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Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Use Samsung Smart Switch to move supported content from an old Android phone or iPhone to a new Galaxy. Choose a wireless, cable, computer, or (for some iPhone software versions) QR-started route based on your old phone and available connections. Transfers are not exact phone clones, so check important data and finish any separate app migrations before erasing the old phone.
Choose a transfer method
Smart Switch supports transfers from most Android and iOS phones to Galaxy phones and tablets, but available content varies by source device and route. Menu names and options can also differ by model, software version, region, cable, and content type.
| Source and route | Best fit | What to know |
|---|---|---|
| Android, wireless | Both phones work and can stay nearby. | Start Smart Switch on both devices, select wireless transfer, and keep the phones close with a stable connection. |
| Android, cable | You have a compatible data cable or adapter and prefer a wired connection. | Connect the phones and select the items to move. USB-C phones may connect directly; older connectors may need an OTG adapter. |
| Android, PC or Mac | You want a computer backup between the old phone and Galaxy. | Back up the old phone with Smart Switch on the computer, then connect the Galaxy and restore that backup. |
| iPhone, cable | You can connect the iPhone to the Galaxy with a compatible cable or adapter. | Trust the connection on the iPhone if prompted, then choose content on the Galaxy. Some cable combinations need a USB-OTG adapter. |
| iPhone, iCloud | The content you need is in iCloud and a cloud transfer is convenient. | Smart Switch can sign in to iCloud and import selected content; Samsung warns that some data may not transfer this way. |
| iPhone, QR-started wireless | Your devices meet Samsung’s specified software requirements. | Samsung’s guide updated August 20, 2026 specifies iOS 26.6 or later on iPhone and Android 17 with One UI 9.0 or later on Galaxy. |
Wireless is available for Android and, on supported software combinations, iPhone. A cable is optional. If you choose one, check both phones’ ports and use a data-capable cable: a USB-C-to-USB-C data transfer cable for phone may connect compatible Android devices directly. For iPhone, Samsung lists a Lightning-to-USB-C cable or a Lightning-to-USB cable with a USB-OTG adapter. You may already have the cable or adapter you need.
Prepare both phones
- Charge both phones and keep them unlocked while following the prompts. Samsung advises fully charging devices before transfer; its U.S. cable instructions specify at least 20% charge for that workflow.
- On iPhone, turn off iMessage before switching so messages can route correctly. Samsung’s U.S. checklist also advises turning off FaceTime.
- If using a cable, confirm it supports data transfer and fits both phones; an adapter may be needed.
- Allow Smart Switch to access the requested content and select what you actually want to move.
Transfer from an Android phone
- Make sure Smart Switch is available on both phones. On newer Galaxy models, Samsung says it is available under Settings > Accounts and backup; an older non-Galaxy phone may need the app installed.
- On the Galaxy, open Settings > Accounts and backup > Bring data from old device > Receive data > Galaxy/Android.
- Choose Wireless or Cable. For wireless, open Smart Switch on the old phone and follow its send prompts, keeping the devices near each other. For cable, connect the phones with a suitable data cable and follow the prompts on each screen.
- Review the available categories, select the content to transfer, and start. Wait for the Galaxy to show that the transfer is complete; the time depends on the amount of data and connection strength.
Use a computer backup instead
- Install Smart Switch on a PC or Mac and connect the old phone.
- Use Smart Switch to back up the old phone to the computer.
- Connect the Galaxy and restore the backup through Smart Switch.
Transfer from an iPhone
Use a cable or iCloud
- On the Galaxy, start Smart Switch and choose Receive data, then select iPhone/iPad.
- Choose the cable or iCloud option presented on the Galaxy. For cable, connect the phones and tap Trust on the iPhone if asked. For iCloud, sign in as prompted.
- Select the content to bring over and begin the transfer. Follow any prompts on the Galaxy to complete the process.
Samsung’s U.S. guidance documents cable and iCloud transfers. Some iCloud data may not come across through the wireless iCloud route, so check the result on the Galaxy rather than assuming everything synced.
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#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
Use the QR-started wireless option when supported
Samsung’s guide updated August 20, 2026 describes a QR-started wireless transfer for iOS 26.6 or later and Galaxy devices running Android 17 with One UI 9.0 or later. If your devices do not meet those requirements, use the Smart Switch options available on your devices instead.
- During Galaxy setup, choose iPhone/iPad as the source to display the QR code.
- Scan the code with the iPhone Camera app, continue on the iPhone, and authorize with its passcode.
- Review Smart Switch permissions, select the data to transfer, and monitor progress on the Galaxy.
- When the transfer finishes, check the Galaxy and follow its prompts for any remaining iCloud data. Samsung cautions that large iCloud items may need to be downloaded to a PC and transferred by wire.
Samsung says WhatsApp history is handled separately after the initial transfer, using prompts and a wired route or WhatsApp’s own backup and restore process.
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.
Know what may not transfer
Smart Switch moves supported content; it does not guarantee a complete copy of the old phone’s state. Samsung’s supported-content guidance identifies limits that can include:
- Secure or encrypted app data, including some WhatsApp chats, which may need a separate migration process.
- Private app data, app login details, and apps with no Android equivalent.
- DRM-protected media.
- Data synced through an account, which may appear only after you sign in to that account on the Galaxy.
The available categories depend on the devices and transfer method. Check important app-specific instructions separately if the data is encrypted or tied to an account.
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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.
Verify the transfer before resetting the old phone
- Open the Galaxy’s contacts, photos, messages, and other important transferred content.
- Sign in to accounts whose synced data you expect to see, and check essential apps individually.
- Complete any separate encrypted-app or WhatsApp migration you need.
- Keep the old phone unchanged until you are satisfied that the Galaxy has the data you need; only then consider resetting or trading it in.
Optional: back up through external storage
Smart Switch can back up to and restore from USB OTG storage or a microSD card on devices that support the relevant connection. MicroSD slots are not present on every Galaxy model, so check your device before relying on that option. External storage is an alternative backup route, not a requirement for a phone-to-phone transfer.
Quick Recap
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
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.
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