For a move from an older Samsung or Android phone to a new Galaxy, use Samsung Smart Switch. For contacts you want to keep available across devices, sync the contacts saved to your Google account. If you are moving from an iPhone, Smart Switch can import contacts through iCloud; for just a few entries, Samsung Contacts can share them directly.
Choose the transfer method that fits your move
| Situation | Best fit | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Old Samsung or Android phone to a new Galaxy | Smart Switch | One-time transfer to a Galaxy; available content depends on the connected devices. Samsung’s Smart Switch guide. |
| Keep account-saved contacts available on multiple devices | Google account sync | Requires the contacts to be stored in Google and devices to have internet access. Samsung’s Google sync instructions. |
| iPhone to Galaxy | Smart Switch via iCloud | Contacts must be available through iCloud; what appears can vary by account and device. Samsung’s Smart Switch guide. |
| One or a few contacts | Share from Samsung Contacts | Share selected contacts as a file or text; the recipient may need to import a file. Samsung’s Contacts guide. |
Transfer contacts from an old Samsung or Android phone with Smart Switch
Smart Switch is the straightforward choice for moving contacts as part of a phone-to-Galaxy migration. It supports wired and wireless transfers, and Samsung says the items available may depend on the connected device. Samsung recommends a wired connection for the broadest range of data types, although a suitable cable or adapter is needed.
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Before you start
- Install or open Smart Switch on both phones. Menu labels and availability can differ by model and software.
- Keep the old phone available until you have checked the contacts on the new Galaxy.
- For a cable transfer, Samsung says both devices should have at least 20% battery and recommends fully charging them first. Some source-phone cables require a USB-OTG adapter.
Use a cable
- Connect the phones with a compatible cable. Check both phones’ ports; use an appropriate adapter if the cable does not fit.
- On the old phone, open Smart Switch and tap Send from this phone, then Cable.
- On the new Galaxy, open Smart Switch and tap Receive on this phone > Galaxy/Android > Cable.
- Follow the connection prompts and allow Smart Switch to scan the old phone.
- Select a contacts-inclusive option, such as Everything or Just accounts, calls, contacts, and messages, or choose Custom and make sure Contacts is selected.
- Start the transfer and follow the prompts. Open Contacts on the new Galaxy and check that the expected names and numbers appear.
Use wireless transfer
- Plug both phones into chargers and open Smart Switch on each.
- On the old phone, tap Send from this phone > Wireless. On the new Galaxy, tap Receive on this phone > Galaxy/Android > Wireless.
- For Samsung’s described Android wireless pairing flow, place the phones within four inches of each other and follow the connection prompts.
- After the scan, choose a contacts-inclusive preset or select Contacts under Custom, then start the transfer.
- Check Contacts on the new Galaxy before relying on the transfer or erasing the old phone.
Wireless avoids needing a compatible cable and lets both phones remain plugged in. Samsung describes wired transfer as supporting the broadest types of data; actual transfer time depends on the devices and the data selected.
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1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesSync Samsung contacts with a Google account
Use Google sync when you want contacts saved to your Google account to remain available on connected devices, rather than making only a one-time phone-to-phone copy. The steps below follow Samsung UK’s documented menu; wording or placement may differ on other software versions.
#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
- Back up your contacts before syncing. Samsung warns that a sync error can delete contacts and that deleted contacts may not be recoverable.
- On the Galaxy, open Contacts > Menu > Manage contacts > Sync contacts.
- Enable the Google account you want to use, then tap Sync.
- Make sure new contacts are saved to that Google account. Contacts saved to Phone or another account are not automatically saved to Google.
- Allow the phone to connect to the internet. Samsung says syncing then occurs automatically; check the account’s contacts on another connected device to confirm they are available.
If those labels do not appear, look in the current Contacts settings for contact syncing or account storage options. Samsung also documents choosing an account as the default storage location for future contacts.
Move contacts from an iPhone to a Galaxy using iCloud
If the iPhone contacts are available through iCloud, Samsung documents an iCloud import route in Smart Switch. The items available can vary with the device and account, so check the result on the Galaxy rather than assuming every contact was included.
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.
- On the Galaxy, open Smart Switch and choose to receive data from an iPhone or iPad.
- Choose the iCloud option, sign in with your Apple ID, and complete any verification prompts.
- Select the available data, making sure contacts are included, and follow the transfer prompts.
- Open Contacts on the Galaxy and verify the entries before erasing, trading in, or surrendering the iPhone.
Share a few contacts or move them between storage locations
For a small number of entries, Samsung Contacts can share a contact as a file or text. A recipient may need to import a shared file. Samsung’s Contacts tools also let you move contacts between storage locations, which can help when entries are saved on the phone rather than in the account you intend to sync. Menu wording varies by model and software; see Samsung’s guide to managing Galaxy contacts.
If duplicates appear after a transfer, Samsung Contacts includes tools to merge duplicate numbers, email addresses, or names. This is a cleanup option, not a guarantee that every duplicate will be merged automatically.
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 removable storage if a direct transfer is not practical
Samsung also describes using Smart Switch to back up and restore through microSD or USB storage. This can be an alternative when transferring directly between phones is inconvenient. MicroSD is not supported on every Galaxy model, and the storage must have enough room for the backup. Follow the device-specific prompts in Samsung’s Smart Switch instructions.
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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