iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
To set up a new Samsung Galaxy, connect it to Wi-Fi, follow the on-screen setup wizard, and choose a transfer or restore option when prompted. Use Smart Switch to copy from a phone, or select a Google or Samsung Cloud backup if one is available. What transfers depends on the old phone and data category, so check important apps and files on the new Galaxy before wiping the old device.
Before you start
Keep the old phone nearby and charged, and make sure you can sign in to the Google or Samsung account tied to any backup you plan to use. If you intend to transfer by cable, charge both phones first: some wired workflows cannot charge the devices while transferring. Check that you have a compatible data cable and, if needed, an adapter for the phones’ ports.
- Confirm that any cloud backup you need has completed.
- Have account passwords and any required two-factor authentication method available.
- Do not erase or trade in the old phone until you have checked your important data on the new one.
How to set up a new Samsung Galaxy phone
- Power on the Galaxy. Choose a language or region if prompted.
- Connect to Wi-Fi. Follow the connection and terms prompts shown on the phone.
- Choose how to copy or restore data. A prompt such as “Copy apps & data” may offer a previous phone, cloud backup, or other transfer route. Screen wording and order vary by device, carrier, software version, and market.
- Select the old phone type and transfer method. Choose Galaxy/Android or iPhone/iPad as applicable, then follow the prompts for Smart Switch, cable, wireless, or a listed backup.
- Sign in to accounts. Use the Google account associated with your Google backup to restore Google apps and services. Add a Samsung account if you want its account-dependent services.
- Set up screen security. Choose a PIN, pattern, password, or biometric option offered by your device, then complete the remaining setup prompts.
Samsung’s Galaxy smartphone setup guide describes the first-start flow. The exact prompts can differ, so follow the options currently shown on your Galaxy.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteChoose the right transfer or restore method
| Method | Best fit | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Smart Switch wireless phone-to-phone | You have both phones and prefer not to connect a cable. | Keep the phones close and approve connection and permission prompts. Transfer time depends on the amount of data and connection; Samsung does not give a universal time estimate. |
| Smart Switch cable phone-to-phone | You want a direct wired connection, particularly for a large transfer. | Samsung says a wired connection is relatively faster for large amounts of data. A compatible cable or OTG adapter may be needed depending on the phones’ ports. Charge both phones first. |
| Google device backup | The old phone has a current Google backup. | Sign in to the associated Google account and select the backup during setup on a new or reset phone. Samsung’s US guide says this restore flow is part of setup, not a restore option available from ordinary settings. |
| Samsung Cloud | You have an applicable backup from a previous Galaxy. | On supported devices, open Settings > Accounts and backup and choose Restore data. The available content depends on the backup and account. |
| Smart Switch on a PC or Mac | You want to use a computer as an intermediate backup. | Use Smart Switch on the computer to back up the old phone, connect the new Galaxy, then choose Restore and select the categories to bring over. |
| Smart Switch with external storage | You have compatible external storage and want a local backup route. | Samsung documents backing up and restoring through external storage. USB-storage compatibility varies, and not every Galaxy supports microSD. |
See Samsung’s Smart Switch setup and transfer instructions for its wired, wireless, computer, and external-storage options.
#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
Transfer with Smart Switch during setup
- On the new Galaxy, select the option to copy or transfer data when it appears.
- Choose the old phone’s platform and select Smart Switch. Pick wireless or cable if both choices are offered and suit your setup.
- On the old phone, open or install Smart Switch as prompted. Approve the connection and requested permissions on both devices.
- Review the categories available for transfer and select what you want to copy.
- Start the transfer, keep the phones connected or nearby as required, and wait for the Galaxy to indicate that the process has finished.
- Check key contacts, photos, messages, documents, and app-specific information on the new phone before removing anything from the old one.
Samsung’s setup guide recommends wired transfer for large amounts of data because it is relatively faster. It does not provide a general speed figure or completion-time guarantee. On some supported models, a QR quick-setup option can help authenticate accounts and Wi-Fi and begin transfer; it is part of initial setup and is not offered on every Galaxy. Samsung describes that flow in its QR-code quick setup guide.
Restore a Google backup during setup
- When the setup wizard offers to copy or restore data, choose the Google backup route shown on screen.
- Sign in to the Google account used on the previous phone.
- Select the relevant backup and choose available content as prompted.
- Complete setup, then allow apps and other selected content to download or sync.
Samsung’s Galaxy backup and restore instructions say Google device-backup restoration takes place during setup on a new or reset device. If the phone is already configured, that same Google restore flow is not available as a normal Settings action; a reset returns the phone to setup but deletes local data. Do not reset unless you have verified a backup of anything currently on the new phone and are sure you want to erase it.
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.
Restore a Samsung Cloud backup
- On the Galaxy, open Settings > Accounts and backup.
- Choose Restore data under Samsung Cloud, then sign in if asked.
- Select the available backup and the categories you want to restore.
- Start the restore and check the resulting content on the phone.
The menu and backup options depend on the Galaxy model, software, account, and what was backed up. Samsung’s restore guidance covers its available account and device restore routes.
Recommended Free Tools
What Smart Switch transfers—and what may not
Samsung lists categories such as contacts, schedules or calendar entries, messages, photos, videos, music, and documents. The available categories and settings vary with the source: Galaxy, another Android phone, iCloud, and iPhone USB transfer do not necessarily expose the same choices.
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.
Do not assume that an app transfer clones the app’s private data, login state, or settings. Samsung’s category guidance distinguishes some Galaxy-to-Galaxy content from transfers originating on other platforms; certain settings and app data are Galaxy-source-specific. Check critical apps individually—for example, confirm that their account, saved content, and any app-specific backup have carried over—before relying on the new phone alone. Samsung’s Smart Switch category guide describes the source-dependent differences.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Already set up your Galaxy? Restore options to try
Use Smart Switch after setup
You can still use Smart Switch after completing the initial wizard. Open Smart Switch on the Galaxy and follow its prompts to receive data from the old phone, a computer backup, or compatible external storage. Choose the categories you need rather than assuming every type of data is available from every source.
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.
Restore Samsung Cloud data from Settings
For an available Samsung Cloud backup, go to Settings > Accounts and backup > Restore data and select the backup and content. Availability depends on the account and backup.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Decide carefully before resetting for Google restore
If the Google backup must be restored through the setup wizard, Samsung’s documented route requires a new or reset phone. Resetting erases the phone’s current local data, so first verify that anything you need from its present state is backed up elsewhere. A QR quick-setup flow also requires returning to initial setup if the Galaxy has already been configured; it is not a reason to reset unless you have decided that erasing the phone is appropriate.
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
Check the transfer before erasing the old phone
- Open a sample of contacts, photos, videos, messages, and documents that matter to you.
- Launch important apps and verify sign-in, saved content, and app-specific settings.
- Confirm any carrier-dependent services, including calls, messaging, voicemail, and eSIM activation. Provisioning can vary by carrier; for problems with calling, messaging, or voicemail, Samsung’s selected-model guide advises contacting the carrier.
- Only erase the old phone after you have confirmed that the data and services you need are available on the new Galaxy or safely backed up.
For storage transfers, check the actual model specifications before buying or using accessories: microSD support is not universal, and cable, adapter, and USB storage compatibility vary by device. Samsung notes these model differences in its backup and restore guide.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
