To move apps from an old phone to a new Samsung Galaxy, use Samsung Smart Switch on the new phone and choose which content to transfer. Apps may transfer, but their private data is not guaranteed to: check each app’s sync or backup options before wiping the old phone. Moving an installed app to an SD card on the same Galaxy is a different, model-specific question.
Move apps to a new Galaxy with Smart Switch
Smart Switch transfers selected content from an old Android or iOS device to a new Galaxy. Samsung lists apps among supported Android-to-Galaxy content, but available items depend on the connected devices. The receiving Galaxy starts the phone-to-phone workflow.
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- Open Smart Switch on both devices. Samsung says it is available through Galaxy Store and Google Play. On a Galaxy, it may also appear in the Samsung folder or under Settings > Accounts and backup > Smart Switch. Menu names can vary by model and software version. See Samsung’s setup guidance.
- Start receiving on the new Galaxy. In Smart Switch, choose Receive data, then choose the old phone’s platform. Follow the on-screen prompts to connect the devices wirelessly or with a compatible data cable or adapter.
- Choose what to transfer. Select Apps and any other available categories you want, review the selection, and start the transfer. The categories shown can differ by source device.
- Keep the phones connected. Wait for the transfer and app installations to complete. Samsung notes in its regional instructions that some app icons may appear faded and remain unavailable until installation finishes.
- Open the apps on the new phone. Sign in and follow each app’s prompts to restore or configure its information. Check the old phone before erasing it if you are unsure whether an app’s data has synced.
For a large transfer, Samsung recommends wired rather than wireless transfer, describing it as relatively faster. Its US setup guidance also says Smart Switch will run when both devices are at least 20% charged. Wireless is still an option if you do not have a suitable cable.
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| Method | What you need | When it fits | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wireless phone-to-phone | Both phones and Smart Switch | You do not have a compatible cable or prefer not to connect the phones physically. | Follow the pairing instructions shown on both phones. Transfer categories depend on the connected devices. |
| Wired phone-to-phone | A compatible data cable or adapter for the phones’ ports | You are moving a large amount of data; Samsung recommends a wired connection for large transfers. | Check that the cable supports data transfer, not just charging. Smart Switch also requires the devices to be at least 20% charged according to Samsung’s US setup guidance. |
| External-storage backup and restore | Supported microSD or USB storage; an OTG adapter may be needed for USB storage | You want an intermediate backup, or cannot transfer directly between the phones. | Support depends on the Galaxy model, storage medium, and available capacity. Not all Galaxy models have a microSD slot. |
Back up and restore through external storage
External storage is an alternative to direct phone-to-phone transfer, not a required step. Check the old and new phones’ compatibility with the storage before starting. Samsung describes Smart Switch backup and restore using supported microSD cards or USB storage; USB storage may require an OTG adapter.
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- 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
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- 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
- On the old phone, open Smart Switch and choose its SD-card or external-storage backup option.
- Select the content to back up and start the backup. Check that the storage has enough free space; Samsung says you can repeat the backup for items that did not fit.
- Connect the storage to the new Galaxy. Use an adapter if your USB storage setup requires one.
- Open Smart Switch on the new phone, choose Restore, select the backup content, and follow the prompts.
Samsung’s instructions for Smart Switch setup and external-storage backup and restore provide device-dependent details.
What happens to app data?
Transferring an app does not mean every setting, file, or account state inside it will transfer. Samsung states: “Data saved in private storage cannot be backed up.” Before trading in, resetting, or otherwise erasing the old phone, check whether each important app offers account sync, cloud backup, or an export feature. Some synced information may show up only after you sign in on the new Galaxy, and some apps may require setup again.
Rank #2
- 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.
Samsung’s list of content supported by Smart Switch explains that available categories vary by connected device. Smart Switch supports transfers from Android and iOS to Galaxy, but the supported content differs by source platform.
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- If an app icon looks faded during migration, wait for installation to finish before trying to open it.
- If the app is absent or unavailable after transfer, check its listing in the app store and contact the app publisher for app-specific help.
- For device-specific Smart Switch problems, consult Samsung support for your Galaxy model and software version. Menu labels and options can change with the model, operating system, source phone, and Smart Switch version.
Moving an app to an SD card on the same Galaxy
Moving an already-installed app from a Galaxy’s internal storage to an SD card is not the same as transferring apps to a new phone. The available steps depend on the specific Galaxy model and its Android or One UI version; not every Galaxy has a microSD slot, and the cited Samsung guidance does not establish a universal app-to-SD-card procedure. Check the manual and current support instructions for your exact model and software before attempting it.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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.
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
- 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
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