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“Moving apps” on a Samsung device can mean transferring them to a new Galaxy phone or trying to move an installed app onto an SD card. For a phone upgrade, Samsung’s Smart Switch supports wireless and cable transfers. Its external-storage feature backs up and restores selected content; it is not evidence that installed apps can run from an SD card.
How do I transfer apps to my new Samsung phone?
Use Samsung Smart Switch on both Galaxy phones. Start the transfer on the old phone, then choose and receive the content on the new one. Samsung’s instructions cover wireless and USB cable connections; the exact screens can differ by device and software version.
Transfer wirelessly
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Open Smart Switch on both phones. If it is not available, follow Samsung’s device-specific instructions for installing or opening it.
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On the old phone, select Send from this phone. On the new phone, select Receive on this phone.
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Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra, Unlocked Android Smartphone, 512GB, Black- 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
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Choose the wireless connection option and follow the connection prompts on both devices.
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On the receiving phone, select the content you want to transfer, then continue through the on-screen steps until the process finishes.
Samsung describes wireless transfer as an option that does not require external accessories. For current device-specific screens, see Samsung UK’s Smart Switch transfer instructions.
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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.
- 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.
Transfer with a USB cable
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Connect the phones with a compatible USB cable. Depending on the models, you may also need an adapter.
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Open Smart Switch on both devices. Choose Send from this phone on the old phone and Receive on this phone on the new one.
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Follow the connection prompts. Choose the content on the receiving phone and complete the transfer using the instructions displayed on the devices.
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Samsung Galaxy A17 5G Smart Phone 128GB US 1 Yr Manufacturer Warranty Black- 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.
Check the phones’ connectors and model guidance before choosing a cable or adapter; requirements vary. Samsung provides the wireless and cable workflows in its Smart Switch guide.
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Wait for apps to finish installing
After the transfer, some apps may look faded and may not open while their data transfer or installation is still in progress. Samsung advises that they may not launch until those steps are complete. Give the process time to finish before treating a faded app as a failed transfer.
What may not transfer?
Smart Switch does not guarantee that every app or its data will transfer. Eligibility can depend on the devices’ manufacturers and operating systems. Samsung Singapore notes that data from some third-party messaging apps might not transfer, and DRM-protected content cannot transfer. Check Samsung’s regional Smart Switch guidance for these restrictions.
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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.
The content available to select also depends on the devices and software. Samsung lists examples of transferable content and routes in its Caribbean Smart Switch guide; the options shown on your receiving phone are the practical guide to what is available in your setup.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Can I back up content to a microSD card or USB drive?
Smart Switch can back up and restore selected content using external storage. Samsung’s documented workflow covers microSD cards and USB storage, including a USB flash drive or SSD. This is a backup-and-restore route, not a way to establish that apps can be installed or run from an SD card.
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Confirm that the phone supports the storage medium and connector you plan to use. Not every Galaxy model has a microSD slot.
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Samsung Galaxy S26, Unlocked Android Smartphone, 256GB, Black- 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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For a USB flash drive or SSD, connect it to the phone’s charging port. An OTG adapter may be needed, depending on the phone and drive.
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Use Smart Switch to back up selected content to the external storage, or restore content from a backup by following the prompts on the device.
Samsung’s external-storage Smart Switch instructions explain the backup and restore workflow. Check your exact model’s support and accessories before buying a card or USB OTG adapter; compatibility is device-dependent. Samsung also explains that SD-card content can be selected for transfer and that Smart Switch can be used without a Samsung account in its Smart Switch overview.
Can I move an installed app to an SD card?
Samsung’s cited Smart Switch guidance does not establish a universal procedure for relocating an installed app from internal storage to an SD card. The documented SD-card function is for transferring, backing up, or restoring content, which is a different operation.
Check the manual and storage settings for your exact Galaxy model and software version to see whether they provide an app-specific option. Availability cannot be assumed across Galaxy devices, and an SD-card backup should not be treated as proof that an app can run from the card.
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