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Use Samsung Smart Switch on your new Galaxy Tab to bring selected data over from an Android device or iPhone/iPad. You can transfer wirelessly or by cable; Android users can also back up and restore through a Windows PC or Mac. Smart Switch does not make a complete clone, so check the limits below and verify important accounts and files after the transfer.

Choose the transfer method that fits your source

Method Best for What to know
Wireless Smart Switch Moving data directly between devices without a cable Keep the devices nearby and follow the connection prompts. Samsung’s US guide specifies placing them within 4 inches for its documented wireless workflow; transfer time depends on the amount of data and connection strength. Samsung Support
Direct cable A wired transfer between compatible devices You may need a compatible USB-C cable or a USB-OTG adapter. Check both devices’ ports rather than assuming a cable will fit. Samsung Support
Windows or Mac backup and restore Android users who prefer a computer-mediated transfer Install Smart Switch on the computer and mobile devices, and make sure the computer has room for the backup. Samsung’s app supports Windows 10 or later and macOS 10.9 or later; Chromebooks are not compatible. Samsung Support
iCloud import iPhone or iPad users with data available in iCloud The items available to import depend on what is in the account. Check the photo-originals caveat below. Samsung Support
Manual copy or cloud storage Moving selected photos, videos, or documents Use a computer, Quick Share/Nearby Share, external storage, or compatible cloud storage. This moves selected files, not app setup or all device data. Samsung Support

Before you start

  • Charge both devices and connect them to a reliable network if transferring wirelessly.
  • Samsung’s UK Android transfer FAQ, updated 14 May 2026, specifies at least 500 MB of free internal storage on each device. For a wired Android transfer, it also specifies an MTP (file-transfer) option. Samsung Support
  • Have your account credentials ready. Data synced to accounts is generally restored by signing in on the tablet, rather than copied by Smart Switch.
  • If you are moving from an iPhone, decide whether to transfer by cable, wirelessly, or from iCloud. If you rely on iMessage, Samsung recommends turning it off when switching so you can receive text messages on the new device.

Transfer from an Android phone or tablet

  1. On the new Galaxy Tab, open Settings > Accounts and backup > Smart Switch. If Smart Switch is not available on an older device, download it as Samsung directs.
  2. On the new tablet, select Bring data from old device, then Receive data and Galaxy/Android.
  3. Choose Wireless or Cable. Follow the connection prompts on both devices. For a cable transfer, connect the devices using compatible ports and an appropriate cable or adapter.
  4. Select the categories you want to bring over, then start the transfer. Leave the devices connected until Smart Switch reports that it is complete; the time varies with the data volume and connection.
  5. Sign in to your accounts on the Tab and open key apps to check that their cloud-synced data is available. Some app data and sign-in details require separate setup.

Use a Windows PC or Mac instead

  1. Install Samsung Smart Switch on the computer and the relevant mobile devices. Samsung lists Windows 10 or later and macOS 10.9 or later for the computer app; it does not support Chromebooks. Samsung Support
  2. Connect the old device to the computer and use Smart Switch to create a backup.
  3. Connect the new Galaxy Tab and use Smart Switch to restore the backup, then follow the on-screen selections. Leave enough free computer storage for the backup.

Transfer from an iPhone or iPad

Use a cable during setup

  1. On the Galaxy Tab, choose iPhone or iPad when prompted during setup and follow the Smart Switch instructions.
  2. Connect the Apple device with a compatible Lightning-to-USB-C or USB-C-to-USB-C cable.
  3. Tap Trust on the Apple device if prompted, then choose the data categories to transfer on the Galaxy device.

Import available data from iCloud

  1. Choose the iCloud import option in Smart Switch and sign in to your Apple account.
  2. Select the data available for import and follow the prompts. Smart Switch may suggest Android apps corresponding to iOS apps; an iOS app with no Android counterpart cannot be transferred as an app.

Make sure full-resolution iPhone photos are available

If iCloud Photos is enabled with Optimize Storage, some full-resolution originals may exist only in iCloud. Samsung says Smart Switch can copy only photos physically stored on the iPhone at transfer time. To download originals first, use Settings > Apps > Photos > Download and Keep Originals on the iPhone, allow the downloads to finish, and then transfer. Samsung Support

If the Galaxy Tab is already set up

You can open Smart Switch after initial setup to transfer photos, files, and other data; you do not need to reset the tablet for that. Samsung’s separate Smart Switch QR quick-setup route is part of initial setup. Using that route after setup requires a factory reset, which erases local data. Do not reset just to use Smart Switch later. Samsung Support

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What Smart Switch may not transfer

Smart Switch moves supported categories, not every item or every app’s complete private state. Samsung notes that synced account data appears after you sign in, while app data in private storage cannot be backed up. Its Android FAQ also warns that secure or encrypted data—including WhatsApp chats in the general Smart Switch flow—may not transfer, some app login details may be missing, and apps installed outside Play Store may need to be installed manually. Check the app maker’s own transfer or backup process for data you cannot afford to lose. Samsung Support Samsung Support

#1 Best Overall
Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+ 6GB RAM, 128GB Storage, Expandable Storage, Gray
  • POWER FOR ALL YOU DO: Galaxy Tab A11+ gives your family the optimal performance they need for all their day-to-day activities. Power through tasks, relax with a movie or jump into a game — the upgraded chipset⁴ keeps everything responsive
  • CHARGES UP FAST. LASTS FOR HOURS: Galaxy Tab A11+ keeps your family going with a long-lasting battery that’s perfect for browsing, streaming and play. When you finally need a boost, fast charging gets you back to 100% quickly.⁵
  • MEMORY AND STORAGE THAT KEEP UP: With up to 8GB of memory and 256GB⁶ of storage, Galaxy Tab A11+ gives your family the space and speed to multitask seamlessly and handle large files.
  • BIG SCREEN. FAMILY-SIZED FUN: A bright, engaging 11" screen¹ with a refresh rate up to 90Hz delivers natural, fluid motion, making it easy for every family member to stream, play and do what they love.
  • SURROUND YOURSELF WITH RICH AUDIO SOUND: Whether you're watching a movie or listening to your favorite playlist, immerse yourself in a cinema-like audio experience with quad speakers powered by Dolby Atmos on Galaxy Tab A11+
  • Apps: From iOS, Smart Switch can suggest Android alternatives, but an app with no Android version will not transfer.
  • Protected media: DRM-protected content cannot be transferred. Compatible music and video transfers are limited to DRM-free content and supported formats.
  • Contacts and calendars: Some externally synced entries are excluded from backup. Sign in to the relevant account on the Tab and verify the entries there.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Move only photos, videos, or documents

If you do not need to migrate apps or device data, copy only the files you want. Samsung documents using a computer, Quick Share/Nearby Share, external storage, or compatible cloud storage such as Google Drive, OneDrive, and Dropbox. Check that the files appear on the Tab before deleting anything from the old device. These options move selected files; they do not reproduce all apps, settings, or private app data. Samsung Support

Best Value
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE 128GB WiFi Android Tablet, US Version, Silver
  • UNWIND WITH A BIG SCREEN: Kick back and relax with big, bright screens.¹ See every detail of your favorite shows, and get closer to the action on your favorite games with 90hz refresh rate. Plus, dual speakers make everything sound amazing.
  • CIRCLE ANYTHING. SEARCH EVERYTHING: With Galaxy Tab S10 FE Series, you can simply circle anything on your screen to easily get search results on the spot using Circle to Search with Google.²
  • HANDWRITING ASSIST MAKES YOUR UNTIDY NOTES NEAT: Tidy up your handwritten notes with Handwriting Assist.³ It easily straightens, aligns and adjusts the spacing of your words to create neater notes.
  • DOES THE MATH FOR YOU: Make the grades using Math Solver.⁴ Simply use your S Pen to write out an equation on your screen. Math Solver can clean up your equations by turning them into text, just like that.
  • WATER RESISTANT, FROM DROPS TO DUNKS: From droplets to splashes to full immersion in water, Galaxy Tab S10 FE Series is dependably durable.⁵
Rank #4
Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+ Plus 2026 (128GB, 6GB, Wi-Fi Only) 11.0" 90Hz Android 16 Tablet, All Day Battery, Octa-Core (4nm), 4-Speakers, International Model X230 | Fast Charge Cube Bundle | Gray
  • INTERNATIONAL MODEL — No Warraty. United States may not appear during initial country/region setup. Select an available region to complete setup. English language is available and the tablet can be used on Wi-Fi in the U.S.
  • 128GB ROM, 6GB RAM, Mediatek Dimensity 7300 (4 nm), Octa-core, Mali-G615 MC2 GPU, 4x Dolby Atmos Stereo Speakers, Dolby Atmos
  • The 20W UL Fast Charger Cube Included is a generic accessory and is not a Samsung-branded charger. 11.0” TFT LCD, 90Hz, 1920x1200 (WUXGA), Android 16 (upto 7 Major Upgrades), One UI 8
  • No SIM Card Slot / Network - Wi-Fi Only Device.
  • Rear Camera: 8MP, AF, Front Camera: 5MP, Video: 1080p, 7040mAh battery, Bluetooth 5.1, USB Type-C 2.0
Rank #3
Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Lite, 6GB RAM, 128GB, 2TB Expand, 10.9” LCD, Gray
  • DIVE INTO THIS DISPLAY: All of your fun content pops on the 10.9" screen. Catch up on plans for the day while you cook breakfast, scroll your social feed in the evening or read an article in bed. Vision Booster adjusts the brightness to your environment
  • BATTERY FOR LONG-LASTING ENTERTAINMENT: Enjoy long-lasting fun. Finish your favorite series or book with a battery that can last up to 16 hours.¹ Need energy quick? Get a full charge in about two hours with Super Fast Charging.²
  • WRITE, DRAW, DO IT ALL: S Pen is mightier than your average writing tool. The responsive design and intuitive integration with intelligent features make drawing, jotting down notes and even doing math easier than ever
  • SPACE TO KEEP WHAT MATTERS MOST: More storage means deleting less apps, photos, videos and files. Galaxy Tab S10 Lite comes with up to 256GB³ of storage. And if you need even more, you can add up to 2TB with a microSD card.⁹
  • THE POWER OF ENHANCED PERFORMANCE: Galaxy Tab S10 Lite boasts an Exynos 1380 processor that lets you stream, scroll, note, search and even multitask with ease
Rank #2
Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+ 8GB RAM, 256GB Storage, AI Assist, Slim Light, Gray
  • POWER FOR ALL YOU DO: Galaxy Tab A11+ gives your family the optimal performance they need for all their day-to-day activities. Power through tasks, relax with a movie or jump into a game — the upgraded chipset⁴ keeps everything responsive
  • CHARGES UP FAST. LASTS FOR HOURS: Galaxy Tab A11+ keeps your family going with a long-lasting battery that’s perfect for browsing, streaming and play. When you finally need a boost, fast charging gets you back to 100% quickly.⁵
  • MEMORY AND STORAGE THAT KEEP UP: With up to 8GB of memory and 256GB⁶ of storage, Galaxy Tab A11+ gives your family the space and speed to multitask seamlessly and handle large files.
  • BIG SCREEN. FAMILY-SIZED FUN: A bright, engaging 11" screen¹ with a refresh rate up to 90Hz delivers natural, fluid motion, making it easy for every family member to stream, play and do what they love.
  • SURROUND YOURSELF WITH RICH AUDIO SOUND: Whether you're watching a movie or listening to your favorite playlist, immerse yourself in a cinema-like audio experience with quad speakers powered by Dolby Atmos on Galaxy Tab A11+

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