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Before installing a software update, run a fresh backup and confirm it has finished. On a Galaxy phone, you can back up selected data to Samsung Cloud or Google from Settings, or make a local copy with Smart Switch on a computer or supported external storage. These options do not necessarily save the same data, so check the categories shown on your phone—especially for anything important that an app may store separately.
Choose a backup destination
Samsung Cloud and Google backup use online accounts; Smart Switch can save a copy locally. You can use more than one method for extra coverage, but do not assume any one backup is a complete clone of your phone. The available categories and menu wording can vary by Galaxy model, Android version, carrier, and country.
| Method | Destination | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung Cloud | Your Samsung account’s cloud storage | Review the categories offered on your phone. Samsung says coverage varies by software and device; Google-account contacts and calendars are not synchronized through Samsung Cloud. |
| Google backup | Your Google account, including Google Drive; photo and video backup can be managed through Google Photos | Check Backup details and the account being used. The available interface and options depend on software version. |
| Smart Switch | A Windows PC or Mac, or compatible external storage | Confirm device and storage compatibility, available space, and which data is included in the transfer. |
Back up to Samsung Cloud
On devices that offer Samsung Cloud backup, open Settings > Accounts and backup > Samsung Cloud > Back up data. Select the categories you want, then tap Back up now. Wait for the operation to finish and check its completion status before starting the update.
Samsung Cloud may offer categories such as call and message history, locally saved contacts and calendar entries, selected settings, apps and Samsung app settings, voice recordings, and Gallery content. The list on your phone is the practical guide: availability depends on the device and software, and not every category is necessarily available in every country or through every carrier. Samsung Australia says files larger than 1 GB cannot be backed up to Samsung Cloud.
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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
- 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
Account ownership matters for contacts and calendars. Samsung says contacts and calendar entries associated with a Google account are not synchronized through Samsung Cloud. If those items matter, check that they are associated with the account and backup method you intend to use.
Back up with Google
On Samsung’s UK instructions, Google backup is available at Settings > Accounts and backup > Back up data under Google Drive. Tap Back up now. Depending on the software version, you can use Backup details to choose whether photos and videos are backed up to Google Photos.
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.
Wait for the backup to complete, then review the details shown on the phone. A Google backup and a Samsung Cloud backup can cover different categories, so check which account is active and whether the data you care about appears in the listed backup details.
Make a local Smart Switch backup
To a Windows PC or Mac
- Install Smart Switch on the computer and check that it has enough free storage.
- Connect the Galaxy phone to the computer with a USB cable.
- If the phone prompts you, tap Allow.
- Open Smart Switch on the computer and choose Backup.
- Wait for the backup to finish before disconnecting the phone.
Smart Switch has device and operating-system compatibility limits. Check Samsung’s current requirements for your phone and the version of Smart Switch installed on your computer before relying on this method. During a transfer, Samsung advises not to disconnect the cable.
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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.
To external storage
Smart Switch can also back up to some external storage, including a USB flash drive or microSD card. Support depends on the phone and storage option; Samsung cautions that not all Galaxy phones support microSD or every external-storage method. Before starting, confirm that the phone recognizes the device and that it has enough free space. A compatible USB-C flash drive is one possible local destination, but compatibility should be checked for both the phone and drive.
Use this pre-update checklist
- Connect to Wi-Fi for a cloud backup. Check that the selected cloud account has enough available storage; for Smart Switch, check free space on the computer or external storage.
- Open Settings > Accounts and backup and run Back up now under Samsung Cloud, Google Drive, or both, based on the categories you need.
- If you want a local copy, run Smart Switch to a compatible computer or external-storage device.
- Let each backup finish. Samsung says Samsung Cloud backup time depends on how much data is being saved.
- Review the completion state and the categories listed. If a category you need is missing, do not assume it was saved; use another applicable method or save that information separately.
- Start the software update only after the backup has completed.
What a backup may not include
- Every item on the phone: Samsung Cloud saves selected categories, not necessarily a full device image. Check the list shown on your device.
- Google-account contacts or calendars in Samsung Cloud: Samsung says those account-linked items are not synchronized through Samsung Cloud.
- Large files in Samsung Cloud: Samsung Australia states that files larger than 1 GB cannot be backed up to that service.
- All Smart Switch content: transfer eligibility can depend on the source device or operating-system version, and DRM-protected content cannot be transferred.
- Every external-storage setup: phone and accessory support varies, so confirm compatibility before beginning.
Samsung’s support guidance recommends regular backups to protect against data loss during software updates or system crashes. That is general precautionary advice, not a quantified estimate that an update will fail or erase data. Menu names and backup availability also differ across regions and devices; follow the categories and status displayed on your own phone.
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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