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Use Samsung Smart Switch to create a restorable backup of your Galaxy phone on a Windows PC or Mac. Install Smart Switch on both devices, connect the phone with a data-capable USB cable, approve the connection, then choose Backup on the computer. For a few photos or documents, copy selected files over USB instead—but that is a file transfer, not a full device backup.
Choose the right backup method
| Method | Best for | What it does | Restore option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samsung Smart Switch on a computer | Backing up multiple supported categories from a Galaxy phone | Creates a computer-stored backup of supported content and settings | Restore supported categories to a compatible Galaxy device with Smart Switch |
| USB file copy | Saving selected accessible photos, videos, documents, or other files | Copies chosen files and folders to the computer | Copy files back manually; this is not a Smart Switch device restore |
Samsung also lists Samsung Cloud, OneDrive, and Google One as backup or synchronization options. Their coverage and behavior differ from a computer-based Smart Switch backup, so treat them as additional approaches rather than equivalent copies of the same backup.
Back up a Samsung phone to a PC or Mac with Smart Switch
- Check compatibility and storage. Install Samsung Smart Switch on the Galaxy phone and the computer. Samsung’s US compatibility page lists Windows 10 or later and macOS 10.9 or later, and says Chromebooks are not compatible. Requirements can change, so confirm the current requirements on Samsung’s Smart Switch compatibility page. Make sure the computer has enough free storage for the backup.
- Connect the phone. Unlock the Galaxy phone and connect it to the computer with a compatible USB data cable. A charging-only cable will not work for data transfer. Tap Allow on the phone if prompted.
- Start the backup. Open Smart Switch on the computer and select Backup. Review the categories; Samsung says Select all is the default, and you can deselect categories or items you do not want.
- Wait for completion. Let Smart Switch finish the process, then safely eject or disconnect the phone.
Samsung’s PC backup instructions provide the current Smart Switch workflow. Labels or available content may vary by device and software version.
Restore a Smart Switch backup
- Connect the new or reset Galaxy phone to the computer and approve the connection if prompted.
- Open Smart Switch on the computer and select Restore.
- Choose the backup you want, select the categories to restore, and follow the prompts. Samsung supports category-specific restores.
What Smart Switch can—and cannot—back up
Samsung lists contacts, schedules, messages, photos and videos, music, documents, call logs, some device settings and layouts, apps, and some Galaxy app data among transferable content. Availability depends on the content and device; not every item or file type is supported.
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- Private-storage app data cannot be backed up.
- Some content in a backup cannot be viewed on the computer even though Smart Switch can restore it to a phone.
- Do not assume the backup is a complete image of every app, setting, or private file.
For the specific supported-content limitations, see Samsung’s Smart Switch support information.
Copy selected files over USB
Use manual copying when you only need particular files or folders. Samsung describes connecting with a compatible USB Type-C cable and choosing Transferring files or MTP when needed. The cable must support data transfer.
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On Windows
- Unlock the phone, connect it to the PC, and approve access on the phone if prompted.
- If a USB notification appears, choose Transferring files or MTP.
- In File Explorer, open the Galaxy device, select the files or folders you want, and copy them to a folder on the PC.
- Safely eject or disconnect the phone when copying is complete.
On Mac
Connect and unlock the phone, approve the connection, and use Samsung’s Mac file-transfer instructions to copy accessible files. Samsung provides steps for Mac in its PC or Mac backup and transfer guidance. Safely disconnect the phone after the transfer.
A manual copy does not create a Smart Switch backup or provide its category-based restore flow. It saves only the files you can access and select.
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If the computer does not recognize the phone
- Unlock the phone and check for an on-screen permission prompt; tap Allow.
- For file copying, change the USB connection to Transferring files or MTP if that option is available.
- Try a USB cable that supports data, not just charging, and make sure the computer has adequate free storage for a Smart Switch backup.
- Check Samsung’s current compatibility information if Smart Switch will not install or the computer is unsupported.
For Samsung’s overview of PC/Mac and other backup options, see How to back up your Samsung phone to PC or Mac.
Quick Recap
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