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To set up a new Samsung Galaxy S26, turn it on, follow the on-screen prompts to connect to Wi-Fi and configure the phone, transfer data with Smart Switch if you want, then set up your accounts, screen lock, and carrier service. Have your old phone nearby and charged before you begin. Screens can differ by carrier, and the transfer choices available depend on your old device and software. Samsung’s first-run setup guide explains the initial wizard; its Galaxy S26 setup checklist covers the broader process.
Before you turn on the Galaxy S26
- Keep your old phone available and charged if you plan to copy data.
- Have access to a Wi-Fi network and the passwords for accounts you use.
- Decide whether you will use a physical SIM or eSIM. Activation and eSIM transfer depend on your carrier and region.
- If you prefer a wired transfer, check whether a cable you already own connects the two devices. Samsung supports cable transfers, but the necessary connectors depend on the devices.
Samsung’s setup checklist places SIM and storage preparation and charging before the on-screen setup, followed by transfer, accounts, screen lock, software updates, and personalization. See Samsung’s Galaxy setup checklist.
Set up the phone from the first-run wizard
- Turn on the S26. Follow the displayed prompts to choose a language and accept or review the terms shown on your phone.
- Connect to Wi-Fi when prompted. Use the on-screen network list and enter the network password. The exact screens and order can vary by carrier, as Samsung notes in its setup instructions.
- Choose whether to transfer data. At the copy or transfer stage, select the old-device type and follow the Smart Switch prompts. You can also skip transfer and move data later.
- Finish account and security prompts. Add or sign in to accounts as the phone requests, choose a screen lock, and personalize settings. The prompts presented may depend on your configuration.
- Activate mobile service. Follow the carrier’s instructions to insert or activate a physical SIM, or to set up an eSIM. Do not assume an existing eSIM will transfer automatically.
- Check for software updates and review the transfer summary. Confirm that the content you care about arrived, and separately check important apps.
Choose the right way to transfer data
Smart Switch supports multiple routes, but no method guarantees that every item will move. The S26’s available prompts depend on the old phone, operating system, and transfer route. Samsung documents cable, wireless, iCloud, and computer-assisted options in its Smart Switch transfer guide and UK Smart Switch overview.
| Old device or situation | Transfer route | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Galaxy or other Android phone | Smart Switch by cable or wireless; the first-run QR route may be offered | Samsung’s US QR workflow has the old phone scan a code on the new phone, allow Smart Switch, then choose wired or wireless transfer and select content. Screens may vary by carrier. Samsung setup guide. |
| iPhone or iPad | Smart Switch by a supported connection method, iCloud import, or computer-assisted transfer | Samsung’s updated QR workflow specifically requires iOS 26.6, Android 17, and One UI 9.0 or later. Those versions apply to that QR workflow, not to every Smart Switch or iCloud method. Large iCloud transfers may require a computer-assisted workflow. Samsung’s iOS transfer guide and Smart Switch guide. |
| Either phone, when a suitable cable is available | Wired Smart Switch transfer | Check the connectors on both devices before starting. Whether an existing cable works depends on the phones; Samsung’s general guidance does not establish a cable or adapter for every regional model. Samsung UK Smart Switch. |
| Either phone, without a suitable cable | Wireless Smart Switch transfer | Follow the instructions on both devices and keep them available during the transfer. The content that can be copied still depends on the source device and restrictions. |
What may not transfer
Some content can be unavailable because of operating-system differences, encryption, DRM protection, app-specific rules, or third-party policies. When Smart Switch finishes, use its completion notice or summary to see what moved. Sign in to important apps and check chats, authenticator access, and other app-specific data separately. Samsung describes these limitations in its Smart Switch overview and transfer guide.
#1 Best Overall
- 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
Set up a physical SIM or eSIM
Follow the instructions from your carrier for activating service on the S26. Whether an eSIM can be transferred from an old phone, and how to do it, varies by carrier and market; Samsung does not establish one universal transfer process. Check your carrier’s instructions if the phone does not show an activation option or your existing number is not active. Samsung flags this carrier dependency in its Smart Switch guidance and the Galaxy S26 support page for Singapore.
If you already finished setup
You can still transfer photos, files, and other data with Smart Switch after the initial wizard. Samsung says the QR quick-setup route is different: to use it after completing setup, you must factory reset the phone and return to the first-run wizard. A factory reset removes data currently stored on the S26, so do not reset merely to transfer files unless you have protected anything you need to keep. See Samsung’s US quick-setup guidance.
Rank #2
- 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
After the transfer
- Review Smart Switch’s completion notification or summary and identify any items it could not move.
- Open important apps, confirm your logins, and verify any data the apps store or protect separately.
- Check for software updates in the phone’s Settings and install any update offered.
- Confirm calls, messages, and mobile data work after carrier activation.
Samsung’s setup checklist includes software updating and personalization among the steps after setup; see the checklist.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Brilliant 6.3" Display: Enjoy a sharp Dynamic AMOLED 2X FHD+ screen with 120Hz adaptive refresh rate, HDR support, Gorilla Glass Victus 2, and smooth everyday viewing for streaming, gaming, and browsing.
- Next-Gen Galaxy Performance: Powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy processor, 12GB RAM, Adreno 840 graphics, and 256GB internal storage for fast multitasking, gaming, AI features, and productivity.
- Pro-Grade Triple Camera: Capture sharp photos and video with a 50MP wide camera with OIS, 10MP telephoto camera with 3x optical zoom, 12MP ultrawide camera, 12MP front camera, and up to 8K video recording.
- Fast 5G + Modern Connectivity: Supports 5G Sub-6 and mmWave, 4G LTE, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, NFC, GPS, USB-C, wireless charging, reverse wireless charging, and a long-lasting 4300mAh battery.
- Unlocked US Model with Nano-SIM + eSIM (Dual SIM) support. Compatible with major GSM and CDMA carriers including AT&T, T-Mobile, Verizon, Metro, Straight Talk, Global GSM and other supported networks. (If carrier not listed, please contact seller to confirm MVNO compatibility. )
Rank #4
- 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 #3
- 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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