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The simplest way to move supported content to a Galaxy Z Fold8 is Samsung Smart Switch. Run it during the Fold8’s first-time setup when possible, or start it later from Settings > Accounts and backup > Transfer data for device setup without resetting the phone. Smart Switch can offer contacts, photos, videos, messages, apps, settings, calendars, and other categories, but the exact list depends on the old phone, operating system, software version, and the choices shown on screen. Some apps must be downloaded again, and app passwords, subscriptions, or private in-app data are not guaranteed to move.
What you need before starting
Charge both phones and place them close together. A transfer can take a while, especially when the old phone contains many photos or videos, so avoid starting with either battery nearly empty.
- For a wireless transfer, connect both phones to the same Wi-Fi network. Samsung also recommends enabling Bluetooth on the old phone when prompted, because it helps the new Galaxy find it.
- For a wired transfer, use a compatible, data-capable USB cable. The connector combination depends on the old phone and the Fold8; a cable is optional because wireless transfer is supported.
- Make sure you know the passwords or verification methods for important accounts. Smart Switch does not turn every app’s login state into a transferable file.
- Keep the old phone available until you have checked the Fold8. Do not erase or trade in the old device immediately.
Smart Switch is Samsung’s supported route for moving data from Android or iOS to a new Galaxy. Samsung describes it as an app that can move “contacts, photos, videos, messages, apps, settings, and more,” with availability determined by the connected devices. See Samsung’s overview in the Global Newsroom announcement dated August 25, 2026.
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Choose the transfer method that fits your phones
| Method | Connection | When to use it | What to expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wireless Smart Switch | Both phones on the same Wi-Fi network; Bluetooth may be requested on the old phone | Most Android-to-Galaxy and iPhone-to-Galaxy moves when you do not have the right cable | Follow the pairing or QR-assisted connection shown by Smart Switch. Keep the phones nearby and connected until completion. |
| USB cable and Smart Switch | A compatible data cable between the two phones | When you have the correct connectors or wireless transfer is inconvenient | The Fold8 and old phone will show connection prompts. The required cable depends on the devices; do not use a charge-only cable. |
| Account or cloud restoration | Sign in to the same account used on the old phone | To regain synchronized contacts, calendars, photos, or files after the Smart Switch pass | This complements Smart Switch. Signing in gives access to supported synchronized data; it does not mean every item was copied by Smart Switch. |
You can combine these methods. For example, use Smart Switch for local photos, messages, and settings, then sign in to your accounts so synchronized data and cloud files become available. Samsung lists Microsoft OneDrive, Dropbox, and Google Drive as examples of services whose stored files can be accessed by signing in.
#1 Best Overall
- SPLIT THE VIEW. MULTITASK¹ TO THE MAX: Productivity never felt this powerful. Use up to three apps¹ at once on the expansive inner screen of Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra. You’ll enjoy plenty of space to work, play, connect and more.
- MULTITASKING MADE SMARTER WITH AI: Stay one step ahead with AI² that suggests which apps you might need next. Then view those multiple windows side by side on the large screen of your Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra.
- ANY SHOT, ALL THE DETAILS: Dive into the details of any image with our best camera on a foldable smartphone. Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra boasts a 200MP camera — and an upgraded 50MP Ultra Wide lens — for both stunning wide shots and extreme close-ups.
- ELITE CHIPSET. FLUID GRAPHICS: Experience what’s possible with our most advanced Galaxy Z Series processor. From immersive gaming and speedy multitasking to the latest Galaxy AI³ features, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 keeps everything running seamlessly.
- THE BATTERY YOU’VE BEEN WAITING FOR: It’s the battery you’ve been wanting in a foldable cell phone. Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra packs a powerful ultra-sized⁴ battery in an ultra-slim design. Plus, with Super Fast Charging 2.0⁵, charge up faster than ever before.
Transfer during the Galaxy Z Fold8’s initial setup
Using Smart Switch while the Fold8 is being set up usually gives you the most direct path because the copy option appears as part of the setup flow.
- Turn on the Galaxy Z Fold8 and begin the normal setup. When the phone asks whether you want to copy or transfer data, choose the Smart Switch option.
- On the Fold8, select Receive on this phone.
- Choose Galaxy or Android device for an Android source, or iPhone or iPad for an Apple source.
- Choose a connection method when prompted. For wireless transfer, connect both phones to the same Wi-Fi network, turn on Bluetooth on the old phone if requested, and complete the on-screen pairing flow. For a cable transfer, connect the phones with a compatible data cable and accept the connection prompts.
- When Smart Switch displays the available content, choose Everything, select a limited communication-data option if that is what you need, or choose Custom to select categories yourself. The wording and categories can vary by source phone and software version.
- Start the transfer and leave both phones connected and close together. Do not unplug a cable or switch off Wi-Fi during the copy.
- When Smart Switch reports completion, continue the Fold8 setup. Then open your main apps and accounts and verify the data that matters before putting the old phone away.
The “Everything” choice means everything Smart Switch offers for that particular source device, not every byte stored on the old phone. Unsupported content, protected app data, and information that belongs to an online account may require a separate sign-in or download.
Transfer after you have already set up the Fold8
You do not have to factory-reset the Fold8 if you skipped migration during setup. Samsung’s Fold8 instructions provide a post-setup route through Settings; the process adds transferred content to the phone without starting setup again. Follow the current steps in Samsung’s “Transfer data to your Galaxy Z Fold8 after initial setup” guide.
- On the Fold8, open Settings.
- Tap Accounts and backup.
- Tap Transfer data for device setup.
- Choose Receive on this phone, then select Galaxy or Android device or iPhone or iPad.
- Follow the wireless pairing prompt, including the QR-assisted connection if it appears, or connect a compatible USB data cable.
- Review the categories Smart Switch offers. Choose Everything, a communication-data option, or Custom, then start the transfer.
- Keep both devices connected until the progress screen confirms that the transfer is complete.
The exact prompts can differ from the labels above because Samsung changes screens by device, operating-system version, and transfer source. If a category is not offered, that source phone or software combination may not support it through Smart Switch.
Rank #2
- CREATED FOR YOUR CONTENT: Any way you turn it, the new Galaxy Z Fold8 gives you a fuller viewing experience. Designed with your content in mind, this foldable phone is the perfect size to make your movies, books and more incredibly immersive.
- WORLD’S LIGHTEST FOLD¹: Galaxy Z Fold8 is the newest foldable phone for content on the go. Unfolded, it fits movies and books for an immersive experience. Folded, it delivers comfortable texting and everyday use — all on the world’s lightest fold.¹
- THE BRIGHTEST DISPLAY ON A GALAXY PHONE: Our brightest smartphone display² provides you with a comfortable view, whether you’re inside or outside. Watch movies, play games and scroll with ease no matter where you are.
- RECORD. REFRAME. READY FOR SOCIAL³: Record content on Galaxy Z Fold8 and then use My FanCam³ to keep your subject center stage. The result is a social-ready video that focuses on the part of the action you really want.
- UNTETHER YOUR ENTERTAINMENT: The long-lasting battery of Galaxy Z Fold8 is built to power hours of entertainment. And when you do need to recharge, Super Fast Charging 2.0⁴ gets you back to what you love quickly.
What Smart Switch can move—and what still needs restoration
Samsung’s support documentation describes the following categories, while warning that supported items vary by connected device. Use the transfer screen on your own phones as the authoritative list.
| Category | What the Fold8 may receive | Important limitation |
|---|---|---|
| Contacts | Contacts selected by Smart Switch from the old phone | Contacts that are synchronized to an account may also appear after you sign in to that account. |
| Photos and videos | Local media offered by the source device | Cloud-only originals may require signing in to the service that stores them. |
| Messages | Supported text or communication history shown in the transfer list | Supported message types and history limits depend on the source device and software. |
| Apps | Apps that Smart Switch can identify or reinstall for the Fold8 | An app’s private files, login state, subscriptions, or cross-platform availability are not guaranteed to transfer. |
| Settings | Settings categories offered for that source and destination combination | Android and iOS expose different settings, so the destination cannot reproduce every old-phone preference. |
| Calendars | Calendar entries supported by the connected device | Account calendars may repopulate when you sign in rather than through a local copy. |
| Other supported items | Additional categories shown by Smart Switch | Samsung’s list is device-dependent; do not assume an unlisted category will be copied. |
After the copy, sign in to the Google or Samsung account that synchronized your data, plus any other service that owns your files or calendars. A successful account sign-in can restore supported information, but it is separate from the local Smart Switch transfer. Open each important app and complete its own sign-in or verification process.
Moving from an Android phone
Select Galaxy or Android device on the Fold8 and follow the wireless or cable instructions. Android sources generally expose the widest overlap in categories, but the source manufacturer, Android version, security settings, and individual app behavior still determine what Smart Switch can offer.
If you choose Custom, start with the items that would be difficult to recreate—messages, contacts, photos, videos, and calendars—then add settings or apps. This lets you avoid filling the Fold8 with content you no longer want while retaining the option to copy supported categories.
Rank #3
- SPLIT THE VIEW. MULTITASK¹ TO THE MAX: Productivity never felt this powerful. Use up to three apps¹ at once on the expansive inner screen of Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra. You’ll enjoy plenty of space to work, play, connect and more.
- MULTITASKING MADE SMARTER WITH AI: Stay one step ahead with AI² that suggests which apps you might need next. Then view those multiple windows side by side on the large screen of your Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra.
- ANY SHOT, ALL THE DETAILS: Dive into the details of any image with our best camera on a foldable smartphone. Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra boasts a 200MP camera — and an upgraded 50MP Ultra Wide lens — for both stunning wide shots and extreme close-ups.
- ELITE CHIPSET. FLUID GRAPHICS: Experience what’s possible with our most advanced Galaxy Z Series processor. From immersive gaming and speedy multitasking to the latest Galaxy AI³ features, the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 keeps everything running seamlessly.
- THE BATTERY YOU’VE BEEN WAITING FOR: It’s the battery you’ve been wanting in a foldable cell phone. Galaxy Z Fold8 Ultra packs a powerful ultra-sized⁴ battery in an ultra-slim design. Plus, with Super Fast Charging 2.0⁵, charge up faster than ever before.
Apps may be installed from the Android store available on the Fold8, but installation does not prove that the app’s internal database or account session came across. For banking, authenticator, messaging, and work apps, expect to authenticate again and follow the app provider’s recovery procedure if its data is not present.
Moving from an iPhone or iPad
On the Fold8, select iPhone or iPad. Smart Switch will show the connection method and categories available for the Apple device. Samsung’s iPhone-specific instructions are at this Smart Switch support page.
- Apple and Android organize apps differently. An iPhone app may have an Android equivalent, may need to be downloaded again, or may not be available on the Fold8.
- Do not promise that an iOS app’s private data, subscription entitlement, or login session will appear on Android. Open the Android version and sign in using the app provider’s account or recovery method.
- Samsung’s iPhone guidance says Apple Keychain passwords are not transferred through the standard Smart Switch process. Plan to retrieve or reset those credentials separately.
- Apple-owned apps may need to be downloaded again on Android, even when related contacts, photos, or messages are available through Smart Switch or account synchronization.
Samsung Global Newsroom has described a newer iOS-to-Galaxy workflow that can move passwords and passkeys, but it is conditional rather than universal. Samsung ties that capability to One UI 9, Android 17 or later, iOS 26.6 or later, and regions outside mainland China. If your devices meet those requirements, rely on the options and eligibility notice displayed by Smart Switch; otherwise, use the standard password and passkey recovery process.
What to do immediately after the transfer
Do not judge success only by the completion message. Use this checklist while the old phone is still available:
Rank #4
- CREATED FOR YOUR CONTENT: Any way you turn it, the new Galaxy Z Fold8 gives you a fuller viewing experience. Designed with your content in mind, this foldable phone is the perfect size to make your movies, books and more incredibly immersive.
- WORLD’S LIGHTEST FOLD¹: Galaxy Z Fold8 is the newest foldable phone for content on the go. Unfolded, it fits movies and books for an immersive experience. Folded, it delivers comfortable texting and everyday use — all on the world’s lightest fold.¹
- THE BRIGHTEST DISPLAY ON A GALAXY PHONE: Our brightest smartphone display² provides you with a comfortable view, whether you’re inside or outside. Watch movies, play games and scroll with ease no matter where you are.
- RECORD. REFRAME. READY FOR SOCIAL³: Record content on Galaxy Z Fold8 and then use My FanCam³ to keep your subject center stage. The result is a social-ready video that focuses on the part of the action you really want.
- UNTETHER YOUR ENTERTAINMENT: The long-lasting battery of Galaxy Z Fold8 is built to power hours of entertainment. And when you do need to recharge, Super Fast Charging 2.0⁴ gets you back to what you love quickly.
- Open Gallery or your chosen photo app and check recent, older, and especially important albums.
- Search Messages for several conversations, including one with attachments, rather than checking only the latest thread.
- Open Contacts and verify that key people have phone numbers, email addresses, and the expected account association.
- Open Calendar and check both local entries and account calendars after signing in.
- Launch essential apps. Confirm that work, banking, authenticator, travel, and messaging apps can sign in and that their critical records are present.
- Check files that live in OneDrive, Dropbox, Google Drive, or another service by signing in to that service instead of assuming Smart Switch copied its cloud library.
- Keep the old phone untouched until you have recovered passwords, passkeys, two-factor authentication methods, and any app data that requires the old device.
If an app is missing, search for it in the app store on the Fold8 and install the Android version if one exists. If the app appears but its data is absent, look inside the app for account sync, backup, export, or restore controls; Smart Switch cannot override an app’s own storage and security rules.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Troubleshoot common transfer problems
The Fold8 cannot find the old phone
Bring the phones closer, confirm that both are on the same Wi-Fi network, and enable Bluetooth on the old phone when Smart Switch requests it. Return to the connection screen and follow the pairing or QR-assisted flow again. If you are using a cable, disconnect and reconnect a data-capable cable and accept any permission prompt on the old phone.
A category is missing from the selection screen
Smart Switch availability is determined by the connected device and its software. Check the old phone’s operating system and the category shown by Smart Switch rather than assuming the Fold8 is malfunctioning. For account-based data, sign in to the relevant account on the Fold8; for an app’s internal data, use that app’s own backup or recovery tools.
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This is expected for some apps. Reinstall or update the Fold8 version, then sign in again. Subscription access normally depends on the account that purchased or manages it, while private databases may be restricted to the original platform or protected by the app publisher.
Best Value
- A premium foldable smartphone featuring an 8.0" Dynamic AMOLED 2X main display, 6.5" cover display, 200MP main camera, Snapdragon 8 Elite for Galaxy processor, up to 16GB RAM and 1TB storage, 4,400mAh battery, and a slim 215g design.
The transfer stops before completion
Keep both phones charged and connected, then restart the Smart Switch connection and select a smaller set with Custom if necessary. Move the most important categories first and verify them before attempting optional content. Do not erase the old phone until the replacement copy has been checked.
When to use Smart Switch versus account restore
Use Smart Switch when you need a direct device-to-device copy of local photos, videos, messages, contacts, and supported settings. Use account restoration when the information is maintained by an online service, such as synchronized contacts, calendars, or cloud files. In many moves you need both: Smart Switch handles local device content, while account sign-in repopulates data that was never stored solely on the old phone.
This distinction also explains why an apparently complete transfer can still require setup work. A copied app is not the same as a copied account, and a visible cloud file is not proof that the file was transferred locally. Treat each important category as complete only after you have opened it on the Fold8 and confirmed the records you need.
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Bottom line
Start Smart Switch during the Galaxy Z Fold8’s initial setup when possible. If the phone is already configured, use Settings > Accounts and backup > Transfer data for device setup; Samsung supports that route without a reset. Choose wireless or a compatible USB data cable, select the categories the source device offers, and keep both phones connected until the copy finishes. Then sign in to your accounts, reinstall or reauthenticate apps as required, and verify photos, messages, contacts, calendars, and critical app data before retiring the old phone.
Quick Recap
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