data selection screen, choose Everything, the option for calls, contacts and messages, or Custom to select items.
  6. Follow the prompts and wait for the transfer to finish before completing setup.

Samsung describes the process in its Galaxy Z Fold8 restore guide.

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Transfer after the Fold8 is set up

  1. On the Fold8, open Settings > Accounts and backup > Transfer data for device setup.
  2. Install Smart Switch if the phone prompts you to do so, then tap Receive on this phone.
  3. Choose Galaxy or Android and connect the old phone using the on-screen process, including the QR-code flow when shown.
  4. Choose wireless or cable transfer, select the content you want, and follow the prompts on both phones until the transfer completes.

Samsung says you can use this route without resetting the Fold8. See its instructions for transferring after initial setup.

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  • CREATED FOR YOUR CONTENT: Any way you turn it, the new Galaxy Z Fold8 gives you a fuller viewing experience. Designed with your content in mind, this foldable phone is the perfect size to make your movies, books and more incredibly immersive.
  • WORLD’S LIGHTEST FOLD¹: Galaxy Z Fold8 is the newest foldable phone for content on the go. Unfolded, it fits movies and books for an immersive experience. Folded, it delivers comfortable texting and everyday use — all on the world’s lightest fold.¹
  • THE BRIGHTEST DISPLAY ON A GALAXY PHONE: Our brightest smartphone display² provides you with a comfortable view, whether you’re inside or outside. Watch movies, play games and scroll with ease no matter where you are.
  • RECORD. REFRAME. READY FOR SOCIAL³: Record content on Galaxy Z Fold8 and then use My FanCam³ to keep your subject center stage. The result is a social-ready video that focuses on the part of the action you really want.
  • UNTETHER YOUR ENTERTAINMENT: The long-lasting battery of Galaxy Z Fold8 is built to power hours of entertainment. And when you do need to recharge, Super Fast Charging 2.0⁴ gets you back to what you love quickly.

What Smart Switch can transfer—and what to check

Samsung lists supported content such as contacts, messages, photos, videos, apps, settings and calendars. The available items can vary by device and transfer method, so Everything means everything supported—not a guarantee that every app’s private data, files or login state will move.

After the transfer, open the apps and files that matter to you and confirm they are present and working. Some data may be available again after you sign in: Samsung says a Samsung account can restore supported Samsung services and settings, while a Google Account syncs supported Google data. Cloud storage and app services may also make content available after sign-in. Samsung’s post-setup guidance covers account restoration.

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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Unlocked Android Smartphone, 512GB Graphite | All-New Shape, Content-Native Ratio, Customized Processor, 4800 mAh Battery, 12 GB Memory, Dual 50 MP Camera, My FanCam
  • CREATED FOR YOUR CONTENT: Any way you turn it, the new Galaxy Z Fold8 gives you a fuller viewing experience. Designed with your content in mind, this foldable phone is the perfect size to make your movies, books and more incredibly immersive.
  • WORLD’S LIGHTEST FOLD¹: Galaxy Z Fold8 is the newest foldable phone for content on the go. Unfolded, it fits movies and books for an immersive experience. Folded, it delivers comfortable texting and everyday use — all on the world’s lightest fold.¹
  • THE BRIGHTEST DISPLAY ON A GALAXY PHONE: Our brightest smartphone display² provides you with a comfortable view, whether you’re inside or outside. Watch movies, play games and scroll with ease no matter where you are.
  • RECORD. REFRAME. READY FOR SOCIAL³: Record content on Galaxy Z Fold8 and then use My FanCam³ to keep your subject center stage. The result is a social-ready video that focuses on the part of the action you really want.
  • UNTETHER YOUR ENTERTAINMENT: The long-lasting battery of Galaxy Z Fold8 is built to power hours of entertainment. And when you do need to recharge, Super Fast Charging 2.0⁴ gets you back to what you love quickly.

Choosing a transfer method

Choice When it fits What to know
Wireless You want to avoid connecting a cable. Keep the phones near each other, connect them to the same Wi-Fi network and enable Bluetooth on the old phone when prompted.
USB cable Wireless is unsuitable or you prefer a wired connection. Check that the cable fits the old phone and supports data. Samsung does not publish a universal cable specification or a speed comparison for this process.
During initial setup You are setting up the Fold8 for the first time. Choose the Android source when prompted and complete the transfer before finishing setup.
After setup You already finished setup or skipped the transfer. Start Smart Switch from Settings; a factory reset is not required.

Samsung characterizes wireless as the easiest route and lists cable as an alternative, but does not provide a guaranteed transfer time or speed benchmark. Its support page says the process can take several minutes depending on how much data is moved.

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If the phones do not connect or transfer

  • Keep both devices close, powered on and unlocked, and check that the old phone is on the same Wi-Fi network as the Fold8 for a wireless transfer.
  • Turn on Bluetooth on the old phone when prompted; Samsung says it helps discovery.
  • If Smart Switch is missing or outdated on the old device, install or update it when prompted.
  • Read and respond to permission requests on the old phone. What appears depends on its device, software and settings.
  • If wireless remains unsuitable, try a data-capable USB cable that works with the old phone’s port.

If the old phone is broken or cannot be unlocked, Samsung’s cited transfer instructions do not establish a recovery method; they assume the source phone can be prepared and connected. The exact options will depend on whether you can access its data or account-backed copies.

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  • SPLIT THE VIEW. MULTITASK¹ TO THE MAX: Productivity never felt this powerful. Use up to three apps¹ at once on the expansive inner screen of Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra. You’ll enjoy plenty of space to work, play, connect and more.
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Smart Switch on the eighth-generation Fold

In an August 24, 2026 announcement, Samsung Newsroom described Smart Switch on the eighth-generation Galaxy Z series as moving contacts, photos, videos, messages, apps, settings and more. The announcement also discusses One UI 9; those version-specific details should not be assumed to apply to every older Android phone. Read the Samsung Newsroom announcement for that product context.

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Samsung Galaxy Z Fold8 Unlocked Android Smartphone, 256GB Cream | All-New Shape, Content-Native Ratio, Customized Processor, 4800 mAh Battery, 12 GB Memory, Dual 50 MP Camera, My FanCam
  • CREATED FOR YOUR CONTENT: Any way you turn it, the new Galaxy Z Fold8 gives you a fuller viewing experience. Designed with your content in mind, this foldable phone is the perfect size to make your movies, books and more incredibly immersive.
  • WORLD’S LIGHTEST FOLD¹: Galaxy Z Fold8 is the newest foldable phone for content on the go. Unfolded, it fits movies and books for an immersive experience. Folded, it delivers comfortable texting and everyday use — all on the world’s lightest fold.¹
  • THE BRIGHTEST DISPLAY ON A GALAXY PHONE: Our brightest smartphone display² provides you with a comfortable view, whether you’re inside or outside. Watch movies, play games and scroll with ease no matter where you are.
  • RECORD. REFRAME. READY FOR SOCIAL³: Record content on Galaxy Z Fold8 and then use My FanCam³ to keep your subject center stage. The result is a social-ready video that focuses on the part of the action you really want.
  • UNTETHER YOUR ENTERTAINMENT: The long-lasting battery of Galaxy Z Fold8 is built to power hours of entertainment. And when you do need to recharge, Super Fast Charging 2.0⁴ gets you back to what you love quickly.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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