Use Samsung Smart Switch on both Galaxy phones: set the old phone to send, set the new one to receive, connect wirelessly or with a compatible cable, then select the items to copy. Smart Switch can move much of your content, but “Everything” is a selection option—not a guarantee that every app’s private data, login, or encrypted chat will transfer. Keep the old phone until you have checked your important files and apps.
Before you start
- Charge both phones and allow time. A transfer may take from a few minutes to a few hours, according to Google’s general Android setup guidance; that is not a Samsung-specific time estimate. Check that the new phone has enough available storage before copying. Google’s Android setup and data-copy guidance.
- Keep the old phone nearby and unlocked. Smart Switch may ask you to unlock it to copy Samsung or Google accounts, and to unlock Secure Folder if you choose to transfer everything. Samsung’s US Smart Switch guidance.
- Open Smart Switch on both phones. It is usually available in Settings on newer Galaxy phones, but the menu path can vary by model and software version. Samsung’s support wording is that Smart Switch transfers content from previous devices to Galaxy phones and tablets only. Samsung Support.
- Check important apps separately. Messaging, banking, authenticator, and work apps may have their own backup, migration, or sign-in requirements. Encrypted app data and some credentials may not move through Smart Switch. Samsung UK’s Smart Switch guidance.
- If using a cable, check both connectors and data support. Some setups need a USB-OTG adapter; a compatible USB-C-to-USB-C cable may connect directly. Do not assume an adapter is included: Samsung’s cited US guidance says newer models generally do not include one. Samsung’s US cable guidance.
Transfer directly between the two Galaxy phones
- Open Smart Switch on both phones. If you cannot find it, look in Settings; the exact menu location varies.
- On the old phone, choose Send from this phone. On the new phone, choose Receive on this phone.
- On the new phone, identify the old device as Galaxy/Android, then choose Wireless or Cable.
- Follow the connection prompts. Unlock the old phone if asked, and allow Smart Switch to scan its contents.
- Review the available categories. Choose Everything or select only the items you want, then start the transfer and leave the phones connected until it finishes.
The app’s scan and selection screen is the practical guide to what is available for your particular device pair. Supported items vary by connected device.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Choose wireless or cable
| Route | What to do | Useful when | Important detail |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wireless | Choose Wireless on the receiving phone and follow the connection prompts on both devices. | You do not have a compatible cable or adapter, or want to avoid a wired connection. | Samsung’s US instructions advise keeping the phones within four inches and plugging them into chargers. Regional instructions may show connection or QR prompts differently. Samsung US; Samsung Caribbean. |
| Cable | Connect the phones with a compatible data cable, choose Cable in Smart Switch, and follow the prompts. | You have compatible connectors and data-capable cable, and prefer a direct wired connection. | An adapter may be needed depending on the phones’ ports. Samsung displays an estimated duration and suggests considering wireless if a cable transfer is estimated to take more than an hour, so both devices can charge. Do not disconnect mid-transfer. Samsung US; Samsung Caribbean. |
Official guidance does not establish that one route is universally faster for every phone pair or amount of data. Choose based on cable compatibility, charging needs, and the size of the transfer rather than assuming wired is always faster.
What Smart Switch can move—and what may need separate steps
Depending on device compatibility, Smart Switch may offer contacts, messages, photos, videos, music, calendar or schedule data, documents, call history, settings, and other content. Some features—such as app data, home-screen layout, Wi-Fi settings, memos or voice memos, and certain settings—depend on the connected Galaxy devices. Samsung US; Samsung Caribbean.
#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
WhatsApp chats
Samsung UK says secure or encrypted data such as WhatsApp chats will not transfer through Smart Switch. Google says WhatsApp chats and data can restore from the cloud after setup only if WhatsApp backups were enabled on the old phone. Check the old phone’s WhatsApp backup and follow WhatsApp’s current in-app migration or restore prompts before relying on a chat copy. Samsung UK; Google.
App data, passwords, and logins
Some apps store information with their own online account and require you to sign in again or use the app’s own backup. Banking credentials may not transfer, and apps installed outside Google Play may need to be installed manually. Confirm how critical apps handle migration before trading in or resetting the old phone. Samsung UK.
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.
Device and software differences
Samsung says supported items vary by connected device. Menus can also differ across models and software versions. Samsung’s regional guidance notes that moving to a lower OS version can restrict restoration of some call-log or email settings. Samsung US; Samsung Caribbean.
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteNot enough storage
If the new phone does not have room for everything, free space first or select fewer categories in Smart Switch. For external-storage backups, the drive or card must also have enough space; Samsung notes that you may need to deselect items if it does not. Google; Samsung US.
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.
Use a computer or external storage as a backup route
Direct phone-to-phone transfer is the simplest route for many upgrades, but Smart Switch also supports backing up to and restoring from a PC or Mac. Samsung’s process is to back up the old Samsung phone in the computer app, connect the new phone, and restore the Samsung device data. Smart Switch can also back up to or restore from USB-OTG storage or a microSD card; not every Galaxy model supports microSD, and available capacity limits what fits. These are alternatives or fallback workflows, not prerequisites for a direct transfer. Samsung Caribbean; Samsung US; Samsung UK.
If the old phone is unavailable
During Android setup, you may be able to restore a previous backup stored in your Google Account if one exists. This restores backed-up Android data; it does not guarantee that every Samsung-specific setting or app state will return. Google’s Android setup guidance.
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.
Check the new phone before erasing the old one
Keep the old phone until you have verified the items that matter to you and confirmed that key apps work. Check representative recent and older photos, contacts, messages, files, call history, home-screen settings, and access to messaging and banking apps. Complete any app-specific backup restore or sign-in separately. Then decide whether it is safe to reset, trade in, or otherwise give up the old device.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
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
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.
