Use Samsung Smart Switch to move data from your old Galaxy to your new one, then check the settings and app content that matter before erasing the old phone. Smart Switch supports wireless, cable, and computer-assisted transfers, but the categories available vary by phone and software. A transfer can bring over settings such as Wi-Fi, alarms, and home-screen layout; it does not guarantee that every preference, login, or app record will follow.
Samsung’s Smart Switch transfer guide describes the available routes and prompts. Use the actual choices on your devices as the final guide.
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Before you start: prepare both Galaxy phones
- Charge both phones and keep them powered during the transfer. Samsung notes that wireless transfer uses battery.
- Make sure there is enough free storage. Samsung Support UK’s May 14, 2026 guide specifies at least 500 MB of free internal storage on each device; this is a regional guide’s requirement, and device compatibility can vary.
- Update or install Smart Switch if prompted, and have account passwords and any app-specific transfer instructions available.
- If you plan to connect the phones by cable, check that the cable or adapter fits both models and supports data transfer. Samsung’s UK guide also specifies an MTP-capable USB option for wired transfer.
Smart Switch is commonly available on newer Galaxy phones through Settings > Accounts and backup. Labels and placement can differ by software version; search Settings for “Smart Switch” if you do not see it.
Choose a transfer method
| Method | What to expect | Check before you begin |
|---|---|---|
| Wireless | Transfers directly between phones without a cable. Samsung calls wireless its preferred copying method in its Caribbean support guide, updated July 23, 2026; that is Samsung’s recommendation, not an independent speed comparison. | Keep the phones close together and powered. Follow the connection prompts on both screens. |
| Wired | Transfers directly between phones over a cable. | Use a data-capable cable or adapter compatible with both phones. The connector depends on the models; a charging-only cable may not work. |
| PC or Mac | Back up the old phone to a computer with Samsung’s desktop workflow, then restore the backup to the new Galaxy. | Install the compatible Samsung desktop software and follow its backup and restore prompts. Samsung says Chromebooks are not compatible with the cited PC/Mac workflow. |
Samsung documents all three routes in its Smart Switch instructions and computer backup and restore guide. The available transfer categories depend on the connected phones, so do not assume one route transfers more of your data than another.
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Transfer content with Smart Switch
- On the new Galaxy, open Settings > Accounts and backup > Smart Switch, or open Smart Switch directly if it is installed. Choose the option to receive data.
- Choose Galaxy/Android as the old phone type if prompted, then select wireless or cable. For a computer restore, open Samsung’s compatible desktop software and choose its restore workflow instead.
- Connect the old phone using the on-screen wireless instructions or a compatible data cable. Approve connection requests and requested permissions on both devices.
- Review the categories Smart Switch offers. Select the settings and content you want, such as contacts, messages, settings, or apps, where available. Category names and availability vary by model and software.
- Start the transfer and keep the phones connected until Smart Switch reports completion. Then sign in to your accounts and check the items you selected.
Samsung’s UK transfer guide covers preparation and connection requirements. Follow the on-device prompts if they differ from these general steps.
Which settings and content can move?
For Galaxy-to-Galaxy transfers, Samsung lists categories that can include contacts, calendar or schedule entries, messages, memos, call logs, clock data, Samsung Pass, Secure Folder, Internet data, settings, apps, and some app data. Other Samsung guidance names Wi-Fi and email settings, alarms, home- and lock-screen settings, and home layout. What appears for selection depends on the models and their software.
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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.
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That makes it possible to carry over useful parts of a familiar setup, but “everything” is not a safe expectation. Treat the selection screen as a list of supported categories for your particular transfer—not a promise that each app’s state or every individual preference will be restored.
What may need separate attention
- Synced accounts: Samsung says data synced to accounts is not transferred by Smart Switch. Sign in to the relevant Google, Samsung, work, or other account on the new phone to sync it there.
- SIM, external, and work contacts: Contacts saved to a SIM or held in external, social, or work accounts may not be included in the transfer. Check the account or import them separately. Externally synced calendar appointments may also require account sign-in.
- Protected or private app data: Data in an app’s private storage and some secure or encrypted content may not transfer. Check the app’s own backup or device-migration instructions.
- App logins and banking apps: Some apps require you to sign in again or reauthorize the new phone. Have credentials and any needed verification method available.
- Games: Samsung says Smart Switch does not transfer game data, even if it reinstalls the game app. Check whether the game offers its own account-based save or migration process.
- Themes and live wallpapers: These may not transfer as configured. Samsung says themes can be reinstalled from Galaxy Store.
- Restricted media or incompatible data: DRM-protected media and some content limited by operating-system or app-version compatibility may not move.
Samsung’s transferable-data guidance and Smart Switch guide describe these categories and limitations. Check individual apps for any data that would be difficult to recreate.
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Verify the new phone before wiping the old one
Keep the old Galaxy intact until you have checked the things you rely on. Use this checklist after the transfer and account sign-ins:
- Contacts and calendar entries, including contacts held in work or other accounts
- Photos, videos, and other important files
- Messages and call history
- Alarms and clock settings
- Wi-Fi connections and other key settings
- Home-screen arrangement, wallpaper, and any themes you need to reinstall
- Sign-in and working data in banking, work, authentication, and other important apps
If anything is missing, use the old phone or the relevant account or app’s own backup process before resetting, trading in, or otherwise retiring it.
Quick Recap
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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
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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.
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