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Use Samsung Smart Switch to move data from an Android phone or iPhone to your Galaxy S26. It supports wireless and wired transfers, with an iCloud option for iPhone data and Google backup restoration during new-phone setup. What moves depends on the source phone and method, so keep your old device until you have checked your photos, messages, and important app data.
Before you start
- Charge both phones and keep the old phone available until you have confirmed the transfer.
- Choose a method based on your old phone, whether you have a suitable cable or adapter, and whether you are comfortable signing into a cloud account.
- Have your account credentials available. Some synced data appears after you sign in, and apps may ask you to sign in again.
Samsung notes that setup screens can vary by carrier and software version. If you have already completed setup, you can launch Smart Switch from the Galaxy S26’s settings. Samsung’s Galaxy S26 transfer guide covers the available routes.
Choose a transfer method
| Method | Best suited to | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Smart Switch wireless | A straightforward transfer without an accessory | Keep the phones close together; Samsung specifies within 4 inches. Available content varies by source device and method. Samsung |
| Smart Switch by cable | A direct wired connection | You need a suitable cable, and some phone-and-cable combinations require a USB-OTG adapter. Samsung and Samsung Smart Switch instructions |
| Smart Switch with iCloud | An iPhone with data available in iCloud | Samsung documents an iCloud sign-in route; the content available differs from a USB transfer. Samsung |
| Google backup restore | An Android phone with a Google backup | Samsung says this restore is available through the Setup Wizard on a new or reset device. Samsung |
| External USB storage | A backup-and-restore intermediary | Requires compatible external storage and Smart Switch backup and restore steps. Samsung |
Transfer with Smart Switch
- Start setup on the Galaxy S26. Select the option to copy apps and data. If the phone is already set up, open Smart Switch from Settings instead.
- Select the old phone type. Choose Android or iPhone, as appropriate.
- Connect the phones. Choose wireless and keep the devices within 4 inches, or connect them with a suitable cable. Depending on the phones and cable, wired transfer may need a USB-OTG adapter. Samsung offers general cable and external-storage instructions.
- Choose the content to copy. Select Everything, a limited preset, or Custom if those choices appear. The available selections depend on the source phone and connection method.
- Start the transfer and let it finish. Follow the prompts on both phones. Keep the old phone until you have checked the important items on the S26.
For an iPhone, Samsung also documents transferring available data from iCloud through Smart Switch. For Google backup, use the restore option during the Galaxy S26 Setup Wizard; Samsung describes it for a new or reset device. See the Galaxy S26 instructions for the relevant setup route.
What moves—and what may not
Samsung lists contacts, calendar items, messages, call logs, photos, videos, documents, and apps among the content Smart Switch may transfer. That is not a guarantee that every item will move: availability depends on the connected device and transfer method. Some data synced to an account appears after you sign into that account rather than transferring through Smart Switch. Samsung’s Smart Switch content guide details supported content and exclusions.
#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
- Apps and app data: An app may not transfer or install, and private app storage is excluded. If an app is missing, install it from an available store or its provider and sign in. Do not assume its internal data or credentials came across.
- Messages and iPhone data: Samsung’s content guide lists messages among transferable content, but the items available differ by method. Its iCloud list includes photos, videos, documents, recommended apps, and voice memos; USB transfer can include messages and other items.
- Synced information: Certain SIM, social-network, Google or work-account contact data, and externally synced calendar items are among Samsung’s exclusions. Sign in to the relevant account to access data that syncs there.
- Protected media: DRM-protected music or video may not transfer.
- iPhone apps: App Store and Google Play selections differ, so an iOS app may not have an Android equivalent.
Check the Galaxy S26 before retiring the old phone
Open the items that matter rather than relying only on a transfer-complete message. Check that key photos and videos are present, messages and contacts are accessible, and critical apps install and open. Sign into apps and accounts as needed, and verify that important app data is available before wiping, trading in, or otherwise giving up the old phone. These checks are especially important because Samsung excludes private app data and says transfer availability varies by device and method.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Using a cable or adapter
A USB-C transfer cable or USB-OTG adapter is optional, not a requirement: Samsung supports wireless transfer too. The right wired setup depends on the source phone’s port and the cable, so check compatibility rather than assuming one cable works with every phone. Samsung explains that an adapter may be needed for some combinations in its Smart Switch connection guidance.
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
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
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