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To move data from one Samsung Galaxy phone to another, use Samsung Smart Switch: set the old phone to send, the new phone to receive, then connect them wirelessly or with a compatible USB cable. You can also back up the old phone to a Windows PC or Mac and restore it to the new Galaxy. Smart Switch offers several transfer routes, but it does not guarantee a complete copy of every account, app, or private app data.
Choose a transfer method
Samsung supports direct wireless and cable transfers, as well as a computer backup-and-restore option. Wireless needs no external accessory; a cable transfer may require an adapter depending on the phones. A computer is useful if you want a backup stored separately from the two devices. Samsung describes wireless as its preferred method, but does not publish a universal speed comparison for these options.
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| Method | What you need | Charging and setup | Useful when |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wireless phone-to-phone | Smart Switch on both phones; no external cable or adapter | Follow the connection prompts. Samsung says both phones can remain on chargers during the process. | You want to transfer directly without checking cable or port compatibility. |
| USB cable phone-to-phone | A compatible USB cable; a USB adapter may also be needed depending on the phone models. | Connect the phones and follow the in-app prompts. Check both phones’ ports before choosing accessories. | You prefer a wired connection and have confirmed the needed cable and adapter. |
| Windows PC or Mac backup and restore | A compatible computer and the Smart Switch desktop app | Back up the old phone to the computer, then connect the new Galaxy and restore. Samsung’s desktop guide lists Windows 10 or later and macOS 10.9 or later; Chromebooks are not compatible with the desktop app. | You want a computer-stored backup or cannot use a direct phone-to-phone transfer. |
Prepare both Galaxy phones
- Make sure Smart Switch is available on both devices. It is commonly included on Galaxy phones and may be found in Settings or the Samsung folder. If it is missing, use Samsung’s official Smart Switch support and download information for your device and region.
- Charge both phones before starting. For wireless transfers, Samsung’s guidance says the phones can stay connected to chargers.
- Keep the phones nearby and follow the connection instructions shown by Smart Switch. Samsung US specifies keeping them within four inches during its wireless walkthrough; follow the current on-screen prompts for your models.
- If choosing a cable, check the ports and models first. Samsung notes that some wired combinations need a USB adapter, but there is no single accessory recommendation that fits every pair of phones.
Transfer directly between the phones
Wireless transfer
- Open Smart Switch on both phones. If you cannot find it, look in Settings or the Samsung folder.
- On the old phone, select Send from this phone. On the new Galaxy, select Receive on this phone.
- Choose Wireless and complete the connection prompts on both devices. Keep the phones close together; Samsung US’s instructions specify a distance of four inches for its walkthrough.
- Review the categories Smart Switch offers, select what you want to move, and start the transfer.
- Leave the phones connected and wait for the transfer and any app installations to finish before checking the new phone.
USB cable transfer
- Connect the phones with a compatible USB cable. Depending on the models, you may also need a USB adapter.
- Open Smart Switch on both phones. Choose Send from this phone on the old Galaxy and Receive on this phone on the new one.
- Select Cable, then follow the prompts to establish the connection.
- Choose the available content categories and start the transfer. Keep the connection in place until Smart Switch reports completion.
Menu wording and available choices can vary with the phone models, software, and region. Use the labels and prompts shown on your devices if they differ from these steps.
Back up and restore with a computer
- Install and open the Smart Switch desktop app on a Windows PC or Mac. Samsung lists Windows 10 or later and macOS 10.9 or later as requirements; Chromebooks are not compatible with this desktop app.
- Connect the old Galaxy to the computer and follow Smart Switch’s prompts to create a backup.
- When the backup is complete, connect the new Galaxy to the computer.
- Use Smart Switch to restore the backup to the new phone, then check the categories available for restoration.
Samsung’s desktop guide describes backup and restore, but the content available can depend on the connected device. Treat the backup as a useful additional copy, not proof that every item or app’s private data has been captured.
#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
What Smart Switch can move—and what may not transfer
Depending on the devices, Smart Switch may offer contacts, schedules, messages, photos and videos, music, documents, apps, call history, alarms, and other categories. Samsung’s desktop guide identifies some items—including layout, settings, email settings, memos, and app data—as Galaxy-only in that guide. The actual categories shown depend on the connected devices.
Samsung warns that not all file types are supported and not all items can be backed up. Its examples of possible exclusions include contacts stored on a SIM card or in certain social, Google, or work email accounts; calendar items synced with external accounts; and app data held in private storage. Account-synced information may need to sync again after you sign in on the new phone, while private app data may not be available to Smart Switch.
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.
For the specific iOS-transfer context in Samsung’s desktop guide, supported files must be DRM-free. That condition applies to the iOS material described there; it should not be generalized to every Samsung-to-Samsung transfer.
- Inspect the selectable categories before starting, rather than assuming the transfer is a full clone.
- Confirm especially important contacts, calendar entries, photos, documents, and app information separately after the move.
- Some apps may appear faded on the new phone while installation is still in progress. Wait for installation to finish before treating them as unavailable.
Check the new phone after the transfer
- Open the main apps you rely on and confirm that they are installed and usable.
- Sign in to accounts that provide synced contacts, calendars, email, or other content, then check that their data has synchronized.
- Look through the photos, videos, messages, and documents you selected, and verify that important items are present.
- Keep the old phone and any computer backup until you have checked the content you need on the new Galaxy.
For current, model-specific instructions, consult Samsung’s regional support pages: Samsung Canada’s Smart Switch guide, Samsung US’s desktop backup and restore guide, Samsung US’s Smart Switch transfer instructions, and Samsung UK’s Android-to-new-phone guide.
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.
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.
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