To move contacts and text messages from one Samsung Galaxy phone to another, use Samsung Smart Switch. On the old phone choose Send, on the new phone choose Receive, connect the two phones wirelessly or with a USB cable, select Contacts and Messages, and start the transfer. Samsung notes that the items available to move can vary with the connected device, so check the result on the new phone before you wipe or retire the old one.
Before you start
A few checks prevent most failed transfers. Work through this list on both phones before you connect them.
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- Both phones are Galaxy devices with Smart Switch available. Samsung’s transfer guide covers Smart Switch on Galaxy devices; see Samsung US Support, “Transfer content with Samsung Smart Switch”.
- Both phones are charged or plugged in. For wireless transfer, Samsung’s messages guide asks that both phones stay plugged into chargers during the process.
- You know where your contacts are stored. Contacts saved only on a SIM card, in social-network apps, in a Google account, or in a work email account are outside the computer-transfer workflow Samsung documents (see Samsung US Support, “Transfer data to a new phone using Smart Switch for Windows or Mac”). Copy those contacts into the phone’s own contact storage first if you need them on the new device.
- You have the old phone’s lock screen code and access to its messages app. You will need to approve the connection on the old phone during the process.
Option 1: Wireless transfer (no cable)
Wireless is the simplest route when both phones are with you and you have time to keep them side by side. Samsung’s messages guide describes this sequence (see Samsung US Support, “Transfer, backup, or restore Messages on Galaxy phones”), and the general Smart Switch guide uses the same Send and Receive pattern.
- Open Smart Switch on both phones.
- Place the phones within four inches of each other and keep both plugged into chargers.
- On the old phone, select Send data. On the new phone, select Receive data.
- Select Wireless and follow the prompts to connect the phones.
- On the old phone, approve the connection.
- On the new phone, select Contacts and Messages, then select Start transfer.
- Wait for the transfer to finish, then check the new phone as described below.
Screen labels can differ by software version and by model, so if a wording differs slightly, follow the option with the same meaning.
#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
Option 2: Wired transfer (USB cable)
Use a wired connection when the wireless steps fail or when one phone has a weak connection. Samsung Canada’s support page for Smart Switch covers the wired route between Galaxy devices and notes that a USB adapter may be needed depending on the phone models (see Samsung Canada Support, “How to use the Smart Switch app to transfer data between Samsung Galaxy devices”, updated March 7, 2026).
- Check the charging and data ports on both phones. Note whether either one uses a different connector from the other.
- If the ports do not match, buy a compatible USB data cable or an adapter. A charging-only cable will not transfer data.
- Connect the two phones with the cable, using an adapter where needed.
- On the old phone, select Send. On the new phone, select Receive.
- Select the wired connection when prompted, then select contacts and messages on the new phone.
- Start the transfer and wait for it to complete before disconnecting.
Samsung’s support material does not endorse a particular cable model. Choose one that matches your connector types and supports data transfer.
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.
Option 3: Backup and restore when direct transfer is not practical
If the phones cannot be connected at the same time, or you want a copy stored elsewhere, Samsung documents backup and restore routes. These are useful for messages in particular, but each one depends on account, device and software settings, so confirm them on your own phones.
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Smart Switch on a PC or Mac
Samsung’s computer-transfer guide covers Smart Switch for Windows and Mac. It describes backing up the old phone to the computer and restoring that backup to the new phone. A restore may require permissions, and the guide’s exclusions (SIM-only contacts, social-network contacts, Google account contacts and work email contacts) still apply (see Samsung US Support, “Transfer data to a new phone using Smart Switch for Windows or Mac”).
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.
Supported external storage
Samsung’s messages guide also documents backup to supported external storage. Use this route if you want to keep a copy of the backup separate from both phones and the computer.
Samsung Cloud and Google Drive or Google One
For messages specifically, Samsung’s support page describes backup and restore through Samsung Cloud and through Google Drive or Google One (see Samsung US Support, “Transfer, backup, or restore Messages on Galaxy phones”). The support page does not give a single universal set of steps for every account type, so use the menu paths shown on your phone and confirm that the same account is signed in on the new device.
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.
Reading messages from a computer backup
Samsung’s messages guide notes that message backups cannot be read on the computer itself. The messages become readable after you restore them to a phone.
Comparing the three methods
Samsung documents each method but does not rank them for every reader or device. The table below lists what each route requires, based on the Samsung sources linked above.
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
| Method | Cable or adapter needed | Phone requirements stated by Samsung | Suits readers who |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wireless Smart Switch transfer | No cable | Phones within four inches and plugged into chargers (messages guide) | Have both phones on hand and want the fewest physical steps |
| Wired Smart Switch transfer | USB data cable; adapter may be needed depending on the phone models (Samsung Canada) | Compatible ports on both phones | Have a cable or adapter and need a direct connection |
| Smart Switch backup and restore on PC or Mac | Computer with Smart Switch; cable as the computer guide requires | Permissions may be needed for computer restores (computer-transfer guide and messages guide) | Want a copy stored on a computer |
| Supported external storage | External storage device | Not stated in the sources reviewed beyond the messages guide’s note on supported storage | Want a separate copy of the backup |
| Samsung Cloud or Google Drive / Google One | Not applicable | Account sign-in and availability depend on device, account and software | Want message backup tied to an online account |
What may not move automatically
Samsung lists contacts and messages as transferable items, but its guidance says supported items may vary with the connected device. Do not assume that every message type, attachment, contact field or app-specific record will transfer. The Samsung sources reviewed here do not establish full compatibility across all models or message apps.
- SIM-only contacts. Contacts that exist only on the SIM card are excluded from Samsung’s computer-transfer workflow.
- Social-network contacts. Contacts pulled in from social-network apps are excluded in the same workflow.
- Google account contacts and work email contacts. These are also excluded in the computer-transfer workflow. Check whether your contacts sync from a Google account or a work account, and confirm they appear on the new phone.
Check the new phone after the transfer
Run through these checks before you sign out of the old phone or factory-reset it.
- Open the contacts app and search for a few people you use often, including anyone stored only on the SIM or in a social or work account.
- Open the messages app and check a conversation with a long history, then check a group message if you use one.
- Look for a message with a photo or other attachment and confirm that it opens. Samsung does not promise that every attachment will transfer.
- If something is missing, go back to the backup route you used and check whether the item is in the excluded categories above.
Samsung’s own wording
Samsung US Support describes the tool this way: “Samsung Smart Switch is a great way to create a backup and restore your messages.” This is a vendor statement from Samsung’s official support instructions, not an independently tested measure of how well the transfer performs.
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